The Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) degree is for people who like to think about what really matters in life. You’ll examine philosophy as it emerges in ancient traditions and observe the latest global research on religion in the digital age. From the thinkers of Ancient Greece, the advent of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and the ancient traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, you will examine a range of perspectives on the purpose and meaning of life. We also engage in the fine-grained study of specific, important thinkers and their work, such as Descartes, Spinoza, Nietzsche, Kuhn and Sartre.

You’ll learn from lecturers who are published authors, internationally-recognised for excellence within their specialist fields. This includes Dr Dave Webster, author of Dispirited: How Contemporary Spirituality Makes Us Stupid, Selfish and Unhappy. You’ll also hear from high-profile subject experts, through seminars, Skype , and invited speakers. Our students develop expertise through a global network of research scholars, exploring live research with contemporary scholars across the world. Recently students have studied how religion is manifesting on the internet through UFO cults, popular-culture spiritualties, Pagan traditions and North American Satanism with experts in Sweden, Canada and Australia.  

You’ll be inspired on field trips with opportunities including the beautiful Mezquita Cathedral in Córdoba, Spain as well as Leicester’s Diwali festival, a world-famous event that celebrates Hinduism and its history. Learning through interactive workshops and debates, you’ll develop expert knowledge and transferable skills that are in high demand by employers.