Program Overview

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Theology & Religious Studies

Course summary

Our Theology & Religious Studies Master's course will take you on a journey from the religious worlds of the great Western traditions to the mystical world of the ancient East. It will cover the burning contemporary issues that surround Religious Studies today and delve into life’s great questions. You will be able to explore the ideas and curiosity that have gripped the human race from the time we began to decorate the walls of our caves until the time we launched ourselves beyond our stratosphere and into outer space.

Key facts

• Award: MA
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
• Mode of study: Full time, Part time
• Start date: October 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

About this course

Throughout this MA you will develop your ability to frame a theological or philosophical argument, gain expertise in interpreting sources and acquire a greater appreciation of the rich variety of religious experiences in our world. A few key modules will allow you to explore religious dialogue and conflict, explore the theology of literature, film and television, contribute to the contemporary debate between believers and non-believers, and discover the philosophy of religion.

This course is about our world, our life and the sense we try to make of it. It is for those who are fascinated by the world of theology and religion - whether they be for committed believers, questioning agnostics and ardent atheists. It is ideal for anyone involved in a profession which requires an understanding of religious, philosophical and ethical issues. In short, it is for anyone who wants to explore the nature of existence in the company of experts.

Our Theology & Religious Studies MA is the ideal course for any RE or Philosophy teacher who wants to further their expertise in their chosen subject. The knowledge and skills it promotes would also be ideal for anyone involved in a profession that requires them to deal with religious, philosophical or ethical issues.

What you will study

Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules:

• On the Shoulders of Giants: Great Religious Thinkers from Plato to Pannenberg
• Theology in Fiction, Film and Fantasy
• A Requiem for Reason: the Rise of Modern Fundamentalism
• War of the Worlds: Religions in Conflict and Dialogue
• The God Question: Theism, Agnosticism and Atheism
• Dissertation

Entry requirements

You will need to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, normally an undergraduate honours degree in a Humanities or Social Sciences related subject (or equivalent).

Academic staff

• Mark Plater
• John Tomlinson
• Professor Jack Cunningham
• Revd Dr Peter Green

Assessment

Assessment will take place on our modules via a variety of forms including essays, presentations and portfolios. It also includes a final dissertation which allows you to become a real expert in a theological topic that particularly fascinates you.

Careers & Further study

This would be an excellent programme for anyone wanting to pursue a career in any area of religious or philosophical education, including teaching at a Primary, Secondary or Higher level. It would also be a very useful degree to take into social work, counselling, clerical life, youth work, or work within the heritage sector.

Support

Studying at BGU is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

At BGU we have so much support available for our students, the type of support that has won us awards recently in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2023, such as the Chaplaincy team, the Student Advice team, The Hub and representatives at the Students’ Union.

Fees & Funding

A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help you throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Click here to find information about fees, loans and support which will help to make the whole process a little easier to understand. For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate. Full details of all tuition fees can be found here.