ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ of Religions (Part-time) (MA)
The MA in ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ of Religions offers a unique approach to studying religious beliefs and practices around the world. This programme does not focus on any single religious tradition; instead, it encourages students to engage with many religions in a way that is free, fair, and open-minded. Here, students learn to explore different religious identities and representations while thinking critically about what religion means in today’s world.
This programme focuses on contemporary religions, examining the role of religion in current social and global contexts. It’s designed by staff with expertise in sociology, anthropology, and religious studies, meaning students benefit from a diverse and interdisciplinary approach. This background allows students to approach religion from a variety of angles, such as exploring how religious ideas and practices influence, and are influenced by, modern culture and society. The MA addresses both theoretical concepts and the practical lived aspects of religious life, so students gain a deeper understanding of how religion operates in different parts of the world and within different social settings.
Students on this course can expect a range of modules that bring together critical themes, from religious rituals and sacred scripture to ethical and political challenges that are relevant to religion today. These modules also help students consider contemporary issues like climate change, migration, and human rights, seeing how religious beliefs connect to these big global topics. Such studies are not only relevant for understanding the past but also for analysing present-day society and its values.
The ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ of Religions MA at UWTSD is designed for those who want to develop advanced research skills, making it a strong foundation for students considering further study, such as a PhD. But this programme is also valuable for students interested in a career in Religious Education or other fields where understanding cultural diversity is important.
Throughout this programme, students are encouraged to think independently, critically, and empathetically about religion as it exists today. With a global perspective, this course is well-suited for those interested in understanding religion’s role in our modern, interconnected world. Whether in further academic work or in professional fields where cultural and religious understanding is key, graduates will be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Course details
- Part-time
- Distance Learning
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
This program emphasises critical engagement, intellectual exploration, and interdisciplinary research, enabling students to develop an understanding of diverse religious traditions. We value flexibility, encouraging students to pursue areas of personal interest, build specialized knowledge, and explore comparative methodologies. This structure cultivates skills in independent research, critical thinking, and cultural literacy, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to academic and professional settings.
In the first year, students engage with foundational theories and methods. This initial stage grounds students in essential frameworks and prepares them for specialized study. Students are then invited to select from a variety of optional modules, allowing exploration into distinct religious traditions, themes, and methodologies, such as Buddhism, Islamic studies, and Celtic spirituality. This breadth cultivates a broad, versatile understanding of global religions.
As the course progresses, students choose advanced modules aligned with their specific interests. Students are encouraged to refine their research focus, linking module topics to their planned dissertation theme.
The program culminates dissertation research project that synthesises the knowledge, theories, and methodologies learned throughout the course. This equips graduates with advanced research skills and deep expertise in their area of focus.
Compulsory
Optional - run on a Year A/B system
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent. 
Admissions Advice and Support â¶Ä¯
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements â¶Ä¯If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. 
Visa and funding requirements â¶Ä¯
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯â€¯
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯â€¯
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Assessments include long essays (usually 4,000 words), shorter critical reviews, research proposals, and other shorter tasks. There are no examinations. The dissertation is a single piece of work comprising 15,000 words.
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Estimates are on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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This course develops core transferable skills in religious literacy, intercultural sensitivity, and self-reflection valued by employers. Students typically go on to work in a number of professions, including teaching, banking and financial business, marketing and advertising, publishing, civil service, health and social care, counselling, and customer service.