Anthropology and Religious Studies (BA Hons)
BA Anthropology and Religious Studies is an exciting degree that looks at how people live, think, and believe in different cultures across the world. It brings together two key areas of study, Anthropology and Religious Studies, giving you the tools to explore what shapes human societies.
In anthropology, you will learn about the way people live in different cultures and how societies have developed over time. You’ll study both past and present human societies, understanding the variety of ways people interact with each other and their environment. This involves exploring subjects like ethnography in anthropology, which is the practice of studying people and cultures through close observation. You will also investigate how social theory and power play a role in shaping societies.
Religious studies focuses on understanding different religions from around the world. You will learn about religious beliefs, practices, and institutions, examining how they influence people’s lives. As you study these topics, you’ll explore themes such as ritual and myth, which are central to many religions. You’ll also look at how sacred space in societies and iconography in human societies—the use of symbols and images—help define religious and cultural identities.
This Anthropology and Religious Studies BA gives you a social scientific approach to understanding the world, combining both theoretical and practical perspectives. This means you will not only learn about the theories behind human cultures and religions but also gain real insights by studying different communities in-depth.
The degree is flexible, offering both full-time and part-time study, so you can choose the path that works best for you. Whether you’re interested in ancient rituals or how modern societies are shaped by religion, this degree provides a rich and varied way to explore the diverse ways people live and believe.
By the end of this programme, you will have a deep understanding of the complexities of human culture and religion, equipping you for careers in areas like social research, education, or community work.
Course details
- Full-time
- On-campus
- English
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Anthropology and Religious Studies BA focuses on a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to learning. We believe in blending theory with practical experience, encouraging students to explore critical questions about human societies and religious beliefs through lectures, seminars, and real-world projects.
This course fosters independent thought and hands-on engagement with global issues.
In the first year, you will explore key themes in philosophy, ethics, and human interaction with the environment. Courses such as An Introduction to Ethics, Ancient Philosophy, and Freedom, Equality and Justice introduce fundamental questions about morality, society, and politics. You’ll also study People’s Worlds: Interaction with the Environment, providing insight into how humans engage with their surroundings.
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In the second year, you will dive deeper into complex topics through a wide range of module choices such as the Philosophy of Mind, exploring the relationships between humans, animals, and machines. You can investigate the intersection of religion and gender in Women and Religion, while Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics addresses the ethical issues surrounding business and environmental concerns in a globalised world.
Your final year will focus on independent research alongside optional modules. Modules like Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice and Global Genocides explore significant social justice issues, while Religions in Africa and Living in Multi-Cultural Worlds offer a global perspective on religion and society.
You can also complete a Professional Placement to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
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Course 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.
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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96 – 112 UCAS points - e.g. A-levels: CCC-BBC, BTEC: MMM-DMM, IB: 30-32and Interview.
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes 
- Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
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. &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 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &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¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. 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.
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.
Extracurricular Welsh OpportunitiesThere 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. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words.
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The Faculty has estimated 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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Academia, Business, Advocacy and government relations jobs, Analyst jobs, Committee work, Education, Environmental work, Ethics advisors and other advisory work, Fundraising, Law, Media and journalism, NGOs and charities, Politics and Civil Service