StudyQA — Master: Religious Studies — University of Edinburgh

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Description Contents Requirements

Religious beliefs, behaviours and institutions are fascinating and powerful components in human societies. Understanding their motivations and structures can help the search for solutions to major challenges in the contemporary world.

This programme allows a deepening engagement with the methodological ramifications of the field, while at the same time encouraging in-depth study of one or more religious traditions.

Our focus extends beyond theory and method in religious studies to specific local, national and international religious traditions. We study Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Indian traditions, as well as indigenous religions of Africa, North America and East Asia, and new age and diasporic traditions.

This combination of theoretical know-how, with studies in specific traditions, equips you to compare, interpret and explain religion in cross-cultural perspective.

The programme also offers the opportunity to learn Sanskrit, Arabic or Persian (subject to availability) through our leading expertise in Asian Studies and in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies.

This MSc is run over one year full time (or two years part-time).

You will participate in seminars, tutorials and lectures. You will be given training in research methods and will receive individual supervision for your 15,000-word dissertation.

Compulsory courses:

Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
Selected Themes in the Study of Religion
Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies

Option courses:

Contemporary Theories of Religion
Gender and Ethics in Islam
New Age Spirituality in Contemporary Culture
New Dimensions in Jewish Thought
New Indigenous Religious Movements
Religion and Nationalism
Religion and the New African Diaspora

You can choose a further postgraduate course offered elsewhere in the School of Divinity, or a course or language from another School, at the discretion of the Programme Director and subject to availability.

Career opportunities

The programme is designed to give you a good basis for postgraduate research in religious studies, or for employment in a wide range of areas requiring critical analysis and empathetic understanding.

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in theology or ethics, or similar. Any appropriate experience will also be considered. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL iBT® test: 100 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.