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MA/PGDip/PGCert Religion, Politics and Society

The main goal of the Religion, Politics and Society programme from University of Birmingham is to provide students an advanced level understanding of the conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics at a time when religion plays more than ever a major role in the politics of nation-states and the development of the international system.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (MA Full-Time)
2 years (MA Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,960 per year 
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

The Religion, Politics and Society programme from University of Birmingham addresses major themes around the role of religion in politics and international relations in the contemporary world and allows students to research the role of religion in society and politics. It explores the theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject by focusing on the relationship between organised religions and the nation-state, as well as the global processes that promote religious conflict and conflict resolution. It also examines the public roles of religious communities and individuals and how political topics of secularism, tolerance, governance, intersect with religious groups and tradition.

This masters offers a unique bi-disciplinary approach that has been developed by internationally recognized scholars in the field of religion and politics such as Jocelyne Cesari. Tapping into the interdisciplinary expertise of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, it operates with a groundbreaking method which mobilizes the scholarship of social sciences and religious studies to offer analysis on major issues such as: political violence, security, democracy, Human Rights and religious freedom.

This degree is ideal for building the theoretical and methodological skills of students of religion interested in interdisciplinary doctoral programs. It is also tailored to current and aspiring policymakers and analysts in international, national and regional governmental and non- governmental organizations engaged in management of conflict, diversity, inter-religious relations and community development.

Courses include:

  • Religion in Contemporary Global Politics
  • Research Methods in Theology and the Study of Religion
  • Globalisation Since 1945
  • The Making of the World: Themes in Global History
  • Bioethics
  • Ethics and Global Ethics
  • Human Rights

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Birmingham’s Theology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.

Requirements

  • You will need an Honours degree, normally of an upper second class standard.

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