Our online Catholic philosophy degree: comprehensive, balanced, holistic.
Join a holistic Catholic philosophy degree that’s led by experts. Together, we will examine the earliest traditions all the way to 20th-century philosophers. We’ll cover topics like:
- major methodical approaches
- the Christian understanding of a human person
- metaphysics
- science and technology
- history and art
- contemporary issues
- St Augustine’s Confessions.
In the final two years of your Catholic philosophy course, you’ll develop specialisms, conduct research, and practice analysis.
We focus on student experience, combining academic study, prayer life, and support to ensure successful outcomes. Within 15 months of graduation, you’ll join the 96% of SMU graduates in employment, vocation, or further study (HESA, 2024).
We’ve designed our BA for students with no prior knowledge of philosophy or Catholic theology. We welcome students of all religions and none.
Our Catholic heritage
We have a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. Our Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts is highly respected and houses the Mater Ecclesiae College, established in 1614. As a result, we offer:
- a community led by Catholic values, such as openness and inclusivity
- a unique perspective and position within the Catholic world.
Forerunner in distance-learning philosophy
We have run, developed, and refined our online Philosophy course for over 15 years. Every year, we review feedback from students and staff to ensure this course meets your needs and expectations.
One of our students explains that the Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition BA offers “the most comprehensive and balanced approach amongst undergraduate philosophy courses”.
Another student describes the degree as “a wonderful examination of the history and application of philosophical thought, and a first-class training in how to frame a philosophical problem and to provide an intellectually balanced answer as a Catholic philosopher”.
Led by experts
Academic experts design course content. You’ll also get exceptional teaching and support from lecturers who care deeply about your development. It’s no wonder we’re:
- Top 5 for Teaching Quality (Good University Guide, 2024)
- 1st in London for ‘Academic Support’ (National Student Survey (NSS), 2023)
- 2nd in London for ‘Teaching on My Course’ (NSS, 2023).
Study around your commitments
Our philosophy BA runs part-time and online, allowing you to:
- study around your commitments
- develop your understanding and experience simultaneously.
Alongside online content, you’ll also participate in three online study weekends a year. These include:
- lectures via Zoom
- morning and evening prayer of the Church
- discussion and social time.
You can also complete a residential weekend each year.
Dr Catherine Knowles
Lecturer in Religion and Education
Chat to us
Chat to us
Applying to university can be daunting, and you may have questions about applying, student life, or your course.
Course content
Modules
You will complete three modules each year during years one to five.
Your first two years introduce you to the core of philosophy. Each year following, you'll draw connections between subjects, deepen your knowledge, and develop specialisms. In year six, you'll write your dissertation (10,000 words)
Each module finishes with one-to-one tutorials and a virtual office hour to ensure you’re confident with your progress.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
96 - 112
UCAS points
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
How many UCAS points my grades are worth
A levels
A*
56 pts
A
48 pts
B
40 pts
C
32 pts
D
24 pts
E
16 pts
My qualification isn't listed:
If you can't find your qualification in this list please check the full list of UCAS tariff tables.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£4,625
International
£8,160
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
undefinedAssessment methods
You'll complete summative assessments like:
- written essays
- text analysis
- oral exams
- written exams
- oral presentations.
You will also complete formative assessments through:
- written work
- group discussions
- 1:1 tutorials
- group seminars.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
Our Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition BA is perfect for students on a variety of life and career paths. Through our flexibility, dedication to students, and teaching, we ensure student success. Within 15 months of graduation, you’ll join the 96% of SMU graduates in employment, vocation, or further study (HESA, 2024).
And if you ever need advice, support, or guidance, we offer lifetime careers support. Please contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for more information.
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Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
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