Navigate ethics, history, and humankind with our theology and philosophy degree
Explore human society with our theology and philosophy degree.
We run our Theological Studies with CertHE Philosophy according to the Catholic magisterium. You will take one year of philosophy and then three years of theology. We’ll cover topics like:
- canon law
- metaphysics
- anthropology
- prophets
- personal and social ethics
- ecumenism and interfaith
- penance and anointing.
A unique student experience
You will study at both St Mary's and Allen Hall Seminary. Therefore, you’ll join the only UK theology and philosophy course to let you learn alongside seminarians.
Gain extra qualifications
We’re also the only UK university where you can earn an Ecclesiastical degree on top of your bachelor’s – the Sacred Baccalaureate in Theology (STB) through Mater Ecclesiae College.
A trip to Rome
Together, we’ll visit Rome and stay at the Venerable English College’s summer residence, Villa Palazzola. You’ll also explore significant sites, such as:
- catacombs
- the Vatican Museum
- the Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- St Peter's
- St Paul outside the Walls
- Colosseum
- Pantheon
- Venerable English College.
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
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
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.
Lectures and seminars.
Assessment methods
You will complete:
- coursework essays
- written exams
- oral exams.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Entry requirements
2025 and 2026 entries
Start date
Standard offer
120 - undefined UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria.
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).
Familiarity with Catholicism
You will need some familiarity with the Catholic faith.
Student Visa
This course is not suitable for international applicants who require student route sponsorship.
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 get in touch.
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
£9,535
International
£17,100
*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
With our theology and philosophy degree, you’ll develop key transferrable skills, including problem solving, communication, and reflection.
Please contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Theological Studies with Philosophy CertHE include:
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information.
If you are living outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions.
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
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Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.