German and Religious Studies

The BA in German and Religious Studies at the University of Kent offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich cultural, historical, and linguistic traditions of Germany alongside the diverse world of religious beliefs and practices. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop advanced language skills in German, enabling students to communicate fluently and confidently in various contexts while also gaining a deep understanding of religious movements, texts, philosophies, and their influence on societies over time. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including classical and contemporary religious thought, the role of religion in modern society, and the cultural expressions of faith in German-speaking contexts.

The programme combines taught modules, language immersion, and cultural studies, providing a balanced curriculum that fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural awareness. In the first year, students build a solid foundation in German language proficiency and introduce fundamental concepts of religious studies. As they progress into the second and third years, students expand their academic horizons through specialized modules, including German literature, history, philosophy, and various religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and new religious movements.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in language exchange programmes, study abroad opportunities, and field visits to religious sites in Germany and the UK, enabling practical application of their knowledge and intercultural competence. The programme aims to prepare graduates for a range of careers, including education, diplomacy, cultural management, religious and community services, journalism, and further postgraduate study. With a strong emphasis on research-led teaching and engaging academic staff, the BA in German and Religious Studies provides a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for students passionate about understanding the intersection of language, culture, and religion in a global context.

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
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
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:

GE301 - Learning German 3 (Post A Level)

GE329 - Intensive Beginners German

GE331 - Learning German 2 (Post-GCSE German)

TH331 - Introduction to Hinduism & Buddhism

TH334 - Religion and Sex

TH340 - Gods of the Desert: Judaism and Islam

TH341 - What is Religion?

TH342 - Religion in the Contemporary World

TH345 - From: Eden To The End of The World: An Introduction to The Bible

TH346 - Introduction to Asian Traditions

GE330 - Beginners' Danish: Language & Culture

GE311 - Varieties of German Writing

GE312 - Images of Germany, 1945-1990

GE326 - Introduction to German Literature (in translation)

GE327 - German Pronunciation and Phonetics

GE328 - Post-1989 German Cinema

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

TH618 - Continental Philosophy of Religion

TH608 - Sociology of Religion

TH611 - The Sacred in Contemporary Society

TH570 - I:Religion and Film

TH571 - I:Death of God ? :Christianity and the Modern World

TH594 - Christianity and Ethics

TH598 - Issues in Religious Studies

TH601 - Hindu Religious Thought

TH606 - William James: Philosopher, Psychologist and Scholar of Religion

TH620 - Anthropology of Religion

TH624 - Indian Philosophy of Religion

TH626 - Gods and Government from the Roman Empire to Tony Blair

TH628 - Gods and Government from the Roman Empire to Tony Blair

TH630 - Comparative Literature and Religion of Biblical Worlds

TH632 - Comparative Literature and Religion of Biblical Worlds

TH634 - Mahåyåna Buddhism: The Foundations

GE586 - Medien und Öffentlichkeit

GE587 - Life After Modernism? An Introduction to Postmodernist Literature in Ge

GE591 - German Expressionism 1920-1925

GE593 - Danish Through the Medium of Crime Fiction

GE580 - German Extended Essay

GE584 - Order and Madness: Classical German Literature

GE507 - Learning German 4

GE516 - German Post 'A' Level

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

The University of Kent has Erasmus agreements with several universities in Germany and Austria.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

GE503 - Learning German 5

TH635 - Mahåyåna Buddhism: The Foundations

TH633 - Comparative Literature and Religion of Biblical Worlds

TH631 - Comparative Literature and Religion of Biblical Worlds

TH629 - Gods and Government from the Roman Empire to Tony Blair

TH627 - Gods and Government from the Roman Empire to Tony Blair

TH625 - Indian Philosophy of Religion

TH621 - Anthropology of Religion

TH607 - William James: Philosopher, Psychologist and Scholar of Religion

TH574 - H:Religion and Film

TH575 - H:Death of God ? :Christianity and the Modern World

TH577 - Christianity and Ethics

TH612 - The Sacred in Contemporary Society

TH617 - Continental Philosophy of Religion

TH619 - Religious Studies and Philosophy in the Classroom

TH515 - Theology and Religious Studies Dissertation

TH553 - Issues in Religious Studies

TH555 - Hindu Religious Thought

TH558 - Sociology of Religion

GE580 - German Extended Essay

GE585 - Order and Madness: Classical German Literature

GE593 - Danish Through the Medium of Crime Fiction

GE592 - German Expressionism 1920-1925

GE588 - Life After Modernism? An Introduction to Postmodernist Literature in Ge

GE586 - Medien und Öffentlichkeit

SCL501 - Languages in the Classroom

GE506 - German Dissertation

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

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

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: Grade 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

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 a comprehensive program in Religious Studies, designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and historical developments across different cultures and societies. The degree program explores major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, along with an examination of secular and philosophical perspectives related to religion. Emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills, the course combines theoretical approaches with practical understanding, enabling students to analyze religious texts, practices, and their impact on society.

Throughout the program, students engage in a wide range of modules that cover religious traditions, rituals, ethical issues, and contemporary religious movements. They also study the interplay between religion and other social phenomena, including politics, gender, ethnicity, and globalization. The program aims to develop students' ability to interpret religious phenomena critically and to appreciate their significance in historical and modern contexts.

The program includes opportunities for engaging with primary sources, fieldwork, and current debates in religious studies. Students may also participate in seminars, workshops, and guest lectures delivered by experts in the field. The course fosters research skills and cultural awareness, preparing students for careers in academia, education, community work, policy analysis, journalism, and other fields where understanding of religion is vital.

Employers value the skills acquired through the program, such as critical analysis, research, communication, and intercultural understanding. The program is typically delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, group work, and independent study. Assessment methods may include essays, presentations, exams, and research projects.

The University of Kent supports students through dedicated academic advisors and special interest groups. The program may also offer opportunities for study abroad and internships, enhancing intercultural competence and practical experience. Graduates of Religious Studies at Kent have gone on to successful careers in education, religious organizations, social services, and cultural institutions, among others.

Please note that specific details such as course modules, admission requirements, and duration may vary and should be confirmed through the university’s official website or academic catalog. The university emphasizes a student-centered approach, fostering an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives on religion and society.