Sociology and Theology and Religious Studies

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

In your first year you’ll study core modules that introduce you to the key concepts and approaches in each subject, applying sociological principles to contemporary society and exploring the role and position of religion in modern Britain. You’ll also choose from optional modules in each subject, focusing on major world religions and texts, philosophy of religion or important issues in today’s society.

This will help you to build a firm knowledge base for the following year, when you’ll take core modules looking at the challenges facing sociologists and placing religion in its social, cultural and political context. You’ll also select optional modules in each subject such as disability studies, the sociology of culture, the New Testament or religion, gender and society.

By your final year you’ll benefit from greater choice in your optional modules, covering topics from consumerism and protest movements to sin and the relationship between religion and development. You’ll also showcase the skills in research and analysis that you’ve developed when you undertake an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice.

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

You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules while maintaining a balance across your subjects. Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Academic Skills 5 credits
• Sociology of Modern Societies 20 credits
• Formations of Modernity 20 credits
• Introduction to the Study of Religion/s 10 credits
• Introducing Theology 10 credits

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

• Visions of Humanity: Philosophical, Religious and Scientific Perspectives 20 credits
• Introduction to Race and Ethnicity 20 credits
• Identities, Inequalities and Policy in Contemporary Society 20 credits
• Social Policy: Poor Laws to the Present 20 credits
• Introduction to the Bible 10 credits
• Religion, Politics and Society in the Modern World 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Central Problems in Sociology 20 credits
• Studying Religion in Context 20 credits

Optional modules

Examples of the optional modules available are shown below. Please contact us for more details of the requirements and choices available.

• Sociology of Religion I 20 credits
• Religion, Gender and Society 20 credits
• Disability Studies: An Introduction 20 credits
• Sociology of Health and Illness 20 credits
• Racism, Ethnicity, Migration and Decolonial Studies 20 credits
• Urban Disorders, Social Divisions and Social Control 20 credits
• Reading New Testament Texts 20 credits
• Human Rights and Religion 20 credits
• Health and Society 20 credits