Social Sciences (Religious Studies) (R23-REL)

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences. You'll study core modules in interdisciplinary social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. This will be combined with exploring a variety of phenomena mediated by religion, from consumerism and the environment, atheism and Hindu nationalism, to racism, the urban environment and contemporary pilgrimage. On completion of this degree, you’ll be able to apply knowledge and ideas from religious studies and the wider social sciences to a broad range of practical and real-world issues.

Key features of the course

• Specialise in religious studies within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.

• Learn how to apply cutting edge ideas from the field of religious studies to a broad range of real-world situations.

• Develop skills in independent working and apply these in an extended essay based on a literature based research project.

• Gain a degree directly relevant to careers where critical analysis is at a premium or that involve understanding the workings of society, such as the civil service, local government, research and policy work.

Course Modules

This social sciences degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You'll begin with a broad introductory module providing you with a solid foundation in the social sciences, crucial for your understanding of the religious studies modules you'll take later in this qualification. To complete this stage, you'll choose between exploring important global challenges or focus on the revolutions that have shaped the modern world.

At Stage 2, you'll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. You'll then be introduced to a range of religious traditions, in particular Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, in diverse geographical, cultural and historical contexts. You'll study these religions as they are actually lived and investigate their impact on different societies and cultures.

At Stage 3, you’ll choose from a range of social science modules. You'll complete your degree by looking at sociological, ethnographic and historical sources to investigate intricate connections between religion and politics, tradition, gender, multiculturalism, animism, atheism, violence, sex and capitalism.