2-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Social Sciences and Law - Continue to Master of Arts - Religious Studies

This program will prepare students for entry to a postgraduate degree in a wide range of subjects at Lancaster University, including law, design and a world top 10 linguistics program (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Religion plays a role in many aspects of today’s world – from popular culture to conflict, gender equality to the understanding of the past. This course has been designed to help students unravel those relationships using research methods from different disciplines such as sociology and anthropology.

Hone research skills

This course is kickstarted with th4e Studying Religion module. It covers a lot of ground – students will study areas like social and cultural transformations of religion and spirituality, as well as sharpening thier skills in making sense of conflicting data from different sources and forming an evidence-based argument.

Students also dig deeper into an area that interests them with the dissertation module. Past students have looked at a very wide range of topics, depending on their own interests. For example, they’ve written about religion and spirituality during lockdown, and charismatic leadership in new religious movements.

A range of areas to explore

Alongside core modules, students might analyse Indian source texts on politics and ethics or perhaps discuss major debates in religious and atheistic thought. With the Independent Study module, students can pick any area within the subject to explore.

Religious Studies is a rich and fascinating area of study, constantly evolving as understanding expands and matures. The MA Religious Studies degree will show potential employers that graduates understand cultural differences and appreciate diversity. This is something that’s valued across a range of sectors.