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Our dedicated Masters programme in Science and Religion is intended for students who wish to engage in the advanced interdisciplinary study of science and religion, including those who wish to prepare for subsequent PhD work.
This degree is one of the world's very few science and religion programmes. It aims to inform and engage with the debate in depth, looking at it from scientific, philosophical, historical, ethical and theological perspectives. As such, it can be approached from a wide background of disciplines.
Much of the recent debate surrounding New Atheism has taken place within a poorly informed view of the history and philosophy of science and its relationship with religion.
This programme aims to inform and engage with the debate in depth, looking at it from scientific, philosophical, historical, ethical and theological perspectives.
It provides a strong grounding in these issues. The history of science is studied from ancient times through the modern scientific revolution, together with philosophical trends in our understanding of reality.
The main areas of dialogue between science and religion are explored in depth, including cosmology, evolution, divine action and miracles, consciousness and the human person.
This programme is run over 12 months full time (or 24 months part time). You will be taught mainly in small groups in a seminar setting. You will be given training in research methods and will receive individual supervision for your 15,000-word dissertation.
Compulsory courses
- The History of Science and Religion in the Christian Tradition
- Cosmos, Cell and Creator: Current Debates in Science and Religion
- Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies.
Optional courses
You will choose three further courses. Options include:
- Creation and Providence
- Ecology, Ethics and Spirit
- Philosophical Issues in Evolution
- Man and the Natural World in Enlightenment.
You may also opt for optional courses from elsewhere in the University, at the discretion of the Programme Director and subject to availability.
Career opportunities
The programme can be taken as preparation for a research degree, or can form useful preparation for a career in education, journalism, public policy, or the civil service or elsewhere.