Our online BA in Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition provides an opportunity for you to pursue truth and wisdom through a study of the nature of the world and of human existence.
The programme will enable you to increase your knowledge and understanding of classic philosophical topics such as logic, epistemology and metaphysics and how these to the principles of Christian theology.
Through a study of contemporary social and political issues, along with history, science and art, you will consider the interdependence of philosophy and the way we live.
There is a focus on combining academic study, prayer life and the development of an online community of students and staff which encourages, supports and enhances student progress and achievements.
(Picture of St John Henry Newman courtesy of The Fathers of the Birmingham Oratory.)
Our Catholic heritage
Maryvale@StMary’s has specialised in distance learning theology degrees (BA, MA and PhD) for over 30 years, making it one of the oldest Catholic distance learning institutes in the English-speaking world.
In June 2024, three of the theology degrees transferred to St Mary’s University, becoming Maryvale@StMary’s, the distance learning arm of the School of Theology.
With our shared Catholic ethos, we become part of the long and distinguished history of St Mary’s University, where The Faculty of Education, Theology and the Arts houses the Mater Ecclesiae College, established in 1614.
Study around your commitments
Our philosophy BA runs part-time and online, allowing you to study around your commitments, and 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, and discussion and social time.
There are optional residential weekends during the degree programme.
What our students say
The undergraduate syllabus was the most comprehensive and balanced approach I could find amongst the range of university undergraduate philosophy courses available.
The course was 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.
The BA Philosophy course fulfilled my needs because it accomplishes two important tasks: firstly, it defends our ability to know objective reality; secondly, it defends our ability to gain knowledge through faith’
Teaching support
You’ll also get exceptional teaching and support from our lecturers. St Mary's University has been rated:
Academic support
in London (National Student Survey (NSS) 2024)
Teaching quality
in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
Student experience
in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
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.
The use of close reading and analysis of primary texts is a special feature of this programme. This is delivered mainly through a unique 'long' module, which feeds through each year of the programme, to ensure a continuity of reading.
Each year will focus on a particular theme through which you will also gain understanding of the significant philosophical texts that influenced Augustine’s or contemporary thinking about the issues Augustine grappled with.
The module concludes with an oral examination in year 6.
Guidance is always available by email and Zoom or Teams from the course lead and module tutors.
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.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London*.
(*Except for distance learning courses.)
The part-time, distance learning approach means you can follow a thought-provoking and inspiring theological programme from any country across the world whilst maintaining your existing work, family and other commitments.
Employing online learning, the teaching method harnesses various resources, both ancient and modern, to provide excellent tuition from specialist staff.
Comprehensive and constantly revised coursebooks (along with readers) are used as the main learning resource to guide you through each element in your area of study, while the online study weekends and study days provide contact with tutors and other students at lectures, seminars and discussion-periods.
You will have regular one-to-one tutorials with the course lead, and a virtual office hour is offered for each module.
For residential weekends, you will be taught on our lovely Twickenham campus.
Assessment 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.
Entry requirements
96 - 112
UCAS points
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.
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
£4,768
International
£4,768
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
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.
Career opportunities
Studying the BA in Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition prepares you for most career paths by enabling you to understand and debate a wide range of contemporary issues, put forward reasoned arguments and solve problems in an analytical way.
It also prepares you for further study, if you wish – and a number of priests and nuns study it for their own development and to enhance their ministry.
Generally too for St Mary's students, 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.
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
Find out more about the extensive support system available to you at St Mary’s.
Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.