Indian Religions

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This master´s programme brings together a range of themes relating to socio-religious traditions which have their origins in the Indian sub-continent. It is intended specifically to provide interested individuals with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of these traditions by engaging with scholarship on the subject in an academic environment.

The programme is designed primarily for study at home. We also offer you opportunities to join us at our beautiful university campus to participate in residential sessions when you can attend lectures and workshops, interact with fellow students, and meet your tutors to discuss your progress.

Our modules explore both textual and popular aspects of Indian religious traditions, and, as part of the programme, we invite you to join us on a fieldtrip to India when you can experience some aspects of Indian traditions at first hand!

The MA consists of two parts. The first part is the taught element, and the second part is the dissertation.

* The taught element involves the successful completion of six modules, four of which you can choose from our (expanding) list of options. For each chosen module, you will be assessed on the basis of a 5,000-word essay or equivalent.
* The dissertation, part 2 of the MA, is a piece of original research, 20,000 words in length, on an aspect of religious traditions originating in the Indian subcontinent that may be of interest to you. The topic for the dissertation needs to be formally agreed with the programme director before students embark on their research.
* You can enrol for the MA either as a part-time or full-time student.
* For full-time students, the taught part of the MA is a one-year programme, with a further year in which to write-up the dissertation.
* Part-time students usually take about two to three years to complete the taught elements and a further two years to complete the dissertation.

Choice of Modules (20 credits each)

Compulsory modules

* MASS0320 Study Skills for Theology and Religious Studies
* MASR4020 Theory and Methodology in the Interdisciplinary Study of Religions

Optional Modules currently available

* MASR2920 The Bhagavad Gita and its Commentators
* MASR3120 Advaita Vedanta, Samkhya and Yoga
* MASR1820 Reincarnation, Rebirth and Philosophy
* MASR3620 Fieldtrip to South India
* MASR3920 Tantra and Sexuality in Hindu Traditions
* MASR4120 The Body in Ayurvedic Tradition

Further (optional) modules on Study and Research Skills

* MASR2120 Studying Religion on the Internet
* MASS0220 Empirical Research Methods

Diploma and CertificateIn case you do not wish to complete the entire MA, but prefer instead to enrol only for a few of the modules available, you have the following two options: You can complete 60 credits worth of modules (three modules of 20 credits each) and qualify for a Certificate in the Study of Religion. Alternatively you can complete 120 credits worth of modules (six modules of 20 credits each), and qualify for a Diploma in the Study of Religion.

Good first degree or relevant experience for those over 25 years.International students applying for study at postgraduate level will normally be required to show evidence of sufficient command of the English language to be able to follow their course, undertake research and produce writing without major linguistic difficulties. For example, this is usually the Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency Certificate, IELTS minimum score of 6.5, TOEFL minimum score of 575. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

UK Students

Unfortunately, funding is very scarce for postgraduate courses. Some funding is available from external bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The AHRC is funded by a number of sources including the British Academy and the Department of Higher and Further Education and offers support including professional and vocational awards and Studentships in the Humanities. Applications can be made via the Registry in February each year. Occasionally there are University of Wales Studentships available which are equivalent to the funding given by the AHRC, but these are subject to availability. A funding guide is available from the Registry. Most UK students are self-funding and many opt for Career Development Loans.

Overseas Students

Loans

American and Canadian students can apply for funding via the Federal Student Loan System for their respective countries.

Overseas scholarships

Overseas students may apply for Overseas Research Scholarships if they are intending to study for a full-time MPhil or PhD. Application forms are available in February of each year from the Registry and must be completed and returned to the Registry by the end of April in any given year. If candidates are successful in their application, fees are reduced to that of a home student.