Religious Studies

Understanding the many religious traditions of the world is as important today as understanding the great political and economic movements of the age. Whether it be the Islamic, Jewish and Christian traditions of the Middle East and the Americas, the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain movements of Asia and Europe, or the evangelical, shamanic and ancestral cults of Africa, Siberia and the Caribbean, Religious Studies provides a mirror on the world in which we live now and a memory of our collective pasts.

Degree Programme Structure & Content

As with all programmes, courses available in Religious Studies change from year to year, and individual courses may not be available in subsequent years.

First Year
Basics of World Religions; Gender and Religion.

Second Year
Theories of Religion; Understanding Islam; Encountering Buddhism

Third Year
Social Anthropology of Religion; The Middle East: Religion, History & Politics; South Asia: Religion, History & Politics.

Fourth Year
Myth; Conquer, Cure or Liberate: The Beginning and Ends of Vajrayana.

Teaching & Assessment

The School has a flexible approach to teaching and assessment utilising a combination of small and large group teaching assessed through examinations, essays and personal dissertation. The acquisition of communication, IT, and team-working skills is emphasised.