Global Religions and Philosophy Lancaster University

Why study Global Religions and Philosophy at Lancaster?

• Discover a new take on studying religion that includes global, political, cultural and social perspectives

• Join a pioneering department - the first Religious Studies department in the UK and the first to include world religions

• Study in the rich environment of the School of Global Affairs, where religion, philosophy, politics, and global issues are brought into conversation

• Engage with religious and philosophical traditions from South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, China, and beyond

• Study philosophy as a discipline with practical relevance for public life, ethics, communication, and global challenges

• Gain real-world research experience on an internship with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies

• Graduate with critical thinking skills that will open up a range of exciting careers, from politics and diplomacy to consultancy and education

What areas will I study in Global Religions and Philosophy?

What is the relationship between faith and reason? Does morality require free will? You will explore eternal questions of human existence in this stimulating programme.

Our expertise covers a vast and varied terrain, and we are specialists in Western and non-Western religions and philosophies. We bring fresh new takes on the study of religion, and we emphasise the practical applications of philosophy. Through multiple perspectives – including global traditions, feminist and critical thought, political philosophy, the history of philosophy - you will explore philosophy’s relevance to social and political life.

With an emphasis on curiosity, exploration, openness and understanding, this degree draws from a wide range of global religious and philosophical traditions. From India to the Middle East and Africa, religion and philosophy play a vital role in shaping cultural identities. You will explore ancient texts alongside contemporary questions in religion and philosophy, encountering influential thinkers beyond the Western canon - including Ramanuja, Ibn ‘Arabi, Edward Said, Talal Asad and Saba Mahmood - as well as well-known authors such as John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, Elizabeth Anderson and Iris Marion Young.

As you study you will examine questions of ethics and values that lie at the heart of how individuals and societies shape themselves. How can modernity integrate with tradition? How can ethics shape politics? What is choice and a free self?

You’ll build upon this knowledge and understanding by developing your own pathway choosing from modules that span the global religious and intellectual landscape: from Islamic ethics, to Indian philosophical and religious thought, to Chinese philosophy. Our department’s experts will support you to specialise in whichever areas of religion and philosophy you choose.

What professional experience will I gain?

You’ll benefit from the opportunity to apply for an internship with our department’s Richardson Institute. Here, you’ll have the chance to apply the knowledge and skills you develop on your studies to a real-world research project with external bodies such as think tanks and faith-based organisations, working in a research centre known for its innovative output.

You’ll be able to bolster the global outlook you build on this programme by joining one of the short, overseas trips run by the University. Past visits have seen students travel to India, Ghana and the USA.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB

Access to HE Diploma

24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

30 overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Merit overall

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.