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.
