University of Birmingham: School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion
Why you should choose the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham
We place your ability to think, question and explore at the heart of our courses in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion.
You’ll explore real-world topics like philosophy of mind, religion and ethics, and religion, politics and society.
Our postgraduate courses
Department of Philosophy
MA Philosophy
MSc Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology
MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics (on campus or by distance learning)
MA International Law, Ethics and Politics
MSc Global Ethics and Justice (on campus or by distance learning)
MRes Philosophy
PhD Philosophy
PhD Global Ethics
Department of Theology and Religion
MA Theology and Religion
MA Religion, Politics and Society
MA Islamic Studies
MPA Faith Based Leadership
MRes Theology and Religion
PhD / MA by Research Theology and Religion
Practical Theology Doctorate (DPT)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
MRes Interdisciplinary Study
Discover our postgraduate programmes
Expand your knowledge
You’ll explore different aspects of philosophy or theology, benefitting from the range of academic research we conduct.
Our Philosophy department focuses on contemporary philosophy. You can study topics like:
- Global ethics
- Philosophy of mind
- Moral philosophy
- Philosophy of religion.
We’re also home to one of the largest Theology Departments in the UK. You’ll access our expertise in:
- Christianity
- Judaism
- Islam
- Sikhism
- Jainism
- Interfaith engagement
Discover why we’re nationally and internationally recognised for our leading research:
- 1st for Philosophy – We’re the highest ranked Department of Philosophy in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise (2021), based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
- Top 50 in the world for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Practical learning opportunities
We’re proud to be the UK university most targeted by the country’s leading graduate employers for two years in a row (The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025 High Fliers reports).
At Birmingham, you won’t just discuss philosophy theories or religious issues – you’ll apply your knowledge to real-world issues and build career-ready skills.
Many courses include a practical dissertation option:
- Conduct a research dissertation working on a project linked to the Institute for Mental Health on MSc Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology.
- Optional placement module and placement-based dissertation options on MA Global Ethics and Justice.
- Placement-based dissertation option on MA Religion, Politics and Society.
Interdisciplinary focus
Unlock new perspectives on philosophical or religious issues with our interdisciplinary approach.
You can draw on expertise from across the University – like our MSc Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology which includes modules from the Department of Psychology.
Do you want to conduct your own research project beyond subject boundaries? Our MRes Interdisciplinary Studies is for you.
You’ll centre the MRes around your research topic, with support from an academic supervisor in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a subject specialist supervisor.
“I think the University of Birmingham is unique because the staff here truly believe in what they teach and the opportunities for networking and development are truly unlike any I’ve encountered before.” - Sumaiya, MSc Global Ethics and Justice
Available scholarships
We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships at the University of Birmingham to support your studies. Available scholarships include:
- College of Arts and Law Masters scholarship – tuition fee discount covering the UK tuition fee amount. Available to UK and International students studying any subject in the College of Arts and Law.
- Department of Theology and Religion scholarships for various MA courses in the Department.
- High Fliers scholarship - £5,000 scholarship for international students from specific countries.
- Birmingham Masters scholarship - £3,000 tuition fee discount for UK students.
Closing dates vary per award – our College of Arts and Law Masters scholarship closes on 25 March 2026.
Ready to find out more?
Chat to staff and current postgraduate students in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion at our next postgraduate event.
