Your course
At a global scale, religion is perhaps more relevant and dynamic than ever before. This programme develops your expertise and skills for understanding the role of religious ideas and practices in contemporary society. In Year 1, you are introduced to a broad range of approaches to the study of religion, such as the sociology and anthropology of religion (studying religion as a social and cultural phenomenon), theology (the systematic study of religious beliefs), Islamic studies, and biblical studies (the study of Judeo-Christian scriptures, their interpretation and impact). The focus is on the way in which religion interacts with, and is relevant to, social and political issues, such as gender and sexuality, ethnicity and race, migration, ecology and human rights. As you move through later years, you will be able to gradually specialise in areas of particular interest to you. You will learn about a range of religious traditions, such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and new religious movements, their internal dynamics and mutual interactions, and their public roles in local and global contexts.
A key feature of this programme is that you are encouraged to develop your own research skills in the study of religion, by analysing the role of religious beliefs and practice in different social and cultural contexts. Year 2 includes a core module that will introduce you to a variety of approaches to research, preparing you for your final-year project as well as developing transferrable skills for future employment.
In each year, you may choose one or more Discovery modules to extend your knowledge or skills beyond your programme of study.
The programme has an international variant, which includes a study abroad year at Level 3, and an industrial variant, which includes a work placement year at Level 3.
This programme is full time and in person. It does not include any distance learning elements
Your Future
Through pursuing your study of this course you will develop analytical skills, learning how to critically engage with sometimes sensitive topics in a rigorous and creative way. You will gain experience of communicating in writing and verbally. Over the course of the programme of study you will gain a broad knowledge of a range of topics in the study of religion and will learn how to relate these issues in contemporary society. These will equip you for a wide variety of graduate careers, as well as careers specifically drawing on the cultural understanding you have gained through your studies. This programme is also an ideal preparation for postgraduate study.
Our world
Religious practice and belief are an integral part of culture and society, both playing into many contemporary debates and motivating efforts for social change. Through coming to a deeper understanding of religion, you will be better able to engage with contemporary global society and to foster links between a diverse range of people. Through the knowledge of religion you develop on this programme, you will be equipped to engage empathetically and sensitively with people in a multi-cultural, multi-faith, society.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THEO1001 | Bible and Theology: Texts and Traditions | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| THEO1002 | Christian and Muslim Cultures: Global Religious Practice | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| THEO1122 | Introduction to the Study of Religions | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| THEO1177 | Religion, Politics and Society in the Modern World | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates will be required to study at least 20 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB1240 | Islamic Theology | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| HPSC1015 | Magic, Science and Religion | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PHIL1007 | Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| THEO1003 | Religions of India | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THEO2022 | Researching Religion: Skills and Methods | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates will be required to study at least one of the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THEO2023 | Theology in Context | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| THEO2251 | Sociology of Religion | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates will be required to study at least 40 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARAB2312 | Islamic Law: Authority, Continuity and Change | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PRHS2000 | Human Rights and Religion | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| THEO2001 | Dharma Traditions | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| THEO2024 | Religion and Culture in Postcolonial Worlds | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| THEO2025 | Religion, Gender and Sexuality | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules or the following module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOAH2020 | Towards the Future: Skills in Context | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study one of the following modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRHS3000 | Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| PRHS3001 | Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| PRHS3700 | External Placement: Beyond the University | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study at least 60 credits from the following optional modules:
Augustine of Hippo: A Key Thinker in Theology and Philosophy - 20 credits
Bible and Society - 20 credits
Islam, Race and State in Europe - 20 credits
Christian Theology and Contemporary Issues - 20 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRHS3170 | Religion, Belief and Ethics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PRHS3300 | Religion and Mental Health | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| THEO3000 | Religion and Media | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| THEO3190 | Religions and Global Development | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| THEO3280 | Religion, Politics and the Future | 20 | Not running in 202627 | |
| THEO3286 | God, Sex and Gender in Africa | 20 | Not running in 202627 |
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules
Last updated: 30/04/2026 16:08:58
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team