Online Philosophy, Religion and Belief Courses
Explore the big questions and belief systems that shape human thought with City Lit’s online philosophy, religion and belief courses. From ancient philosophy and world religions to ethics, metaphysics and contemporary debates, our expert-led courses offer the chance to examine key ideas and traditions — all from the comfort of your own home.
Study the works of influential thinkers, explore religious beliefs and practices from around the world, and engage critically with topics such as morality, existence, faith and reason. With live interactive sessions, group discussion and supportive tutor feedback, these flexible online courses create a welcoming space for thoughtful exploration and shared enquiry.
open to adults of all ages, whether you're new to the subject or looking to deepen your knowledge, our courses encourage curiosity, conversation and critical thinking.
Explore our online philosophy, religion and belief courses today and join a community of learners asking meaningful questions about the world and our place in it.
- History of ideas: Descent and renewal in mythology and psychologyCourse start date: Mon 23 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Anita KasabovaDescent and renewal are recurrent themes in mythology and usually involve a journey into the underworld to bring about profound changes. We look into the myth of Demeter and Persephone, mystic rituals of transformation and Jungian interpretations of feminine archetypes
Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00 - Philosophy Reading Group: Aristotle's poeticsCourse start date: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Anita KasabovaIn the Poetics, Aristotle outlines his theory of poetry and drama. His views on Greek tragedy have marked literary studies to date. We discuss the main themes of the Poetics and consider its relevance today. Please note: - There will be no class on Monday 4th May.
Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £64.00 - A taste of philosophy
Course start date: Sat 18 Apr 2026 (and 3 other dates)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: John GoffHave you ever wondered what philosophy is? What do philosophers talk about? Can they tell you the meaning of life or is it just jargon and navel gazing? Come along and find out.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00 - German Idealism from Kant to Hegel: the beginnings of continental philosophy Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Christopher HornerGerman philosophers created the most ambitious and imaginative systems of thought of modern times against the backdrop of revolution and war. This creative and speculative beginning to modern continental philosophy is an exciting intellectual adventure.
Please note: there will be no class on Monday 08/06/2026
Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £90.00 - Heaven and hell in world religionsCourse start date: Tue 21 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vanessa KingCompare and contrast the afterlife beliefs of the five major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Explore how these ideas developed and influenced each other.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £142.00 - Islam and modernityCourse start date: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
This course explores how the complex and multifaceted transformation triggered by modernity challenges, reformulates and erases the beliefs, practices and narratives of Islam.
Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £90.00 - 21st century philosophical movements: exploring new intellectual frontiersCourse start date: Fri 8 May 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Daniel WeizmanWe examine current 21st century continental philosophy by Agamben, Žižek, Nancy, and Badiou, focusing on debates surrounding technology, ideology, community, truth, and politics. We question how philosophy adapts and evolves to address contemporary challenges.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £116.00 - Thinking through philosophy: a guideCourse start date: Mon 1 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Christopher HornerWhat is morality and what is it based on? Is the mind a ghost in the machine? What can I really know? This is a beginner’s introduction to how philosophy tackles questions like these and many others.
Please note: there will be no class on Monday 08/06/2026.
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £97.00 - Philosophy reading group: Descartes's Discourse on MethodCourse start date: Wed 4 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Karl WhiteDescartes’ Discourse on Method, one of the foundational texts of modern philosophy, begins with the audacious claim that all minds could agree were they to apply the same rational method of thinking. Reading it together, we will assess this method and whether it leads us to share Descartes’ conclusions.
Please note: No class on 11/03/2026.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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