Program Overview

Master of Arts in Religious Studies

The Master of Arts Programme in Religious Studies is the first and unique programme of its kind in Hong Kong higher education. It was established in 1998 by the Department of Religion (Department of Cultural and Religious Studies since 2004). More than 600 graduates have successfully obtained their Master of Arts in Religious Studies from this Programme in the past decades.

Introduction

Considering religion an integral part of human life, thought and culture, the Programme advocates a scholarly and comparative perspective to the study of multifarious religious phenomena to achieve a sympathetic understanding of diverse religious experiences. The Programme aims to cultivate students’ ability to understand religious culture from different traditions and disciplinary knowledge so as to achieve its ultimate goal to provide students a broad and critical study in relating religious wisdom to human life and society.

Programme Features

• The Programme adopts a proactive approach to enhance students' academic performance in religious studies.
• A Seminar on Academic Paper Writing is organized in the first semester every year to help students improve their academic writing in religious studies.
• The course "Research Paper in Religious Studies" enables students to acquire essential skills and methodologies of engaging a critical research paper.
• Emphasis on experiential learning is a distinctive feature of the Programme, with fieldwork considered a core learning activity for students to attain a deeper understanding of people’s daily religious practices.

Programme Objectives

• The Programme is principally not career-oriented but dedicates itself to motivate and inspire students to embrace a more open-minded view in appreciation of differences.
• It plays a vital role in understanding different religious cultures, especially in a diversified and globalized society like Hong Kong.

Alumni Sharing

• Graduates have shared their experiences and the impact of the Programme on their understanding of religious studies and their personal growth.
• Examples include Joanna Cheng, 朱永健 (Kenneth Chu), 程淑瑩 (Vanessa Ching), and 劉麗螢 (Joanne Lau), who have all found the Programme to be a fruitful and enriching experience.

Programme Structure

• The Programme includes various courses and activities designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of religious studies.
• It covers topics such as the history, theory, philosophy, and psychology of religion, as well as fieldwork and research methodologies.

Admission

• Admissions for the Programme are now open.
• An Information Session is scheduled for 22 Nov 2025 (Sat) at 3:00-4:00 pm via Zoom.
• Prospective students are encouraged to register and attend the session to learn more about the Programme.