Religion is in what we read and watch. It’s on social media. In our workplaces and discrimination laws. And it’s present in what we wear and how we behave. Explore and challenge various faiths on our religion degree.
Ask vital questions about religion’s place in the world as you explore major global faiths in a variety of social and cultural contexts. You’ll focus on people’s experiences of their beliefs, studying their philosophies and practices. And you’ll explore religious and non-religious spirituality of new and old faith movements. This includes less orthodox readings of religion, such as witchcraft, paganism and mysticism.
You’ll come to understand religious traditions and the influence they have at local, national, and global levels. We deliver our BA (Hons) Religion degree using research-informed explorations of religion, philosophy and sociology. You’ll examine how people use digital media to express their religious identities.
Whether you have faith or not, this inclusive programme will help you engage with the world, exploring faith through individual and collective perspectives. You’ll look at belief systems through the lenses of family origins, ethnicity and disability, along with gender, sexuality and social status.
Appreciate the beliefs and practices of Abrahamic (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) and Dharmic (Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism) faiths, plus non-religious spirituality. We’ll look at the study of religion, and discuss areas like religious discrimination, religion and the law, and sacrality. In another module you’ll discuss religion in the workplace, and see what this is like for yourself through a voluntary, self-organised work placement. You’ll also explore digital religion in the twenty-first century.
Digital Religion equips you with an appreciation and understanding of religious practice in new media worlds, including digital religion and social media settings. The module offers a comprehensive analysis of how age old religions and traditions operate and are recast in the contemporary digital culture in which we live. You will examine how new technologies influence and impact upon religious practice and also consider accessibility, the emergence of online religious identities and communities, and the interface between believers and digital technology. You will encounter questions related to religious authority, authenticity, community and ritual online.
Module code: REL1005
Credits: 20
Introduction to the Sacred
Introduction to the Sacred provides you with an opportunity to analyse concepts such as ‘religious experience’, ‘spirituality’, ‘revelation’ and ‘Mysticism’. The module draws on studies in psychology, anthropology, theology, esoteric philosophy and a range of wisdom traditions. It will provide you with a framework in which to investigate non-rational forms of knowing and the epistemology of religious experience.
Module code: REL1001
Credits: 20
Introduction to the Study of Religion
Introduction to the Study of Religion provides an overview of the different methodological approaches to the study of religion. You will study the main attempts to define religion and to engage in the debates surrounding such definitions. You will engage in multi-disciplinary approaches to the idea of religion through the traditional fields of historical, anthropological, philosophical, sociological and textual studies. In addition, you will examine religion in more contemporary fields such as the visual arts, politics, environmentalism, psychology and gender.
Module code: REL1000
Credits: 20
Religion in the Workplace
Religion in the Workplace immerses you in the UK Equalities Act (2010) which recognises religion as a protected characteristic. In equality law, religion includes any religion and also no religion, meaning that employees or jobseekers are protected if they do not follow a certain religion or have no religion at all. Religious literacy is therefore an essential attribute to employability. On this module, you will explore the interface of religion, philosophy and ethics within workplace settings. These include, but are not limited to, the National Health Service (NHS), the civil service, journalism, teaching, marketing, banking, charity work, law, religious ministries, chaplaincy, and social, youth and community settings. These settings reflect the wide range of employment options available to graduates, and the intention is for you to think about your career options as well as gaining valuable work experience.
Abrahamic Traditions provides you with a philosophical and theological survey of the significant religious traditions of the west, introducing the three major Abrahamic traditions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. By looking at core beliefs, practices and texts, the module examines key developments and shared aspects of the formation of the Abrahamic Traditions up to modern times. The module will also investigate the concept of a shared ‘Abrahamic Tradition’ and explore key similarities and differences between the three faiths through an exploration of selected themes such as ‘the Oneness of God’, ‘Salvation’ and ‘the Afterlife”.
Module code: REL1004
Credits: 20
Eastern Dharma
Eastern Dharma provides you with a philosophical and theological survey of the significant religious traditions of the east. You will focus on the Dharmic traditions emanating from India as the modules addresses the central aspects of Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. You will also examine the interaction between individuals and communities in diverse and complex religious settings both globally and in modern Britain.
Module code: REL1003
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
Join religious communities to see how people express their beliefs. You’ll discuss the existence of God while considering the Bible’s influence on the modern world. We’ll encourage you to ask questions about the human body’s relationship with religious traditions, like appearance, food and drink, and health and fertility. Then you’ll have the opportunity to study Judaism in-depth, and explore philosophical religious arguments.
Ethnography: Living with Religions draws upon the academic heritage of post-war religious studies and interpretative qualitative research. The module requires you to critically engage with religion as it is lived and experienced by practitioners. It presents religion as a plural and complex reality shaping the beliefs, practices and lifestyles of human beings locally and globally. You will explore the theory and practice of the critical study of religion through consideration of methodologies such as ethnography, phenomenology, post positivism and related ethical issues such as ‘representation’ in the field of the empirical study of religion. You will take part in a three day ethnographically oriented fieldwork investigation to explore the practices of a religious community.
Module code: REL2000
Credits: 20
Judaism
Judaism presents Judaism as a fascinating historical religion which has a variety of forms of expression in modern society. An understanding of Judaism as the foundational, Abrahamic, monotheistic faith is a fundamental pre-requisite of studying religion in the West. You will explore religious thought within Judaism in order to understand its integrity and diversity and grasp its integrative role in relation to lifestyles, practices and ethics. You will also analyse the historical, social, philosophical, cultural and artistic role of Judaism in diverse contexts. The module provides perspectives of both practitioners and non-practitioners of Judaism, as well as exploring the tradition as plural, diverse, dynamic and evolving.
Module code: REL2003
Credits: 20
Religion, Belief and Reason
Religion, Belief and Reason provides you with an introduction to some of the key debates in critical thinking that have shaped religious and atheistic thought. Perspectives from philosophy, psychology and critical social sciences will be investigated to provide you with the lens through which to explore the relationship between reason and religious belief. You will develop your critical thinking skills through an exploration of the central premises of theistic belief, reasoned philosophical argument in defence and in critique of religious belief through examination of the classical and modern versions of theistic proofs. You will consider the contributions of thinkers such as Aquinas, Kant, Descartes and Hume. The module also explores the contributions of psychoanalysis and social science to post-Enlightenment thinking about religion in order to consider claims about the irrational or ideological nature of religion.
Module code: REL2002
Credits: 20
Religion in the Public Sphere
Religion in the Public Sphere recognises that religion has global social and political significance and influence. This module explores the intersection of religion as a living practice which shapes the lives of communities and individuals at a local, national and international level. You will explore some of the major debates about the role of religion in public life, through case studies of key issues, debate and discussion about the contested role of religion as an enduring force in the twenty first century. Issues of religious citizenship, the role of religion in welfare, and the relationship between family origins and religion will be explored in the context of a globalising and unstable geopolitical environment.
Module code: REL2004
Credits: 20
The Bible in the Modern World
The Bible in the Modern World introduces you to the various ways that biblical themes, images and characters have an enduring presence and influence within contemporary popular culture. By learning to analyse religious and biblical references found in music, film, TV, art, advertising and the media, you will discover that, even in today’s increasingly secular world, the Bible continues to both influence and be influenced by our cultural, political, and religious landscapes. You will explore key themes and passages in the Bible as a contemporary literary work and consider how it is used by society at large as a cultural artefact. You will explore how the Bible has been used by entertainers, politicians and others, assessing on the one hand how this has shaped Western society, while at the same time people’s understanding and interpretations of the Bible are shaped by popular culture.
Religion and the Body offers an overview of how bodies have been celebrated, disciplined and modified in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other spiritualities. Examining how bodies take on and perform religious practices, the module also explores how such presentations are conceptualised and represented in society and culture, including the media. The very nature of religious study, often tackled in terms of sacred texts, traditions and artefacts, is reshaped when the messy flesh and bone of human existence is examined. Moreover, the module engages with intersections of the human body, including youth/ageing, family origins/ethnicity, ability/disability and fat studies.
Module code: REL2006
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
You’ll produce independent research, with your tutor’s guidance, in a specialist research study masterclass. Examine controversial issues in modern Islam and Buddhism, along with expressions of spirituality, such as paganism. There are also opportunities to discuss witchcraft, and face some of religion’s more challenging questions, like how the subject addresses gender and sexuality.
British Buddhism investigates Buddhism as both ancient and modern, global and local. The three jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha provide the lens through which Buddhism will be explored, enabling you to develop critical knowledge and understanding of Buddhist history, doctrine and practice. A variety of traditional and modern sources will be explored including sutras, biographies of the Buddha and iconography. Investigation of contemporary forms of Buddhism provide a special focus linked to a small scale fieldwork study exploring pluralism within modern western Buddhism.
Module code: REL3000
Credits: 20
Challenges and Controversies in Religion
Challenges and Controversies in Religion recognises that contemporary society has seen the rise of a number of challenges to religion and religions. In a philosophical sense this includes the challenges of secularism, extremism, modernity and post-modernity. The module acknowledges the global nature of these challenges and focuses on religion and controversial issues. It will deepen your appreciation of the value of an ethnographic approach in understanding public controversies through case studies. The aim is to examine live issues that are being publicly aired during the academic year.
Module code: REL3009
Credits: 20
Contemporary Paganisms
Contemporary Paganisms equips you with an understanding of various branches of Paganism and an awareness of some of its basic principles. The module examines how social media may influence and impact practices and accessibility and offers the opportunity to question various Pagan myths. You will encounter questions related to religious authority, authenticity, community and ritual and explore how Pagan identities are formed.
Module code: REL3008
Credits: 20
Gender, Sexuality and Christianity
Gender, Sexuality and Christianity sensitively grapples with the issues of gender and sexuality within the Christian traditions. Exploring feminist and queer theologies, you will explore the complex relationship between Christianity and gender and sexuality. The justification for the churches’ positional statements about gender and sexuality are often grounded in traditional readings of scripture. This has led to questions of inclusivity of the churches. The module is informed by voices which have historically been marginalised, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, offering a platform which demonstrates the ability for such stigmatised and silenced voices to think theologically about their own experiences.
Module code: REL3007
Credits: 20
Issues in Contemporary Islam
Issues in Contemporary Islam recognises that with competing constructs of Islam dominating the domestic and international news agenda, a thorough understanding of the complex issues facing Islam is an essential aspect of religious education. A range of popular, stereotypical images come to mind when considering Islam in its contemporary setting. Questions raised about Islam often parallel similar questions raised globally among Muslims themselves about the decline of Islam and its place in the modern world. This is especially true of questions around the nature of the modern secular state and the degree to which religion has a role within it, both in Muslim majority societies and those in which Muslims constitute a minority. This module draws upon empirical research and a wide range of critical literature to enable you to develop an in-depth and critically reflective awareness of the challenging issues that have impacted upon Muslims through recent history.
Module code: REL3005
Credits: 20
Specialist Research Project in Religion
Specialist Research Project in Religion provides an opportunity to reflect upon and expand your research skills through an introduction to research methods and methodology in religious studies and the completion of an extended research project. Following a number of masterclass-style lectures and tutorials on research methodology, as shown through the research conducted within the department, you will be supported in undertaking an independent piece of research which can be either conceptual or empirical. At the end of the module, you will present your research to an undergraduate seminar organised by the department in a form suitable for publication in a departmental undergraduate research journal.
Module code: REL3006
Credits: 20
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Much of your time at university will be in a classroom setting with a focus on group work and discussion. These sessions will be complemented by field trips to religious communities and places of worship.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed through coursework which will include a combination of academic essays, reflective and creative portfolios, and technology-based assessments.
There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by a team of highly qualified and research-active lecturers, many of whom have had work published in their specialist areas of expertise.
The programme team are enthusiastic and passionate about the study of religion in the contemporary world.
Guest speakers from diverse religious communities will also contribute to the delivery of the course, providing you with additional insight and fresh perspectives.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BCC-BBC.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Housed in a state-of-the-art £9million building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.
Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology. The lakeside building is also home to a popular vegan and vegetarian cafe where students can meet to socialise and discuss their studies.
The nearby piazza building offers modern facilities including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.
The UK tuition fee rate is subject to final Government approval for academic year 2023/24 entry. The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
This degree prepares you for a variety of careers where you can work with and help others. You’ll develop key skills like empathy, interpersonal communication and teamwork. After the course has finished, you might consider applying for jobs in social work, the civil service, counselling, youth work, management, religious chaplaincy, or museums.
You’ll also be well suited for work in the NHS, the police or with religious services. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Masters, or take on a PGCE to train as a teacher.
In a globalised world, understanding diverse perspectives is vital for resolving conflict and promoting positive human values. The transferable skills you’ll learn on this course will give you the confidence to make valuable contributions in this line of work.
Housed in a state-of-the-art £9million building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.
