Religious Studies and Global Development

This course is taught jointly by Theology and Religious Studies and the Centre for Global Development.
Across the year you’ll study a core module introducing you to theories and approaches in development studies, and how social, economic and political inequalities lay at the heart of development. In Semester Two another core module will focus on the complex relationships between religions and global development – the views of different religious traditions towards issues such as poverty, gender and welfare, and the roles they can play in development.

At the same time you’ll be thinking about your dissertation: an independent research project on a topic of your choice which allows you to demonstrate the skills and subject knowledge that you gain. You can choose to extend your dissertation if you want to go into even greater depth. You’ll submit the finished dissertation by the end of the programme in August.

You’ll also have other opportunities to specialise, as you choose from optional modules to focus on topics that suit your interests or career plans. In development studies, you’ll select from modules on topics such as democracy and development, or Africa in the modern world. If you opt for the standard dissertation, you’ll choose another module from religious studies.

If you decide to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

There are three compulsory modules throughout the programme including the Dissertation (60 credits). You’ll then choose to study 30 credits from six options offered by Institute for Politics and International Studies. If you do not choose to do the Extended Dissertation (90 credits) you may study further 30 credits from the optional modules listed.

• Global Inequalities and Development 30 credits
• Religions and Global Development 30 credits

Optional modules

• Unfinished Business: Trauma, Cultural Memory and the Holocaust 30 credits
• Modernity and the Jews 30 credits
• Africa in the Contemporary World 30 credits
• Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance 30 credits
• Democracy and Development 30 credits
• Gender, Globalisation and Development 30 credits
• Development Management Techniques 15 credits
• Research Methodology for Development 15 credits
• Contemporary Issues in Religion and Gender 30 credits
• Muslims, Multiculturalism and the State 30 credits
• Religion and Society: Research Process and Methods 30 credits
• Religion, Politics and the Future: From Apocalypse to Utopia 30 credits
• Religion, Society and Public Life 30 credits
• Research Project (Theology and Religious Studies) 30 credits
• Special Options in Theology and Religious Studies 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Religious Studies and Global Development MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Religious Studies and Global Development MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Most of our taught modules use a combination of lectures and seminars, which allow you to discuss the issues arising from your lectures and reading. Independent study is also an important element of this programme, as it allows you to develop your skills and gives you space to form your own ideas.

Assessment

We also use a range of assessment methods. These usually include essays, but some modules may involve project reports and presentations. Modules taught by other Schools within the University may also use different methods.