Program Overview

Course Overview

The Religions and Global Diversity course is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program that explores a wide variety of religious traditions from a critical, academic, non-confessional standpoint. This course is recognized by the Teaching Council as a qualification for intending teachers of post-primary RE in Ireland.

Course Details

• Duration: 4 years
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: BA (Hons)
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Fees: Student Contribution + Capitation: 3,130
• CAO Points: Refer to CK101, CK108

Course Outline

This course reflects on the critical study of religions and cultures around the world, aligning with UCC's tradition of independent thinking. It explores various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and forms of Christianity, as well as indigenous religions, western esotericism, new religious movements, Japanese religions, anthropology of religions, and sexuality and Islam.

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

• RG1001 Religions in the Contemporary: An Introduction to the Study of Religions (15 credits)

Year 2 Modules:

• Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
• Christianities in a Global Age
• Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianity
• Contemporary Religions in Ireland
• Indigenous Religions
• Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements
• Hinduism and Indian Religions
• Religions of East Asia
• Buddhism in Practice
• Religions, Gender and Sexuality
• Islam - Film, Media and Music
• Asian Languages

Year 3/4 Modules:

• Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
• Christianities in a Global Age
• Contemporary Religions in Ireland
• Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements
• Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianity
• Indigenous Religions
• Hinduism and Indian Religions
• Dissertation in the Study of Religions
• Religions of East Asia
• Buddhism in Practice
• Religions, Gender and Sexuality
• Islam - Film, Media and Music
• Asian Languages

Course Practicalities

Assessment

There are no written exams. Assessment is by coursework only in Year 1, including essays, a learning journal, and an independent team presentation project. In Years 2 and 3, assessment methods vary and include essays, presentations, in-class tests, learning journals, and fieldwork research reports.

Why Choose This Course

This course is unique in Ireland for its wide variety of religious traditions studied from a critical, academic perspective. It provides valuable insights into different religions and cultures, enhancing career opportunities in teaching, public sector work, NGOs, media, business, healthcare, and more.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

• Study abroad: Spend Year 3 studying at one of UCC's partner universities abroad.
• Placement: Avail of a work placement in Year 2.

Skills and Careers Information

This course recognizes the importance of understanding different religious beliefs and practices in a culturally diverse and interlinked world. It provides deep insights into religions and cultures, benefiting careers in teaching, public service, NGOs, media, business, and healthcare.

Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108 for specific requirements.

Fees and Costs

• EU students: The State pays tuition fees for eligible EU students under the Free Fees Scheme. Students pay the annual student contribution and capitation fees.
• Non-EU students: Fees vary; check the UCC website for the most current information.

How to Apply

Apply through the CAO for EU applicants. Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. Mature applicants apply through the CAO by February 1st. QQI/FET applicants also apply via the CAO.