Theology and Religious Studies

UCAS code

V616

Modes of study and duration of the course

3 Years Full Time

Contact for further information

Emma Lester, Faculty of Arts Admissions Office, Tel. +44 (0) 113 343 8068, e.lester@leeds.ac.uk

Why study?

The study of religion is vital for understanding the world we live in. At Leeds we teach the full range of approaches to religion and are particularly interested in why and how religion matters for public life.

Theology and Religious Studies is an exciting and challenging degree course that lets you engage with philosophy, social sciences, history, literature, languages and more.

You can gain skills through fieldwork with local religious communities, group presentations, debating in seminars, and researching a dissertation.

You will study the religions with empathy and a critical distance, alongside people of all faiths and none.

Professional accreditations / details of any exemptions

 

Related courses

• BA Philosophy, Ethics and Religion

Entry requirements

AAB-ABB at A Level.

IB: 34-36 points (including 16-17 points at Higher Level)

School of Philosophy, Religion & History of Science Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Part-time study: Mature Students
The School welcomes applications from applicants who may have had a period away from full-time education, and is happy to assess such applicants, where appropriate, by means of an interview and/or written tests.

Support is available through the Lifelong Learning Centre and includes pre-entry advice, guidance, preparatory programmes for adults, developing academic skills before entry and information on a range of issues relevant to such applicants.

For further details, contact part-time@leeds.ac.uk, phone 0113 343 3212 or see Lifelong Learning Centre.

How to apply

Full-time study: Please apply online at www.ucas.com

If you require any help with the online application process, please contact UCAS on 44 (0) 871 468 0468. Callers from outside the UK should contact UCAS on 44 (0) 870 11 222 11.

Part-time study: Please apply via the Lifelong Learning Centre. For further details, please contact: part-time@leeds.ac.uk or Tel. +44 (0) 113 343 3212.

Entry / admissions tests

International/Overseas Students
All applications from international students are considered in line with our standard entrance requirements (expressed as English A Level qualifications) and we would expect predicted grades to be of an equivalent level.

Proof of English Language proficiency will be required and minimum levels and approved tests for the School are detailed in the University of Leeds Admissions Policy.

Further information for prospective international applicants can be found at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international

Selection principles

Offers are based on the merit and the ability of each applicant to meet the academic and non-academic criteria for admission to the programme of study.

We will consider all the information supplied in your application and, where appropriate, performance at interview, in determining whether to make an offer to an applicant.

Please see the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions Policy for further information.

What you study

You will learn about the variety of religious traditions and communities historically, globally and locally, and how they relate to their contexts. We aim to equip you to live and work in a multi-religious and secular society, and to provide qualifications and skills appropriate for personal development, professional employment and further study.

In the first year, you are encouraged to develop skills and knowledge in all areas of study we offer. There are four compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Academic Skills - a 5 credit module to equip you with the skills and strategies you will need for studying at University level
• Religion in Modern Britain - a 20 credit module, whcih introduces the study of the religious communities of contemporary Britain,and includes an introduction to fieldwork in religious studies.
• Jesus and Christian Communities - a 20 credit module which gives a broad introduction to Christian theology and ethics and to the diversity of Christianity, through studying the figure of Jesus.
• Key Texts in Theology and Religious Studies - a 10 credit module taught in small groups, in which you read, study and debate texts that raise important issues for Theology and Religious Studies.

You then choose further modules form a good array of options available (including modules introducing you to the study of Judaism, of Arab & Islamic Civilisation and of Modern African Religions as well as modules in the philosophy of religion and magic, science and religion. You may also choose elective modules in other subjects outside Theology and Religious Studies (TRS).

In the second year, you will have the chance to concentrate more closely on areas which are of particular interest to you. There is a single compulsory module at level 2, 'Studying Religion in Context'. This module is designed to develop your academic skills further while introducing you to major and current issues from across Theology and Religious Studies. Further options may include modules on Hindu Traditions, Buddhism, the Hebrew Sciptures, Contemporary Muslim Societies, modern theology, theological ethics and Sociology of Religion. Our popular 'Students into Schools' module provides an opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in Theology and Religious Studies to classroom situations (see work placement opportunities below).

Between your second and third years, there is the opportunity to undertake a work placement, run by the University Careers Service. This enables you to gain work experience while continuing to be enrolled on your course of study. Students are responsible for finding and applying for their own placement opportunities although help can be provided by the Careers Service. See also below for details of the TRS-specific placement module.

In the third year, there are no compulsory modules. You can focus your attention on the topics and subjects that most interest you and begin to develop a deeper and more research-focused knowledge of those areas. Possible modules include Islam and Modernity; Religions and Global Development; Muslims, Multiculturalism and the State; Religion, Belief and Ethics; Science & Religion; Sin; Buddhism and Race & Religion in Sourthern Africa. You may also choose to write a dissertation on a topic that you select and research yourself. Our Religious Mapping of Leeds module involves you in a team doing original research on local religious communities.

Our External Placement module lets you gain credit towards your degree by working for a partner organisation (current partners include the City Council and a network of voluntary groups), using your knowledge and skills to address real-life problems while gaining work experience.

Please see this link to our programme catalogue for full details of the modules available.

Download single honours Theology and Religious Studies course information here

Download our School undergraduate brochure here

Study abroad opportunities

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of opportunities for students to Study Abroad and supports students in applying through the European Commission's Erasmus scheme. Students who complete a successful year abroad will extend their degree to 4 years in duration and will be awarded a 'European' or 'International' degree. You may also choose to spend a semester abroad, an option which does not extend your degree programme beyond the normal 3 year duration.

Theology and Religious Studies has specific exchange links with the Charles University in Prague (where you can be taught in English, German or Czech!)

Current modules taught

Module Catalogue

Key facts

Theology and Religious Studies

The part-time version of the programme runs over 5 or 6 years.

The Department is a lively, friendly community which is innovative and academically distinguished. Our students enjoy all the benefits of belonging to a large institution while working in a community on a more personal scale.

Our Department is open to people of all faiths and none. We welcome diversity of membership, believing it to be personally enriching and intellectually creative.

The Department has pioneered the study of the religions of ethnic minorities in Britain and is well known for its work on African religion, New Testament textual criticism and modern Christian social and political theology.

We run a project which enables you to work in close collaboration with local religious communities and other agencies to produce a religious map of Leeds.

Who do I contact to visit the department?

Emma Lester, Faculty of Arts Admissions Office, Tel. +44 (0) 113 343 8068, e.lester@leeds.ac.uk

Learning and assessment

Studying at university is different from school or college in that you will benefit from a variety of teaching and learning styles. These include lectures, small-group seminars or tutorials and, in some subjects, workshops. Your lecturers are all experts in their fields. There is greater emphasis on independent learning. You will prepare for lectures and seminars by doing some research, which means reading in the libraries, checking sources and discovering more information or new ideas related to your subject. Often you will do this on your own but you may also work in groups; whichever the case, your lecturer or tutor will always be on hand to help. In your first year of study you will cover the core elements of your subject(s) in detail, so that by the end of the year you will have acquired a sound knowledge base. After your first year you will be able to choose what you want to study from a wide range of optional modules – your tutors will advise you on making your choices. You will continue to be taught via lectures, seminars and tutorials throughout your degree. In your final year you may undertake a supervised research project or dissertation on a favourite topic. This type of extended, research-based project showcases many of the attributes – critical thinking, advanced research and literacy skills, the assimilation and organisation of complex ideas – that we know are highly valued by employers.

We use different types of assessment. Normally it is a mixture of examinations and course essays, but some modules include oral presentations or group work as assessed components. In preparation for your assessments, you will receive written and verbal feedback on practice essays and take part in exam revision sessions. You will also be able to attend extra classes on topics such as exam writing technique, how to conduct research in your subject, how to structure an essay and public speaking. This additional support will be available throughout your time at Leeds.

What facilities are available

The University libraries house over 2.5 million items, Theology and Religious studies are very well represented.

Leeds University Union caters for a wide range of recreational, sporting, cultural, and social interests. There is a wide range of religious societies and centres of worship, as well as dedicated chaplaincy services.

Fees

For information about our fees and details of the financial support that may be available to you please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/yourfinances

Scholarships and bursaries

For information on the University's scholarships and bursaries see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/20028/university_support.

Career opportunities

Just as we have no typical graduate, there is no typical career destination for our graduates. Their list of occupations includes accountancy, social work, nursing, teaching, armed services ministry, management, postgraduate study, administration, insurance, police, prison service, community work, the Stock Exchange, librarianship, catering, retailing, acting, secretarial and PA work.

Work placement opportunities

Our second year optional Students into Schools module provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in Theology and Religious Studies to classroom situations at a local school. The module includes lectures and a placement in a local school, both observing and assisting in teaching. It offers you the opportunity to work with a support teacher and be involved in the planning and delivery of lessons. Support and training is provided by the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and the Access Academy. Please be aware that this module is very popular and there is a selection process in place for all interested students.

Between your second and third years, there is also the opportunity to undertake a work placement, run by the University Careers Service. This enables you to gain work experience while continuing to be enrolled on your course of study. Students are responsible for finding and applying for their own placement opportunities although help can be provided by the Careers Service.

In your third year, our External Placement module lets you gain credit towards your degree by working for a partner organisation (current partners include the City Council and a network of voluntary groups), using your knowledge and skills to address real-life problems while gaining work experience. ‘The Religious Mapping of Leeds’ module involves you in a team doing original research on local religious communities.