Religion, Theology and Society BA

Course overview

Understanding religion and its place in society is vital for understanding the world in which we live. In this degree, you'll explore a variety of approaches to religious traditions throughout time and across cultures, while considering their effects on public life.

Core modules introduce you to key themes and methods in the study of religion and theology, including the importance of understanding religious belief and practice in their social contexts.

This course also allows you to explore the subject through a variety of optional modules. These cover specific traditions, like Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam; various regional contexts, such as of modern Britain, South Asia, and Africa; diverse approaches, such as sociology and philosophy of religion; and matters of contemporary social, ethical, political and religious importance, like gender, sexuality and race.

Incorporating social scientific, theological, philosophical, historical, textual and other approaches, this challenging degree gives you fascinating insights into some of the most influential factors shaping, and being shaped by, our world, equipping you for thoughtful and knowledgeable engagement in future work.

Additional highlights

The course offers a distinctive threefold focus on religion, theology and society. It draws upon the wide-ranging expertise of our accomplished staff, who possess expertise ranging across multiple religious traditions, academic approaches, and geographical regions.

In the final year, you have the choice between two kinds of research projects, allowing you to put the knowledge acquired during your study toward a topic you are truly invested in. Both project options are guided by a supervisor, but one allows you the freedom to pursue an independent research project of your own design, while the other offers the scaffolded support of an associated module.

In addition to the core modules, there is the opportunity for genuine research-led teaching throughout the degree, with a revolving menu of specialist modules available in the final year.

Specialist facilities

The University of Leeds has world-class facilities for students of Religion, Theology and Society. The University libraries are among the largest in the UK and offer many workshops and webinars to help you make the most of their collections, digital resources and databases.

Take a look around our libraries:

• Brotherton Library 
• Laidlaw Library 
• Edward Boyle Library 

Additionally, the Special Collections Research Centre was recently refurbished and extended thanks to a generous bequest from the John Victor Bedford Will Trust. This extensive development created new working spaces for individuals and/or groups and new teaching spaces that feature visualisers and projectors, allowing you to engage with primary sources using the latest techniques. 

Skills@Library offers training courses to help you make the most of the Library’s collections, digital resources and databases. In addition, it can provide one-to-one support to taught students on a wide range of topics, including academic writing, research skills, and data analysis.

Course details

Four core modules in your first year introduce you to theories, methods, concepts and key questions discussed within religious studies, theology, biblical studies and the intersection between religion, politics and society.

You will also choose from optional modules that encompass religious traditions contextualised with specific regions or themes, ensuring your learning is global and diverse.

The foundation established in your first year enables you to make the most of the next two years, as you select from a range of optional modules to shape a degree that suits you.

One compulsory module in your second year highlights alternative approaches to the study of religion, developing your knowledge of skills and methods. You may also choose more theologically or sociologically oriented modules, depending on your preferences.

Throughout your degree, you'll develop critical analytic and research skills while deepening your cultural and social awareness. You'll be able to demonstrate your skills and understanding in your final year, when you take research-led modules and choose a topic for your own 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 the Study of Religions (20 credits) – This module introduces you to essential theories, methods and concepts in the study of religion. You'll be introduced to critical debates and issues such as gender and postcolonialism. The module also develops your academic skills, facilitating success throughout your degree studies.

Introduction to Christian Theology (20 credits) – This module covers key Christian themes, such as creation, the person of Jesus Christ, and salvation. The module prepares you to think systematically about religion and introduces you to the work of several important theologians.

Biblical Texts and Traditions (20 credits) – This module introduces you to biblical scriptures and to the traditions in which they are embedded. You'll learn about the content, form and genre of select biblical writings; their historical and textual contexts; their contemporary reception; the connections between various scriptures; and approaches to reading and studying the Bible.

Religion, Politics and Society in the Modern World (20 credits) – This module examines how religion intersects with politics and society today. It also introduces you to the sometimes contentious role of religion in public settings, considering local, national and international scales. Key questions centre upon secularity, liberal democracy and human rights, as well as pressing concerns associated with globalisation, development, ecology and multiculturalism.

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

Religion in Modern Africa (10 credits) – This module introduces you to the main religious traditions of Africa: African indigenous religions, Christianity and Islam. You'll learn about the characteristics and histories of these religions, and understand the prominent public role of religion in contemporary African societies.

Religions of India (10 credits) – This module introduces some of the key religious traditions that originated in the Indian subcontinent. You may, for example, study Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and/or Jainism. Through studying these religions in their historical and contemporary form, and through their texts and traditions, the module enhances your understanding of the contested nature of ‘religion’ and the challenges of studying religion.

Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (10 credits) – This module introduces you to philosophical thinking about key questions relating to religion, such as the nature of religious belief, theodicy, immortality, religious pluralism, and religious knowledge. You'll learn to construct rational arguments, reflecting on your beliefs and analysing possible objections and responses to a variety of ideas.

Studying Muslim Cultures (10 credits) – This module explores Islamic traditions and Muslims’ religious life in the past and the present. You'll learn about the origins of Islam in seventh-century Arabia, the Qur'an and the Prophet, differing sectarian views of the faith, spiritual life, law and major rituals such as the pilgrimage to Mecca. You will also reflect on the challenges facing Muslims in the modern world and their various responses.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Researching Religion: Skills and Methods (20 credits) – This core module prepares you for your final year project. It covers philosophical, social scientific, and theological approaches, and familiarises you with a variety of methods, including textual analysis and fieldwork. It also stimulates you to think about your ambitions after your degree, and to reflect on your personal and academic development.

Students must choose at least one of:

Sociology of Religion (20 credits) – Within sociology, there is a long tradition of thinking about religion as being at odds with modernity, the assumption being that as societies become more modern, religion will become more marginal. This “secularisation thesis” has become highly contested, as religion continues to play a vital and public role in societies across the world. This module introduces you to classical as well as contemporary sociologists and their thinking about religion, and explores the current debates within the discipline.

Theology in Context (20 credits) – Theology – our thinking about God – is informed by our diverse cultural, social, economic and political contexts and related human experience. This module helps you to understand how this situatedness – e.g. in terms of class, disability, gender, sexuality and race – shapes particular doctrinal beliefs, and gives rise to contextual theological discourses, such as black, feminist, womanist and liberation theologies.

Religious Identities in a Postcolonial World (20 credits) – The postcolonial condition – that is, the aftermath and legacies of colonialism and neo-colonialism – shapes religious identities and movements in the majority parts of our world. Focusing on the beliefs and practices of various traditions, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism, this module explores how religion is a source of meaning, identity, agency and resistance in regions such as Africa and South Asia and their diasporas.

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

Religion, Gender and Sexuality (20 credits) – This module explores the ways in which religious belief and practice intersect with ideas and social attitudes regarding gender and sexuality. Using a range of critical perspectives, such as feminist, masculinity, queer and postcolonial studies, you'll look into issues such as the status of women, men’s identities, views regarding homosexuality and reproductive rights, in diverse religious traditions.

Religion, Race and Ethnicity (20 credits) – This module examines the ways in which religious belief and practice intersect with race and ethnicity as categories of social difference. You'll be introduced to critical approaches toward race and ethnicity, and study how these categories operate in various socio-political and religious contexts in today’s world.

Human Rights and Religion (20 credits) – This module examines the relationship between religion and human rights from historical, theological, philosophical and social-scientific perspectives. It includes contemporary case studies and explores questions such as: Are religious communities the sources, the guardians or the enemies of human rights? Are human rights ‘sacred’ – and should they be? How do religious commitments and commitments to human rights affect each other, in theory and in practice?

God, Thought and the World: Topics in Philosophy of Religion (20 credits) – This module examines some of the most important philosophical considerations that bear on rational (dis-)belief in God and may include discussions of arguments for the existence of God, arguments against the existence of God, as well as the examination of general conditions on rational belief.

Dharma Traditions (20 credits) – This module takes a detailed look at one or more traditions that have originated in India, most notably Hindu, Buddhist or Sikh traditions. The module will typically include discussion of religious, mythological, philosophical, and/or political themes.

Year 3 compulsory modules

Students must choose one of:

Independent Research Project (40 credits) – This final year project option is designed to provide you with an opportunity to carry out independent research on a topic of your choice, subject to the approval of the School and to the availability of an appropriately qualified supervisor.

Integrated Research Project (40 credits) – This final year project option allows you to carry out a piece of extended research with the additional support of a scaffolding module, selected from semester 1 taught modules, which will provide the basis for your independent research with the support of an appropriately qualified supervisor.

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

Religion, Belief and Ethics (20 credits) – This module deals with the overarching question of how religious beliefs and practices can be conceptualized, as well as specific topics such as indigenous and/or ancient religious practices, eternal life, reincarnation, prayer, the problem of evil, and connections between religious belief, ethical values, and conceptions of humanity.

Religion and Mental Health (20 credits) –This module brings philosophy, theology, and religious studies into debate with psychiatry, psychology, sociology and medical anthropology to discuss key questions relating to religion and mental health. You'll develop a critical understanding of various religious interpretations of mental illness, the impact these have on people's experiences, and the way they intersect with e.g. gender and sexuality and relate to broader socio-political issues.

Religion and Media (20 credits) – This module examines the interrelationship between religion and the media, including how religion is mediated and how the media portray and represent religion in general and different religious traditions. You'll learn about research on religion in the media, and about the analytical methods that researchers use, including trying these out for yourselves.

Religions and Global Development (20 credits) – This module explores the role of religion in international development theory and action; the nature of religion as resource, obstacle and critical participant in development; particular forms of co-operation between religious communities, religious aid agencies and communities in development; and the relationship of religion, human values and community building.

God, Sex and Gender in Africa (20 credits) – This module critically explores the role of religion in relation to contested issues of gender and sexual diversity in African societies. Focusing on African indigenous religions and Christianity, it examines why, in contemporary Africa, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights are often regarded as “un-African” and “un-Christian”, and how such tropes are challenged and interrogated by African feminist and queer thinkers and activists.

Augustine of Hippo (20 credits) – Augustine of Hippo is a fourth/fifth-century African philosopher and theologian, who had a great influence on Western Christian thought. This module explores Augustine’s thinking about God, the nature of good and evil, love and happiness, time and language. Reading parts of Augustine’s own work as well as secondary literature, you will learn about the context in which he wrote, and his influence on later philosophy and theology.

Bible and Society (20 credits) – This module examines how texts and traditions from the Hebrew and Christian Bible reflect certain ideologies, and how they continue to shape society and popular culture. The module explores the role of the Bible in current social attitudes and political events, for instance in relation to gender, migration, and ecology.

Islam, Race and the State in Europe (20 credits) – This module focuses on the contested status of Islam in European societies and political cultures, both historically and to date. It examines the longstanding idea of Islam as “Other” of Europe in relation to broader questions of religion, race and the state in multicultural and (post)secular societies.

Christian Theology and Contemporary Issues (20 credits) – This module explores the constructive and critical possibilities of relating secular discussion of pressing contemporary issues (such as disability, racism, gendered violence and domestic abuse, climate change, war, terrorism, sexuality, oppression and marginalisation, agency, free will, selfhood, punishment, development, justice) to topics in Christian theology (eg, God, salvation, eschatology, Christology, creation, the image of God, sin, love, forgiveness, hope, Biblical texts and themes).

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree, you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a selection of discovery modules. These are a great way to tailor your study in accordance with your interests or career aspirations. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is home to academic staff who are at the forefront of research in their fields.

To enable you to benefit from their expertise, we use a range of teaching and learning methods. Normally these will include lectures, seminars, tutorials and occasionally workshops. Independent study is also an important element of the degree, since this is where you will develop your skills in research, interpretation and analysis and form your own ideas.

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 use a variety of assessment methods. These usually include coursework essays, though some modules also use oral presentations, group work, book reviews, annotated bibliographies, reflective logs, posters, or exams. Support will be available throughout your degree. For example, we provide guidance on how to structure essays, and our Library Skills Team offer support for improving various academic skills.

You will typically have the opportunity to complete and receive ‘feed-forward’ on an ungraded formative exercise midway through our modules; this serves as a stepping stone towards your final graded assessment for the module.

New students will have a suite of study skills sessions to help transition to university learning and assessment. Your teaching staff will be available throughout term time to talk to you one-to-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 design our assessments to reflect the most valuable skills our subject can teach you. 

For instance, how to:

• construct a strong 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 to excel in your future life and career.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

When an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

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.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Additional cost information

Students may be required to purchase core texts for some modules, but our policy is to provide as much as we can through the Library and as online texts available to all students.

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

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 Taught Admissions Policy 2024

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 Religion, Theology and Society will equip you with both in-depth subject knowledge and valuable transferable skills that really stand out to employers. You will be a confident communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, both in writing and verbally. You will be comfortable working independently or in a team, and you will have strong organisational and research skills. Your work on this degree ensures that you emerge from your studies with strong critical thinking skills and the skills it takes to express them in a variety of contexts.

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

Careers support

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, housed within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, values and supports development of employment skills and career opportunities throughout your degree. In addition to ongoing workshops and resources that can help you with developing your CV, searching for jobs and networking, and connecting with graduate programmes, you can take advantage of opportunities such as study abroad or industrial placement, in which you will be able to utilise the skills you develop during your studies in the workplace.

Study abroad and work placements

All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It is a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look good on your CV.

We have over 300 University partners worldwide, and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

Some of these global opportunities are taught in English, whereas others require a level of language proficiency. In all cases, language support is available to students beforehand.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

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.