BA Religious Studies

About the Course

You cannot truly understand our society, history, and the world around us without understanding the multiplicity of religions. This course is designed to help students understand religions in their cultural, sociological and historical contexts. You will be exposed to the dynamic relationship between religion and society and will examine the roles that religions play in the pressing issues of our era. The programme takes students beyond superficial media coverage of contemporary events into deeper issues of history, identity, and the implications of religious commitment for issues of world concern.

The course covers an extensive array of thematic and geographical areas as well as a wide range of religions. This gives you a real insight into the human condition and the multiplicity of religions in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit places of worship and acquire practical, first-hand engagement with ‘other’ cultures and religions.

Accreditation

The BA in Religious Studies enhances a wide range relevant skills and attributes for students when they move into the world of work. Religious studies is a discipline that engenders and enhances such skills, which, when combined with a broad yet critical understanding of religion in the modern world, will help generate the ‘well rounded’ student that primary schools, business, civil service and all parts of industry look for in their graduates.

Assessment methods

The School uses a wide range of assessment methods so that students develop a variety of skills that will stand them in good stead in the professional world. In addition to traditional essay assessments, the school uses learning journals, book reviews, textual analyses, group presentations and examinations. For instance on the School’s popular study tours to religious sites students are able to submit a learning journal of their experiences. Other modules require students to work together in groups, make presentations and creatively explore the interface between media and religion.

Learning and Teaching methods

The programme offers introductory and intermediate modules which enhance knowledge and understanding, and more narrowly focussed modules which enable students to engage in more in-depth and analytical study. The programme’s content makes excellent use of staff expertise, most of whom are engaged in research and publication. Field trips, study tours, visiting speakers, invitations for BA students to research seminars all enhance the programme of study. In addition to this, students have the opportunity to enrol in some classes in other Schools in the Faculty of Humanities and to undertake their own study project or dissertation in their final year. All of these initiatives are strengthened by clear student guidance by lecturers and personal tutors.

Award
BA (Single Honours)

UCAS Code
V627

Language Choice
English

Course Length
3 years full-time; Part-time study available

Entry Requirements

You will be invited to visit the University to discuss the course. Entry is based on individual merit

Our School normally invites the majority of applicants to an interview or an open day before any offer is made. Normally an offer is made to students based upon predicted grades for 3 A-Level courses, though there exceptions to this based upon age, experience, individual circumstances and other qualifications.

Applicants with any specific questions about the process are invited to contact the School’s Admission Tutor. Students do not necessary need to possess an A-Level qualification specifically in Religious Education in order to apply to this programme as the study of religion itself draws upon disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, sociology, history, etc.

Career Opportunities

  • Social Services
  • International aid and charity organisations
  • Business/Management
  • Tourism
  • Media
  • Teaching

some of these areas may require additional professional qualifications

Employment details

A BA in Religious Studies is a highly desirable qualification in terms of engaging in a multi-cultural, multi-faith society. It is a sought after degree by employers who want staff to engage with a diverse society. Consequently, many of our students find employment and build careers in social services, counselling, nursing, policing, fire and rescue services. A number of students move onto a PGCE in primary or secondary Religious Education. Other students seek to add to their BA by pursuing postgraduate studies that involve an aspect of religion from the world’s great traditions.

Trinity Saint David is widely recognized for mobilizing its students for the world of work. An active programme of employment-related activities is offered by Student Services; the School of Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies regularly builds bridges for its students to employment related activities endorsed by the University.

Each year Trinity Saint David is at or near the top of Universities in Great Britain with the highest percentage of graduated students in work or seeking higher qualification.

Department

School of Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies

Campus

Lampeter Campus

Typical modules

  • Perspectives on Living Religions
  • Asian Religious Traditions
  • Religion, Society and Culture
  • Islam and its Sacred Scriptures
  • International Study Tour
  • Abrahamic Faiths
  • Sects, Self and Society
  • Hindu Ritual and Society
  • Islam in the West
  • Sacred Journeys and Holy Sites
  • Imagening the Other: Theories of Religion
  • Sex and Violence: Religion in the Modern World
  • Chinese Religion and Culture
  • Religions in Antiquity

Key Features

  • Taught by experts in their respective fields
  • Opportunity to develop independent research projects
  • Opportunities to study abroad
  • Excellent library facilities
  • Opportunities for study tours; previous trips have included Israel, Egypt, Syria, New York, Rome

Why study at this University?

  • A leading provider of quality education in the World’s Religions
  • A Multi denominational and interreligious staff
  • Annual religious sites field trips
  • International educational visits and student exchanges
  • Long tradition of teaching Religious Studies
  • A leader in Wales of  resources relating to Religious Studies, both at the library and the Religious Education Resources Centre
  • Academic staff are renowned within their research fields
  • Up-to-date teaching methods and facilities
  • The School of Theology and Religious Studies houses the Welsh National Centre for Ecumenical Studies and is a leading player in the Welsh ecumenical sphere
  • The School of Theology & Religious Studies has been recognised for its innovative programmes and its excellent use of e-resources

Programme Specification

Programme Specification Joint Honours RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Programme Specification Single Honours RELIGIOUS STUDIES  

Further Information

Joint Honours available:

  • BA Religious Studies and Anthropology - LV66
  • BA Religious Studies and Chinese Studies - TV16
  • BA Religious Studies and Islamic Studies - TV66
  • BA Religious Studies and Philosophy - V V6M
  • BA Religious Studies and Theology - V616