Religious Studies, English and American Literature

Religious Studies, English and American Literature at the University of Kent offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines the study of diverse religious traditions with the rich literary cultures of both England and America. This programme is designed for students who are interested in exploring the complex relationships between faith, belief, and literary expression across different historical periods and cultural contexts. Throughout the degree, students will engage with a wide range of texts, from classical religious scriptures and philosophical writings to modern and contemporary literature, gaining insights into how religion influences literature and vice versa.

The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of religious thought, rituals, and practices alongside critical analysis of literary works. Students will examine themes such as spirituality, morality, identity, and community, analyzing how these are represented and explored in literary texts. The study of English and American literature covers a broad spectrum from the Renaissance to the present day, giving students the opportunity to explore canonical authors as well as lesser-known writers, fostering both critical skills and intellectual curiosity.

In addition to literary and religious analysis, the programme emphasizes research skills, contextual understanding, and critical thinking. Students will develop their ability to interpret complex texts, articulate well-informed arguments, and engage in meaningful discussions on religious and cultural issues. The programme also offers opportunities for choosing modules that allow specialization in areas such as early religious thought, American literary traditions, contemporary religious identities, or literary theory.

The combination of religious studies and literary analysis prepares graduates for diverse careers in education, publishing, arts and culture, journalism, public policy, and community work. The programme’s flexible structure enables students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests, with options for dissertations, collaborative projects, and study abroad opportunities. Graded assessments include essays, presentations, and examinations, fostering diverse skills applicable to a wide range of professions.

Students benefit from the expertise of academic staff who are active researchers in religious studies, English, and American literature, ensuring that teaching reflects the latest theoretical and scholarly advances. The University of Kent’s vibrant academic community and extensive resources, including libraries and digital archives, support students in their academic pursuits. Graduates of this programme will leave with a nuanced understanding of the intersections between religion and literature, equipped with critical skills and cultural awareness that are highly valued in a globalized society.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Remove Duration full-time 48 months Partnership Joint Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

SO334 - Modern Culture

SO335 - Contemporary Culture

IT312 - History of Italian Cinema:The Legacy of Neo-Realism

IT315 - Writing Italy through the Centuries:An Introduction

IT301 - Learning Italian - Beginners

IT308 - Learning Italian 3 (Post A Level)

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

IT563 - Learning Italian 4 *Advanced)

IT508 - Learning Italian 2 (Intermediate)

IT542 - Italian Extended Essay

IT552 - Italian Short Story

IT556 - Catching the Tide: Cultural Renewal in 20th Century Italy

SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society

SO657 - Digital Culture

SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment

SO701 - Cultures of Secrecy

Year abroad

If you are taking a European language, as part of a joint degree, you spend a year between Stages 2 and 3 studying at a university in the country of your chosen language.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

SO506 - Popular Culture, Media and Society

SO599 - The Information Society and Digital Culture

SO676 - Cultures of Embodiment

IT506 - Learning Italian 5

IT571 - Learning Italian Through Literature

IT572 - Italian Landscapes of Poetry: Nature, Eroticism and Poetics

IT548 - Italian Cinema and Literature

IT531 - Women Writers of the Twentieth Century

IT503 - Italian Dissertation

SO701 - Cultures of Secrecy

SO657 - Digital Culture

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level:ABB
• GCSE:C in a modern European language other than English
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
• International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 at HL including a modern European language other than English 4 at HL or 5 at SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, English and American Literature at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of religious beliefs, texts, and practices alongside the rich traditions of English and American literary history. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness by examining religious themes within literary works and understanding their historical contexts. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of texts, from classical religious scriptures and theological writings to contemporary literary pieces. The programme emphasizes both academic research and interpretative skills, encouraging students to analyze texts critically and to understand their significance within various cultural and historical frameworks.

Students can expect to explore topics such as the influence of religion on literature, comparative religious traditions, and the role of ethical and philosophical ideas in literary texts. The curriculum includes modules on the history of religious thought, literary theory, and the cultural impact of religion, offering a well-rounded education that bridges the humanities and social sciences. The programme also provides opportunities for practical experience, including potential placements, research projects, and participation in academic conferences, fostering a well-equipped skill set for careers in education, publishing, media, or further academic research.

The university’s supportive academic environment includes expert faculty members who are active researchers in their fields, providing students with mentorship and specialized knowledge. Students benefit from modern teaching facilities and access to extensive libraries and digital resources. The programme is suitable for students with a strong interest in examining the intersection of faith, literature, and culture, and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Graduates of this programme acquire valuable skills such as textual analysis, critical thinking, research methodology, and effective communication, which are highly regarded in various professional sectors. Many alumni go on to pursue postgraduate studies, careers in teaching, journalism, literature editing, religious organizations, or cultural institutions. The University of Kent’s degree in Religious Studies, English and American Literature aims to equip students with a broad understanding of literary and religious traditions, preparing them for diverse and dynamic career paths or further academic pursuits.