Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy is concerned with studying general and specific questions about existence, knowledge, values, logic, mind and languages. Studying Philosophy lets you try to make sense of the world around us, other people or ourselves by using rational arguments.
Religion spans history, influences cultures and plays a major role in shaping today’s political landscape. Explore how the meaning of “Religion” differs around the world, and how it is practised in society.
Philosophy courses at Stirling give you breadth and variety by studying many different topics such as metaphysics, individual philosophers, moral philosophy, rationalism, and environmental ethics. We're ranked Top 5 in Scotland for Philosophy (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Religion at the University of Stirling is studied as a combined degree with one of 10 other subjects including
Studying Philosophy or Religion will help you to develop a strong set of critical, imaginative and informed reasoning skills.
If you have taken the Higher in Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Studies, then a good way to pursue an interest in religion,
Philosophy and Religion courses
Courses labelled are available for online study only.
| Course | Start date |
|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Philosophy | September 2025, January 2026 |
| BA (Hons) Politics, Philosophy and Economics | September 2025 |
| Religion degrees combined with other subjects |
| Course | Start date |
|---|---|
| MLitt Philosophy | September 2025 |
Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarship and funding options to help you finance your studies at the University of Stirling.
Undergraduate scholarships
See more undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships
See more postgraduate scholarships
Graduate careers in Philosophy and Religion
A degree in Religion or Philosophy opens up a broad range of career opportunities. The key transferable skills gained will make you a valuable asset to employers in whatever career path you choose. You’ll graduate with a greater knowledge of cultural differences and alternate perspectives, greatly enhancing your ability to manage or work with others.
Stirling graduates with a Philosophy or Religion degree have gone on to a diverse range of careers in areas such as:
- Teaching
- Charities and third sector organisations
- Librarian or archivist
- Environmental management
- Civil service
- Journalism
- Academic research
Partnerships and industry
Our MLitt Philosophy course is part of the St Andrews and Stirling Philosophy (SASP) Graduate Programme which is Scotland's leading centre for graduate study in Philosophy.
Philosophy and Religion research
Philosophy research at the University of Stirling falls broadly within the analytic tradition, and is organised around three clusters:
- Legal, Moral and Political Philosophy
- Mind and Knowledge
- Philosophy of Logic and Language, including history of analytic philosophy
Our Religion research uses a distinctive “Critical Religion” methodology to interrogate the historical construction and limitations of the term religion, and to ask positive but searching questions about the place of religious discourse – and discourse on religion – in contemporary societies. There are three main themes:
- Colonial and postcolonial studies
- Studies of gender and sexualities
- Literature and religion
Postgraduate research opportunities
We offer a range of postgraduate research opportunities in Philosophy through our collaboration with the University of St Andrews. The St Andrews and Stirling Graduate programme in Philosophy (SASP) is regarded as one of the top Philosophy programmes in the United Kingdom.
Our postgraduate researchers in Religion work with a range of scholars at the cutting edge of critical engagement, with key themes in religion, politics, gender, philosophy, economics and more.
- PhD and MPhil opportunities in philosophy
- PhD and MPhil opportunities in religion