Theology & Religious Studies

Program Details

Degree: Masters
Major: Philosophy | Religion | Theology
Area of study: Humanities
Timing: Full time
Course Language: English

Intakes

Program start date

2026-10-01

2027-10-01

Program Overview

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.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This MA program takes students on a journey through the major religious traditions, exploring contemporary issues in religious studies and delving into fundamental questions about existence. It covers topics from prehistoric cave art to modern space exploration, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Objectives:

Develop the ability to frame and analyze theological and philosophical arguments.
Gain expertise in interpreting religious texts and sources.
Deepen understanding of the diverse religious experiences and perspectives in our world.
Fuel critical examination of burning contemporary issues in religious studies.
Explore the nature of existence through the lens of various religious and philosophical traditions.

Description:

Ideal for anyone fascinated by religion, philosophy, or ethics, this program welcomes committed believers, questioning agnostics, and curious atheists. It's designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills relevant to various professions dealing with religious, philosophical, or ethical issues.

Outline:

Program Content:

The course curriculum delves into various aspects of religious studies, including:
The history and development of major religious traditions
Philosophical perspectives on religion and ethics
Contemporary debates surrounding religion and belief
Religious expressions in literature, film, and media
The role of religion in conflict and dialogue

Structure:

The program is offered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).
Students typically study 6 modules per year, with each module focusing on a specific theme.
Modules are assessed through essays, presentations, and other assignments.
The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to delve deeply into a specific theological topic.

Course Schedule:

The program runs from October to September.
Specific module schedules and deadlines are announced by the department.

Modules:

On the Shoulders of Giants: Great Religious Thinkers from Plato to Pannenberg
Provides a foundation for theological and religious studies through critical examination of key thinkers from various traditions.
Theology in Fiction, Film and Fantasy
Explores the diverse ways theological themes are presented and explored in popular media.
A Requiem for Reason: the Rise of Modern Fundamentalism
Analyzes the rise of religious fundamentalism globally, examining its causes and manifestations.
War of the Worlds: Religions in Conflict and Dialogue
Examines the complex dynamics of inter-religious dialogue, exploring conflict and cooperation.
The God Question: Theism, Agnosticism and Atheism
Critically analyzes contemporary debates surrounding belief in God, agnosticism, and atheism.
Dissertation
An independent research project allowing students to become experts in a specific theological topic.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and include essays, presentations, portfolios, and exams.
Criteria for assessment include clarity of argument, depth of analysis, critical thinking, and evidence of textual engagement.
The dissertation is a major component of the program's assessment, evaluating the student's research skills, analytical abilities, and independent scholarship.

Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials.
Students benefit from close interaction with experienced faculty specializing in various areas of theology and religious studies.
The program emphasizes critical thinking, independent learning, and active participation in discussions.

Careers:

This program prepares students for careers in various fields, including:
Religious and philosophical education (primary, secondary, and higher levels)
Social work
Counselling
Clerical work
Youth work
Heritage sector
The program also provides valuable skills and knowledge for further academic study in theology and related fields.

Other:

The program emphasizes a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
The program actively engages with current issues and debates in the world of religion and philosophy.
The program offers opportunities for students to participate in research projects and conferences.

About University

Bishop Grosseteste University: A Summary

Overview:

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is a public university located in Lincoln, England. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates, ranking first in the UK for student satisfaction according to the Times Higher Education. BGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a particular focus on teacher training and other education-related programs.

Services Offered:

BGU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Student Advice & Wellbeing:

Library:

IT Services:

Accommodation:

Careers:

Alumni Network:

Student Life and Campus Experience:

BGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various clubs and societies, engage in sports activities, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Students' Union. The university is located in the historic city of Lincoln, offering a rich cultural experience and numerous attractions.

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Program Details

Intakes

Program Overview