Religion & Global Challenges MSc

Program Overview

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The Religion & Global Challenges MSc program equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze the role of religion in global challenges. Through a combination of core and optional courses, students develop a deep understanding of the complex relationship between religion, culture, and global issues. The program prepares graduates for careers in governmental, charitable, public, and policy arenas, as well as for further academic research.

Program Outline

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Religion & Global Challenges MSc

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze the role of religion in global challenges.
• To develop students' ability to apply religious studies theories and methods to real-world problems.
• To foster a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between religion, culture, and global issues.
• To prepare students for successful careers in a variety of fields related to religion and global affairs.

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Program Description:

The Religion & Global Challenges MSc is a one-year, full-time program (or two-year part-time) that consists of:

• Two core courses
• Four optional courses
• Dissertation

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Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the major theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion.
• Students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to analyze the role of religion in a variety of global challenges.
• Students will be able to develop and implement research projects related to religion and global affairs.
• Students will be able to communicate their research findings effectively in written and oral formats.

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Outline:

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Semester 1:

• Core Course: RESEARCH TRAINING AND APPROACHES TO STUDYING RELIGIONS
• Two optional courses

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Semester 2:

• Core Course: CASE STUDIES IN RELIGION AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES
• Two optional courses

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Summer:

• RELIGION AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES DISSERTATION

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Optional Courses:

• RELIGIONS, CULTURES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES
• MIGRATION, DISPLACEMENT AND RELIGIOUS IDENTITIES
• POLITICAL ISLAM
• RELIGION AND VIOLENCE

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Modules:

• Research Training and Approaches to Studying Religions: This module provides students with a foundation in the theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion.
Students will learn how to critically analyze religious texts, rituals, and practices, and how to apply these methods to real-world problems.
• Case Studies in Religion and Global Challenges: This module examines the role of religion in a variety of global challenges, including poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation.
Students will learn how to apply religious studies theories and methods to analyze these challenges and develop constructive and inclusive solutions.
• Religions, Cultures, and Environmental Crises: This module explores the role of religion in shaping human responses to environmental challenges.
Students will learn about the diverse ways in which religious communities are responding to climate change, deforestation, and other environmental issues.
• Migration, Displacement and Religious Identities: This module examines the complex relationship between religion, migration, and displacement.
Students will learn about the challenges and opportunities faced by religious communities in the context of migration and displacement.
• Political Islam: This module explores the diverse political expressions of Islam in the contemporary world.
Students will learn about the history, ideology, and key figures of Islamic political movements.
• Religion and Violence: This module examines the complex relationship between religion and violence.
Students will learn about the various ways in which religion has been used to justify violence, as well as the efforts of religious communities to promote peace and reconciliation.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course, but may include a combination of essays, presentations, exams, and research projects.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by international experts with established links to NGOs, governmental organizations, policy makers, and multilateral agencies. Their subject specialisms include Religion, Law and Human Rights, Sustainable Development, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Migration Studies, Climate Change and Environment, Theology and Ethics, Ethnography and Global Health.

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Teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Peer-group discussions
• Research training
• Dissertation supervision
• Independent study
• Formative assignments such as reflective responses and online discussion forums

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Careers:

The MSc in Religion & Global Challenges equips students with transdisciplinary expertise, graduate attributes and transferable skills that are utilisable in a variety of careers in the governmental and NGO sectors, in policy and practice (e.g. international relations, diplomacy, global security, public health, international development, humanitarian and environmental organisations, faith-based organisations, equality and human rights advocacy, policy think-tanks, capacity-building networks, community organising etc.). The program also provides a pathway for those wishing to pursue a research degree (MPhil, MLitt, PhD) in an allied subject, and those seeking an academic career in the field.

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Other:

• The program has a modular and flexible structure, enabling students to design their program and direct their learning according to their specialist interests and professional expertise.
• For one of their options, students may take a level 5 course from another postgraduate taught programme in the university.
• Each course is taught via one two-hour class each week for ten weeks.
• The program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds, including government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
• The program is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

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MSc UK Full-time fee: £10650 Part-time fee: £1184 per 20 credits International & EU Full-time fee: £24000 Deposits International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2000 within four weeks of an offer being made.