Anthropology (Social) and Comparative Religion bachelor

Bachelor's degree

In Manchester

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Manchester

  • Duration

    3 Years

  • Start date

    September


This course gives you the opportunity to study both Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology - to discover fruitful areas where the two disciplines come together and explore interesting possibilities where their interaction is less direct.
Although these disciplines differ from one another in various ways, an interface between the two is commonly recognised. Scholars of religion increasingly use anthropological concepts and tools to formulate questions regarding religious phenomena, while religious ritual and magico-religious practice have long been standard topics in the research of anthropologists.
At Manchester, you may study ethnographic film and video, thanks to access to our Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology and optional course units offered by Art History and Visual Culture.
You will study in a recognised international...

Facilities

Location

Start date

Manchester (Greater Manchester)
See map
Oxford Road, M13 9PL

Start date

SeptemberEnrolment now open

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Subjects

  • English Language
  • Access
  • Staff
  • Social Anthropology
  • Teaching
  • Theology
  • Philosophy
  • English
  • Ethics
  • International
  • University
  • Humanities
  • Buddhism
  • Islam
  • Religions

Course programme


The course aims to:
Provide a multidisciplinary curriculum informed by the research and scholarly activities of the teaching staff
Stimulate curiosity about a variety of religious cultures, their histories and the present condition
Enable you to analyse and evaluate a range of political, social and cultural practices using methodologies drawn from the disciplines of Religious Studies and Social Anthropology
Develop your critical understanding of religion, theology and the various approaches to studying this discipline through a diverse range of learning, teaching and assessment methods
Equip you with the skills necessary to interpret primary and secondary sources related to an in-depth study of texts, religious practices and traditions
Provide, when required, appropriate language instruction
Equip you for a variety of careers through subject specific knowledge, active engagement in your own learning and the development of analytical and other transferable skills.
Imagine having the multifaith city of Manchester on your doorstep.
You'll study in a recognised international centre of excellence that seriously engages with a wide range of traditions, covering all periods up to the here and now.
Our department, renowned for its friendly atmosphere and great relationship between staff and students, holds a perfect score for the assessment of its teaching quality. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework Religions and Theology at Manchester scored 100% at 3* and 4* (a common aggregate measurement) for both its Research Impact and its Research Environment. This means that the social significance of our work is internationally excellent and our research activity is carried on in an internationally excellent environment. Nearly two-thirds of our graded research work was also ranked as internationally excellent.
Our most distinctive research resource is the University of Manchester Library, including the special collections of the magnificent John Rylands Library.

Students may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the second year of their degree. Exchange partners are offered through the Erasmus Exchange scheme (in Europe) and the Worldwide Exchange scheme (eg. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore). For more information, please see our  Study Abroad
pages.
You'll choose from an extensive menu of course modules relating to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism.
You'll be exposed to a challenging blend of traditional and innovative teaching and learning methods, with the opportunity to do research among Manchester's various faith communities.
All modules are assessed by different combinations of written course work (for example, essays, literature reviews), an examination, and portfolios (for example, e-learning activities, group projects/presentations). In general, you are examined on your course unit choices at the end of each semester.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optionalIntro to the Study of Religions & Theology
RELT10311
20
Mandatory
Power and Culture: Inequality in Everyday Life
SOAN10301
10
Mandatory
Cultural Diversity in Globachelorl Perspective
SOAN10312
10
Mandatory
Key Ideas in Social Anthropology
SOAN10320
20
Mandatory
Introduction to Classical Islamic History: From Muhammad to the Ottomans
MEST10032
20
Optional
Studying Islam
MEST10061
20
Optional
Introduction to Christian Theology
RELT10132
20
Optional
Introduction to Judaism
RELT10192
20
Optional
Religion in Modern South Asian History
RELT10221
20
Optional
The World of Buddhism
RELT10412
20
Optional
Bible in Ancient and Modern Worlds
RELT10711
20
Optional
Problems in the Philosophy of Religion I: Theories of a Good Life
RELT10772
20
Optional
Standing on The Shoulders of Giants: Foundations for Study in The Arts
SALC10002
20
Optional
Regional Studies of Culture: 1
SOAN10331
20
Optional
Regional Studies of Culture: 2
SOAN10352
20
Optional
Displaying 10 of 15 course units for year 1
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Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optionalAnthropology of Religion
SOAN20811
20
Mandatory
Shi'ism: The Other Islam
MEST20292
20
Optional
Women and Gender in the Middle East and North Africa
MEST20352
20
Optional
Muslim Intellectuals in Globachelorl History: 18th to 21st Century
MEST20501
20
Optional
Religion, Culture and Gender
RELT20121
20
Optional
Interpreting Religion
RELT20572
20
Optional
Introduction to the History of Jewish-Christian Relations
RELT20611
20
Optional
Jewish Philosophy and Ethics
RELT20652
20
Optional
Jesus and the Gospels
RELT20712
20
Optional
Ethical Issues from Joshua to Jesus
RELT21021
20
Optional
Key Thinkers in the History of Western Philosophy
RELT21071
20
Optional
Problems in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics: Evil
RELT21112
20
Optional
Storytelling in Indian Traditions
RELT21221
20
Optional
Sex, Gender and Kinship
SOAN20801
20
Optional
Political and Economic Anthropology
SOAN20822
20
Optional
Arguing with Anthropology
SOAN20830
20
Optional
The Ethnographer's Craft
SOAN20842
20
Optional
Materiality and Representation
SOAN20852
20
Optional
Displaying 10 of 18 course units for year 2
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Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optionalDissertation
RELT30000
40
Mandatory
Islam and Modernity
MEST30032
20
Optional
Women and Men in Indian Traditions
RELT30042
20
Optional
From Religion to Politics
RELT30272
20
Optional
Globachelorl South Asians: Religion, Migration and Diaspora
RELT30291
20
Optional
Holocaust Theology
RELT30332
20
Optional
The Ethics of Killing in Buddhism: Texts and Contexts
RELT30431
20
Optional
Radical Theologies
RELT30671
20
Optional
Women and Gender in the Biblical World
RELT30711
20
Optional
Existentialism
RELT30732
20
Optional
Theology and Ethics of Paul
RELT30961
20
Optional
An Anthropology of Science, Magic and Expertise
SOAN30051
20
Optional
Medical Anthropology
SOAN30062
20
Optional
Anthropology of Development and Humanitarianism
SOAN30112
20
Optional
Contemporary Issues in the Social Anthropology of the Middle East
SOAN30122
20
Optional
Anthropology of Sound
SOAN30342
20
Optional
The Anthropology of the Modern State
SOAN30351
20
Optional
Anthropology of Childhood and Education
SOAN30371
20
Optional
Screening Culture
SOAN30791
20
Optional
Anthropology of Vision, Senses and Memory
SOAN30811
20
Optional
Displaying 10 of 20 course units for year 3
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`Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology is a degree that can challenge the very things in our lives we take for granted and provides a fresh insight into the study of religion. Anthropology helps us critically analyse any aspect of our culture and when its theories are applied to organised religions we come to see them in a totally different light.' Stephen Skeates, bachelor Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology
Our most distinctive research resource is the John Rylands University Library
.
As well as an excellent general collection of books on Religions and Theology and related areas, the library houses many collections of world importance. You will find:
A substantial collection of papyri, including the oldest manuscript fragment of a New Testament book
Several major archives, above all the Methodist archive, which includes a large number of original documents written by John Wesley.

Find out more about studying Religions and Theology at Manchester
.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
A Religions and Theology degree is very attractive to employers because it generates cultural sensitivity and awareness. Students are well orientated with regard to a wide variety of beliefs and worldviews.
Like other humanities subjects, a Religions and Theology degree is suitable for careers in teaching, law, management, social, community and youth work, administration, publishing, broadcasting, and local and national government.
A substantial number of students continue with graduate studies for PGCE, MA or PG Dip in Law. Thus about a quarter of our students go on to do Teacher Training (PGCE).
Recent Manchester Religions & Theology graduates found employment in, for instance, Xaverian Roman Catholic College (teaching), PriceWaterhouse (finance), SPCK (publishing), Church of England (youth work), Liberal Jewish Synagogue (national director of youth work), Manchester city council (government), University of Salford (administration), and Christian Aid (NGO).
You'll train in key transferable skills to enhance your employability, such as the ability to research, analyse and synthesize different sources of information, good organisational skills, IT skills, team-work and communication skills honed in tutorials and group projects, analysis of complex texts, empathy and imaginative insight, ability to work methodically and accurately, independence of mind and initiative. Many of our students acquire some language skills.

Students can count on the Careers Service
for advice and support. It is regarded as one of the best Career Services in the UK.


34-31 points overall (core points accepted), including 6, 6, 5 at Higher level.
A2B1B2B2B2 - B2B2B2B2B2 at Higher Level
Grades AABBB-BBBBB: accepted only in conjunction with 3 Advanced Highers at Grades shown.
Grades ABB-BBB.
We welcome and recognise the value of the Advanced Welsh bachelorccalaureate and normally require two A Levels to be included within this. For applicants holding the newly reformed Advanced core (first teaching 2015), the grade required will normally be the same as the lowest A Level grade listed in the course entry requirements. We advise you to contact us if you require clarification on the acceptability of your specific portfolio of qualifications.
75-70% to include a mark of at least 8 in English (or other essay-bachelorsed subject such as History or Politics)
We welcome the AQA bachelorccalaureate - offers will be made on the bachelorsis of the A-level components.  See A-level section for subject and grade requirements.
The University of Manchester has a rich academic heritage and is one of the world's leading research-intensive universities. It also has a long history of welcoming international students and seeks to continue this tradition by admitting excellent students from across the world. Details of country specific entry requirements are available from the University website
.
BTEC Extended Diploma in a humanities or related subject, with a minimum of 70 credits awarded at Distinction, 100 at Merit and the remaining 10 credits at Pass or above.
Overall 60 credits are required with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 15 credits with a Distinction grade, plus minimum of 24 credits with a Merit grade. All credits should be in a Humanities-related subject. We also consider other factors such as additional educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual bachelorsis.
The University welcomes applicants with the AP qualification. Such applications will be considered on an individual bachelorsis.
Both the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, and Principal Subjects in combination with A levels, are accepted by the School. Please see A-level requirements for grades and subject requirements for individual courses. For admissions purposes grade D3 will be considered comparable to grade A at A level and grade M1 comparable to grade B at A level.
If accompanied by a further AS level, the Pre-U Globachelorl Perspectives short course can form part of an offer, in lieu of one full Pre-U Grade M2 (or one A-level Grade B). We also recommend that you draw upon this learning and experience when composing your personal statement.
The University of Manchester welcomes the introduction of the level 3 specialised diplomas. We look forward to providing guidance regarding progression opportunities and subject and grade requirements for Religions & Theology courses when further details on the Humanities
 Line of Learning is published.
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project (EP) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. 
The Extended Project is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and, as a result the University, will not include it in the conditions of any offer made to you.However, if you choose to undertake the EP we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as it may be taken into account when your application is considered.
If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines
Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent;
eg. NCUK EAP minimum Grade of A with range of 70-79
     TOEFL: IBT score of 100.

For further details see the University guidance
on English Language.
Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Application and selection
Apply through UCAS
We are looking for applicants who have the predicted A-level grades (or other relevant qualifications) for the relevant degree programme and whose personal statement demonstrates an enthusiasm for the subject.
Applications are considered on the bachelorsis of an assessment of the quality of the personal statement, the reference, and past and predicted academic achievements. We encourage applicants to give details of their motivation for studying this particular subject.  Suitable candidates will be invited for interview.
The interview will normally run for 15-20 minutes and will be a one-to-one discussion with a member of the Religions and Theology lecturing staff.
It is our aim that the interview should be a relaxed but informed conversation. It will normally explore areas such as your ability to discuss and think about the topics of the course and the modules, approaches and experiences that studying this course at Manchester entails.
We welcome applications from mature students. We accept a wide range of qualifications including Access courses.
Deferrals are normally allowed; however, we do ask applicants to let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer.  This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed, relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.
We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to that degree programme.

Both of the above are subject to our having enough places to accommodate such applicants.
  Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details). 
Course details

Anthropology (Social) and Comparative Religion bachelor

Price on request