Religious Studies and English Literature

Studying religion and literature prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important.

You will develop an understanding of the main phenomena of religion, such as belief systems, rituals, mythology, iconography and ethics, through a variety of methodologies as well as an understanding of the main genres and interpretive practices of English literature.

Why study this programme

• Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field that studies a wide range of religious tradition, religious beliefs and practices and their relationships with the broader world.

• You will have the opportunity to study multiple religious cultures, including Asian traditions, Buddhist and Hindu traditions, Christianity, indigenous religions, Islam, Judaism, New Age spirituality and new religions. Your courses will allow you to delve deeply into the diverse beliefs and practices that forged these religious cultures in both the historical and contemporary world.

• English literature introduces you to major texts and gives you the tools and critical skills to read works of literature written in English from around the world, understand and interpret them.

• You will gain the essential skills needed for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose, encounter different ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study using a range of methods to examine where religious ideas illuminate literature and where religion is mediated in texts.

• You will discover the links between religious questions and the production of literature. You can enhance your knowledge of specific religious traditions by taking language courses.

• You will not only acquire a profound knowledge of your subject but also gain a good understanding of research methodologies and develop a range of skills to prepare you for various employment opportunities and continued life-long learning.

Programme benefits

• You will join a vibrant, tight-knit community of around 450 students and 40 staff, based in their own building – the beautiful and historic New College. Divinity has a fantastic onsite library which is one of the largest religion and theology libraries in the UK.

• Our friendly and approachable teaching staff consist of internationally respected scholars in a wide range of specialisms.

• We have the oldest department of English literature in the UK, one of the longest-established in the world.

• Our English literature community has lots to offer, including reading and writers' groups, poetry slams, creative writing and publishing opportunities, and student theatre. As well as multiple student societies, we also have a Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme for literature and a Writer in Residence.

• You will have opportunities to study abroad during the summer and in Year 3. You can study abroad in exchange for up to a year during Year 3, at a wide selection of leading global universities.

• You do not need qualifications in religious studies to take up the study of religion. Our students come from backgrounds in arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.