Program Overview

Education, Religion and State: Historical and Contemporary Developments

Module Overview

The module "Education, Religion and State: Historical and Contemporary Developments" (EDPS0029) is offered by the Faculty of IOE, specifically the Education, Practice and Society department. It carries a credit value of 15 and is restricted to students from specific UCL programmes and Affiliate students, with a limited number of spaces available. This module is designed for Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) students.

Key Information

• Faculty: IOE
• Teaching Department: Education, Practice and Society
• Credit Value: 15
• Restrictions: Limited spaces for students from specific UCL programmes and Affiliate students, open only to Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6) students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

This module explores the connections between religion, politics, and education, examining how these intersections shape the world. It adopts a global perspective, engaging with research and youth educational movements for social change. The module focuses on active learning, fostering a sense of belonging, creating a safe space, and encouraging collaboration. Over ten weeks, students engage with pre-session materials, including research-based videos, readings, podcasts, exhibitions, documentaries, and films, and participate in interactive seminars.

Indicative Topics

The module covers a range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Faith and Climate
• Social Media Theology
• Queering Faith
• Religion and Protest Movements
• Islamophobia and Antisemitism in the Classroom
• Gender, Religion and Education
• Faith and Refugees
• Religious Narratives in Pop Culture
• Religious Diversity vs. State Power
• Decolonising Religious Education
• Religion and AI Ethics
• Colonial Education and Religious Conversion
• Religion, Education and Conflict
• Faith Schools or State Schools?
• Spirituality in Crisis

Module Aims

• Develop a critical understanding of the intersections between religion, education, and state power.
• Gain knowledge of key theoretical frameworks, global case studies, and contemporary debates.
• Enhance analytical and research skills to navigate complex socio-political landscapes.
• Build transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and cultural literacy.
• Engage in collaborative discussions and problem-solving activities.
• Explore career-related applications in education, policymaking, international development, and social justice advocacy.

Key Features of the Module

1. Safe and Inclusive Space: Prioritizes creating a respectful, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment.
2. Collaborative Learning: Co-creates the curriculum by choosing topics and driving discussions.
3. Real-world Connections: Explores how education intersects with global challenges.
4. Digital Integration: Engages with multimedia resources.
5. Practical Learning: Applies concepts through hands-on activities.
6. Field Experiences: Offers optional visits to cultural and educational spaces.
7. Flexible and Inclusive: Mixes flipped learning, community practice, art, and group projects.
8. Socially Impactful: Equips students to address pressing global issues.

Additional Costs

There are no significant additional costs expected for this module, though optional field trips may incur minimal costs for transportation or entry fees.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended Teaching Term: Term 1
• Undergraduate Level: FHEQ Level 6

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of Study: In person
• Methods of Assessment: 100% Coursework (2 assessments)
• Mark Scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of Students on Module in Previous Year: 27
• Module Leader: Dr. Laila Kadiwal

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.