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BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a dynamic and comprehensive three-year undergraduate degree designed to explore humankind's enduring quest for meaning by dissecting ancient disciplines and contemporary problems. This program offers a rigorous academic investigation of Christian theology within its ecclesial context, while also providing a broad and critical understanding of diverse religious traditions and the complexities of ethical inquiry. Students will delve into core areas such as biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, world religions, and various branches of ethics, including bioethics and social ethics. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an empathetic understanding of how faith and religious traditions shape societies globally. St. Mary's unique Catholic identity and ethos informs the program, yet it warmly welcomes students from all backgrounds, encouraging a rich, inclusive, and critical engagement with theological, religious, and ethical issues. The program also offers opportunities for work placements, enabling students to apply their learning in professional environments.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics program at St. Mary's is structured to provide a progressive and comprehensive understanding of these interwoven disciplines. In the first year, students establish foundational knowledge with core modules such as "Introduction to Ethics" and "Church History," alongside core options like "Fundamentals of Systematic Theology" or "Religion and Reason," and optional modules that may include "Film, Style and Form" or "Rethinking Modernity." This ensures a broad introduction to key theological concepts, historical developments, and the philosophical underpinnings of ethics and religion. The second year deepens this understanding with core modules including "Religion and Reason," "Bioethics," "Synoptic Gospels," and "Religion in Contemporary Society," allowing students to engage with specific ethical dilemmas, scriptural analysis, and the role of religion in modern society. The final year culminates in a significant "Dissertation" or "Extended Essay" and offers advanced modules that enable specialisation in areas reflecting the latest academic scholarship and faculty research interests. Assessment methods are varied, encompassing written essays, traditional exams, oral presentations, short video assignments, reports, visual portfolios of visits to religious sites, and interpretive exercises.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics program at St. Mary's University is deeply informed by a strong research ethos, with its curriculum and teaching drawing directly from the active and "mould-breaking" research interests of its distinguished academic staff. The School of Theology at St. Mary's boasts world-class scholars in areas such as systematic theology, ethics, spirituality, biblical studies, canon law, and pastoral theology. The university is home to several internationally renowned Research Centres, including the Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society, the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies, and the Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy. These centres actively contribute to cutting-edge research in theology and ethics, directly influencing the content and intellectual depth of the degree program. The final year "Dissertation" or "Extended Essay" is a cornerstone of the program, providing students with a significant opportunity to undertake original academic research under expert supervision, engaging with contemporary scholarly debates and contributing to the ongoing intellectual life of the department.
Industry Engagement: While the BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics is an academic humanities program, it prioritises significant engagement with relevant sectors and pathways for professional development, fostering high employability for its graduates. The program offers the opportunity for students to complete a work placement, allowing them to apply their theoretical learning in professional environments. Previous students have secured placements in diverse areas such as the religious sector, think tanks, charities and NGOs, schools, and units for ethical and social responsibility within the corporate sector. The university's Careers Service provides tailored advice and support, leveraging strong links to the third sector, Church organisations, and educational institutions. The curriculum itself, with modules on "Ecumenism and Interfaith" and various ethical applications, prepares graduates for roles that demand nuanced understanding of diverse beliefs, ethical reasoning, and effective communication in a multicultural world. This practical exposure and skill development ensure graduates are well-equipped for a variety of roles where critical thinking, empathy, and religious literacy are highly valued.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics program at St. Mary's University inherently fosters a profound global perspective, recognising the universal search for meaning and the diverse expressions of faith across cultures. The curriculum explores theological and religious traditions, including world religions, within their global contexts, examining diverse interpretations and their relevance across continents. Modules on "Ecumenism and Interfaith" specifically address the complexities of religious pluralism in a globalised world, promoting mutual understanding and respectful engagement. The program's connection with Mater Ecclesiae College, a Pontifical Faculty, links it directly to the global academic network of the Catholic Church. Students investigate long-held traditions, analyse contemporary issues such as bioethics and religion in contemporary society, and learn to apply their studies to a globalised world. This expansive global outlook, combined with the program's emphasis on diverse perspectives and critical engagement, prepares graduates to thoughtfully navigate and contribute to a complex and interconnected global society.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BA (Hons) Theology, Religion, and Ethics at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a comprehensive and engaging academic journey into Christian theology, diverse religious traditions, and ethical inquiry. This three-year undergraduate program fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an empathetic understanding of how faith and religious traditions shape societies.
Religious Education Teacher: Graduates can pursue a career in teaching Religious Education (RE) at primary or secondary school levels, often after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Their deep understanding of diverse faiths and ethical principles is highly valued in educational settings.
Chaplain: Serving in various institutions such as hospitals, hospices, universities, prisons, or the armed forces, chaplains provide pastoral and spiritual care, drawing on their theological grounding, empathetic communication skills, and ethical understanding.
Charity Officer/Worker (Third Sector): The strong ethical foundation, critical thinking, and understanding of social justice issues developed through the degree are highly relevant for roles in charities, NGOs, and non-profit organisations focused on community development, human rights, or international aid.
Youth or Community Worker: Graduates can work with young people or within specific communities, particularly those with a faith-based focus, to support personal development, foster community cohesion, and address social issues, leveraging their understanding of diverse beliefs and ethical frameworks.
Academic/Researcher: With a solid foundation in theological and ethical inquiry, graduates can pursue further postgraduate studies (MA, PhD), leading to careers as university lecturers or researchers, contributing to scholarly understanding in theology, religious studies, or ethics.
Journalist/Content Creator (Religious/Ethical Focus): The analytical, research, and nuanced communication skills honed in this program are highly transferable to journalism, particularly for roles covering religion, ethics, social issues, or cultural commentary across print, broadcast, or digital media.
Civil Servant/Policy Advisor: The ability to critically analyse complex information, engage in ethical reasoning, and understand diverse societal perspectives makes theology, religion, and ethics graduates well-suited for roles in the Civil Service, local government, or policy development, especially in areas related to social justice, community relations, or ethical policy.
Counsellor or Mediator (with further training): While requiring additional professional qualifications, the empathetic understanding of human experience, ethical discernment, and skills in navigating difficult conversations cultivated during the degree provide an excellent foundation for careers in counselling, psychotherapy, or mediation.
Publishing/Editorial Assistant: Graduates possess strong textual analysis, research, and writing skills, which are highly valued in the publishing industry, particularly in academic, religious, or humanities-focused publishing houses.
Ethical Consultant/Compliance Officer: Graduates can apply their robust ethical framework and analytical skills to roles within corporate social responsibility departments, compliance, or ethical consulting, helping organisations navigate complex moral dilemmas and ensure responsible practices.
