Religious Studies MRes

Program Overview

This research-oriented Master's program in Religious Studies empowers individuals to delve deeply into a research topic within two years. Ideal for those interested in academic advancement without a long-term PhD commitment, it combines a 25,000-word dissertation with advanced taught modules and an interdisciplinary component, providing a strong foundation for further study or careers in research, academia, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course is ideal for individuals passionate about a research topic in religious studies who:

• Want to develop their research skills or academic ability before committing to a PhD
• Cannot commit to three years or more of research
• Their topic does not need three years of research

Outline:

The course consists of 180 credits:

• Dissertation - 120 credits
• Subject modules - 40 credits
• Faculty-wide module - 20 credits

Modules:

• Dissertation: A 25,000-word dissertation on a subject agreed upon by the student and their supervisor.
• Advanced taught modules: These modules allow students to deepen their knowledge and skills over a range of topics and prepare for further research specialization.
They are taken during semesters one and two.
• Interdisciplinary module: Students choose one of two modules involving masters students from across the Faculty of Arts.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Examinations

Teaching:

• The course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
• Students are supervised by experienced theologians, sociologists, biblical scholars, and philosophers.

Careers:

• Graduates may pursue careers in academia, research, education, or the public sector.
• The program also provides a strong foundation for further study, such as a PhD.

Other:

• The department is ranked in the top 10 for its research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.