School of Law, Politics and Sociology

Science & Religion (V7098)

Science & Religion

Module V7098

Module details for 2026/27.

30 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Module Outline

Many people view science as a uniquely powerful source of knowledge about the world and our place within it. But what is science? And how does it differ from other ways in which people seek to understand the world, such as through religion, literature, or philosophy? Is science objective but religion subjective? Is science evidence-based but religion faith-based?
In this module you’ll consider the nature of science and think about similarities and differences between science and religion by engaging with traditional debates in contemporary philosophy of religion (arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, the nature of religious knowledge), as well as less traditional topics that are often-overlooked (feminist philosophy of religion, humanism, the question of whether different religions can be understood as worshipping the same God). Throughout the module you’ll develop your ability to construct reasoned arguments in order to make appropriate and well-informed decisions.

Module learning outcomes

Synthesize diverse ideas and bodies of information to communicate key claims and arguments effectively in writing.

Analyse philosophical arguments to arrive at rational, evidence-based beliefs.

Construct reasoned arguments to make appropriate and well-informed decisions

Evaluate complex issues to navigate living with uncertainty.

TypeTimingWeighting
Report (800 words)Spring Semester Week 8 Thu 16:0020.00%
TestSpring Semester Week 11 70.00%
Report (500 words)Spring Semester Week 4 Thu 16:0010.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterWorkshop2 hours222222222200
Spring SemesterWorkshop1 hour010101010100
Spring SemesterWorkshop5 hours000000000010

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.