Theology and Religious Studies BA

Course overview

Understanding religion is vital in order to understand the world we live in. This degree enables you to explore a variety of approaches to religious traditions throughout time and across cultures, as well as their effects on public life.

Core modules introduce you to key themes and approaches in theology and the study of religion, as well as the importance of understanding both in context.

This course also offers an impressive range of choice. We offer a wide variety of optional modules allowing you to study specific traditions from Christianity to South Asian religions, explore religion in modern Britain or Africa, philosophy of religion, sin, ethics or sex and gender in a religious context.

Combining aspects of philosophy, social sciences, history, literature, languages and more, this challenging degree offers you a fascinating insight into some of the most influential forces shaping, and being shaped by, our world.

Course details

Core modules in your first year introduce you to the history, methods, concepts and questions posed by theology and religious studies.

You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules, maintaining a balance between individual religious traditions and specific regions or themes, giving you a global outlook.

This foundation enables you to make the most of the choices on offer over the next two years, as you select from a range of optional modules to shape a degree that suits you.

A compulsory module in your second year places religious studies in contemporary contexts. You’ll then tailor your degree to suit your interests, from Buddhism and Hindu traditions to theological ethics, sin, and the sociology of religion.

Throughout your degree, you’ll develop your critical and research skills, as well as your cultural and social awareness. You’ll be able to demonstrate these in your final year when you choose a topic for your final year project.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Introduction to Christian Theology (20):

This module will cover key Christian themes. These will include creation, the person of Christ, and salvation.

This module will prepare you to think systematically about religion and introduce you to modern theologians' wide range of work.

Introduction to the Study of Religions (20):

This module will introduce you to fundamental methods and concepts in the study of religion.

You’ll be introduced to critical debates around issues such as gender and postcolonialism.

There will be an emphasis on developing academic skills to help you throughout your degree studies. 

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Introduction to Jewish and Christian Texts (20)

• Introduction to South Asian Religions (10)

• Religion in Modern Africa (10)

• Religion, Politics and Society in the Modern World (20)

• Religion in Modern Britain (10)

• Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (10)

• Visions of Humanity: Philosophical, Religious and Scientific Perspectives (20) 

Year 2 compulsory modules

Studying Religion in Context (20):

This module lays the foundations for being a higher-level student of religion.

It introduces various approaches to the study of religion by current researchers, creating awareness of the latest work in the area. 

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Philosophy of Religion (20)

• Human Rights and Religion (20)

• Thinking About Race (10)

• Augustine of Hippo: A Key Thinker in Philosophy and Theology (20)

• Hindu Traditions (20) - This module is sometimes taught in Year 3.

• Sociology of Religion (20)

• God, Sex and Gender in Africa (20) - This module is sometimes taught in Year 3.

• Religion, Gender and Society (20)

• Ideologies of Hebrew Bible Texts and Readers (20) - This module is sometimes taught in Year 3. 

Year 3 compulsory modules

ONE of:

Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion, or the History of Science (40):

You’ll select a project from a wide-ranging list of topics and undertake independent research with the support of a supervisor.

Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion, or the History of Science (40):

You’ll take a supporting module as a foundation for your project and create a portfolio of work (short essay, presentation, short dissertation) in the subject area of the supporting module. 

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Religion and Violence (20)

• Existentialism and Phenomenology (20)

• Religion, Belief and Ethics (20)

• Religion and Mental Health (20)

• Religion and Media (20)

• Muslims in Britain (20)

• Religions and Global Development (20)

• Humanity in Christian Thought: Theological Anthropology (20)

Learning and teaching

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment - these usually include exams and essays. However, some modules may also use oral presentations, group work, book reviews, and posters as assessed components.

Support will be available throughout your degree. For example, we provide guidance on how to structure essays and our Library Skills Team provides support on exam skills.

New students will have a suite of study skills modules to help transition to university learning and assessment. Your teaching staff will be available throughout term time to talk to you one-on-one about how to get the most out of your assessments.

Assessment is not just a way of testing you but a pivotal way to consolidate your learning on the degree. 

We always design our assessments to reflect the most valuable skills our subject can teach you. For instance:

• How to construct a well-developed argument.
• Explain complicated ideas clearly.
• Critically evaluate a passage of text.
• Develop your ability to bring together evidence from a variety of sources.
• Critically understand and conceptually evaluate contemporary debates.

Not only will these skills allow you to perform well in your degree, but they will also help you excel in your future lives and careers.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.

You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £24,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

Contact us

School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

A degree in Theology and Religious Studies will equip you with in-depth subject knowledge, but you’ll also develop valuable transferable skills that really stand out to employers. You’ll be a confident communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, either in writing or verbally. You’ll be comfortable working independently or in a team, and you’ll have strong organisational and research skills.

Graduates have gone on to succeed in a wide range of careers in management, politics, the civil service, journalism, the media, education and the charity sector. Others have gone on to postgraduate study in related disciplines.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this programme you can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. You could be taught in English, German or Czech – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.