Religion, Politics and Society

MA and Diploma students will study three core modules and three optional modules before completing their dissertation.

Certificate students will study two core modules and one optional module.

All students will study two core modules which include:

This module focuses on theoretical and conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics. Traditionally, the study of political science and international relations has framed the understanding of religion within the context of secularisation and the nation-state. This interpretation is being increasingly contested by the impact of globalisation and the rise of anti-secular movements. The module will critically examine the secularisation thesis as applied to the ‘West’ (developed countries) and the ‘East’ (developing countries) and evaluate the impact of globalisation on collective religious identities. Following an introduction to the theoretical perspectives the course will focus on three particular themes: religious nationalism; religious identities and mobilisation; and religious transnationalism. The module concludes by reflecting on the wider implications for the study of politics and international relations of organised religious movements today.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

This module examines the public policy responses to the global religious revival since 1989. Although traditionally organised religions have been viewed as the source of intractable political conflicts, in the last decade there has been an increasing recognition of the need to manage religious differences and to utilise religious resources for conflict resolution. Theoretically and conceptually this departure is anchored in the inter-related debates on multiculturalism, pluralism and the need for religious dialogue among the world’s great religions. Following an examination of these debates and the assumptions underpinning them, the module will evaluate policy response in three contexts: the United Nations system; transnational organisations; and national and local public policy agendas. The module concludes by reflecting critically on the achievements and the limitations of integrating organised religions into public policy implementation.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

MA and Diploma students will also study a core module in Research Methods:

This module unpacks the core issues of researching in theology and religious studies.It addresses debates surrounding the design, conduct, ethics and evaluation of research in a multidisciplinary subject area. It prepares you to carry out independent research and to critically assess others’ research across a wide spectrum of approaches.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

Certificate students will choose one optional module, while MA and Diploma students will choose three optional modules. Options available within Theology and Religion typically include:

• Feminism in the Muslim World
• Political Islam
• Sikh Perspectives on Interreligious Relations

You can also choose up to two of your options from modules available in other Departments. Modules available typically include:

• Globalisation Since 1945
• The Making of the World: Themes in Global History

• Bioethics
• Ethics and Global Ethics
• Human Rights
• Topics in Global Justice

• Diplomacy and Statecraft
• Economic Diplomacy and Negotiation
• Ethical Dimensions of Terrorism, Political Violence and War
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Gender and Global Governance
• Globalisation and Governance
• Multiculturalism and Religious Conflict
• Politics and the State
• Populism, Radicalism and Conservatism in British Politics
• Terrorism and Contemporary Conflict
• Terrorism and Political Violence
• The Theory and Ethics of Terrorism and Political Violence
• US Foreign and Defence Policy

You will complete the programme with a research project.

If you choose to complete a written dissertation, this will be a substantial and sustained investigation of a topic related to one or more of the disciplines being studied, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

The practice-based dissertation is ideal for those who have begun careers and are returning to study after time in employment, or those who are aiming to enhance their employability by making links within different professions. It offers a more applied, contextualised approach to independent research than the more traditional dissertation route. In addition to completing 100 hours on placement, you are asked to produce one of the following:

• A 10,000-word dissertation critically analysing and evaluating reflecting on an aspect of the approach and/or work of the institution hosting the placement.

Or

• A report or a piece of relevant research, or another form of media output for the placement host. This will be decided in conjunction with your dissertation supervisor and placement host supervisor.

Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.