Film and Religious Studies

The BA in Film and Religious Studies at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary education that explores the complex relationships between cinematic arts and religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. This program is designed for students who are interested in understanding how religion influences film, and how film, in turn, shapes perceptions of spirituality, morality, and cultural identity. Combining theoretical and practical approaches, the course provides a comprehensive overview of film history, criticism, production, and the study of religious movements and texts across different cultures and eras.

Students will engage in critical analysis of films from various genres and periods, examining themes related to faith, spirituality, morality, and religious symbolism. They will explore key religious texts, rituals, and philosophies, and consider their representations and interpretations within the cinematic landscape. The program encourages students to critically assess the societal impact of film and religion, fostering skills in research, analytical writing, and multimedia presentation. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical film projects, participants will develop both academic understanding and practical skills in filmmaking, editing, and storytelling.

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to analyze religious content within cultural and historical contexts, as well as considering contemporary issues such as secularism, religious pluralism, and the role of religion in global cinema. By the end of their studies, graduates will possess a nuanced understanding of how religious themes are conveyed through film and how cinema can influence religious perception and practice. Career opportunities for graduates include roles in film production, curation, academic research, religious education, journalism, and cultural policy. The program is ideal for students passionate about the arts and religion, seeking to explore their interconnectedness in a vibrant academic environment committed to intellectual inquiry and creative expression.

Detailed Course Facts

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

EEA£9,000 and non EEA £12,450 (not EEA £3,072 and non EEA £10,105)

• English

Course Content

Modules

Stage 1

Single honours students take one core module:

• What is Religion?

Plus three modules from the list below:

• Gods of the Desert: Judaism and Islam
• An Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
• Myths, Symbols and Mysteries
• Religion and Sex.

You choose your remaining credits from a range available in the Faculty of Humanities.

Stage 2/3

If you are taking a single honours degree, you complete Issues in Religious Studies (Stage 2) and a Religious Studies Dissertation (Stage 3) and up to six of the modules listed below. Other options are available from a wide range in the Faculty of Humanities.

If you are taking joint honours, you should choose four from the list below, together with the required modules in your other subject.

• Issues in Religious Studies (Single honours students at Stage 2)
• Dissertation (Single honours students at Stage 3 only)

• Anthropology of Religion
• Buddhism: Its Essence and Development
• Christianity and Ethics
• Death of God? Christianity and the Modern World
• Gurus and Disciples
• Hindu Religious Thought
• History and Literature in Early Christianity: Luke Acts
• Issues in Religious Studies
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy, Religion and Political Economy
• Psychology and Religion
• Religion and Film
• Religion and Globalisation
• Religion and Story
• Science and Religion
• Sociology of Religion
• William James: Philosopher, Psychologist and Scholar of Religion

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 85

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

Requirements

Passing the Kent IFP guarantees you entry onto the first year of this degree programme.

Offer levels

Single honours: A/AS level 300 points (3 A level equivalents) inc BB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 16 points at Higher.

Joint honours: A/AS level 300/320 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc BB/AB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points or IB Diploma with 15/16 points at Higher.

Required subjects

A level Religious Studies or Theology grade B where taken

English language entry requirements

In order to enter directly onto a degree course. you also need to prove your proficiency in English, and we ask for one of the following:

• average 6.5 in IELTS test, minimum 6.0 in reading and writing
• a TOEFL score of at least 580 including 4.0 reading and writing (paper-based test) or 85 including 19 reading and writing (internet-based test)
• grade C in Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
• grade B in Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English
• international GCSE English as a first language grade C; as a second language grade B.

We also accept some school English certificates

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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.

The University of Kent offers comprehensive degree programmes in both Film Studies and Religious Studies, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of their respective fields. The Film Studies programme explores the history, theory, and criticism of cinema, enabling students to develop analytical skills and a critical perspective on film as an art form and cultural phenomenon. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including film genres, national cinemas, film production, and the impact of digital technology on filmmaking and film distribution. Students have the opportunity to engage with practical aspects of film creation through workshops and production projects, alongside academic coursework. The programme is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including editing suites and screening rooms, fostering a hands-on learning environment.

The Religious Studies programme examines the diverse beliefs, practices, and histories of world religions. It encourages students to critically analyze religious traditions and their roles in contemporary societies, promoting a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity and ethical issues. The curriculum includes modules on major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, as well as topics related to religion and secularism, religious philosophy, and religion and society. Students are encouraged to undertake comparative studies and explore interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from history, anthropology, philosophy, and sociology. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas analytically.

Both programmes benefit from the university’s strong research culture and employ experienced academic staff who are experts in their fields. Students have access to extensive library resources, digital archives, and research seminars, which deepen their academic experience. The university also promotes opportunities for study abroad, internships, and collaborative projects, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop global perspectives. Graduates from these programmes often pursue careers in media, education, cultural organizations, religious institutions, and scholarly research, equipped with the analytical and communication skills gained during their studies. Overall, the combination of theoretical and practical elements in both Film and Religious Studies at the University of Kent aims to prepare students for diverse professional paths and for active participation in contemporary cultural and social debates.