Diploma of Higher Education in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this diploma, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• What it means to approach both ethical and non-ethical issues philosophically, as understood within the contemporary Western tradition of philosophy

• The distinctiveness and diversity of religious studies (with its various approaches), and its critical and contested nature

• Selected classic and contemporary philosophers and their views on various topics, including a variety of ethical questions

• A diverse range of religious phenomena (including different religious traditions) in various contexts

• How to analyse and construct arguments in philosophy and ethics

• A range of concepts, theories and methods relevant to religious studies

• The complex, subtle and sometimes controversial ways in which philosophical and ethical theories, and religious ideas and practices, relate to society and culture both historically and in the present day.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma, you will have developed the ability to:

• Analyse, compare and contrast and critically evaluate and apply relevant terms, methods, theories and concepts

• Synthesise, understand or critically evaluate primary and secondary sources and formulate your views about the problems discussed

• Plan and execute philosophical, ethics and religious studies writing at the appropriate level, including the ability to organise several arguments and counterarguments into a coherent essay

• Reflect on personal perspectives and assumptions, aspects of learning and development of key skills.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Access, select and research information using your initiative and deploying a range of digital tools

• Plan and manage a programme of work that identifies priorities and consistently meets deadlines with an increasing degree of independence.

• Apply knowledge and skills to a range of different contexts, communicating effectively as appropriate to the audience in question and the task at hand

• Engage with others effectively and with appropriate sensitivity.

• Appreciate and analyse practical and ethical implications for individuals and communities with particular worldviews.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Effectively communicate and synthesise philosophical, ethical and religious studies ideas and arguments using a range of media and in a manner appropriate to different audiences

• Work independently, developing an effective information-gathering strategy, ordering the data, and relating them to the analysis of a specific intellectual problem.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with an introduction to the arts and humanities and then focus on the revolutions that have changed the world.
• Next, in Stage 2, you'll study two compulsory modules as you begin to explore philosophy and religion in more detail.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll start your degree with:

• Discovering the Arts and Humanities (A111)

You’ll choose one from:

• Revolutions (A113)
• Global Challenges: Social Science in Action (D113)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Exploring Religion: Places, Practices, Texts and Experiences (A227)
• Investigating Philosophy (DA223)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.

• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.

• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.

• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.

• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.

• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.

• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

This qualification will develop your skills in critical thinking, communicating successfully to a wide range of audiences, empathy and understanding of the views and practices of others, communication and IT skills, as well as working independently and collaboratively.

Career relevance

Employers are known to value highly the kinds of key critical thinking, empathy and communication skills which a Religion, Philosophy and Ethics diploma offers. Because of this, a qualification of this type has the potential to open up many different careers. Holders of this diploma will find it relevant to a wide range of careers in both the private and public sectors, including teaching, civil service, financial services, law, local government, journalism and NGO/charity work.

Please note, that this diploma does not guarantee entry to the careers listed, which may require a degree and/or other specialist qualifications. However, it may help you gain those qualifications and enhance your prospects for progression once you are employed.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies

• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities

• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students

• Details of each assignment and their due dates

• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details

• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.