(Full time / Part time) 2021 start
Theology and Religious Studies PGDip
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
This course will give you a sophisticated understanding of theories and methods at the forefront of Theology and Religious Studies. You’ll study diverse religious traditions in the UK and beyond, as well as their impact on the world around us.
You'll specialise in theology or religious studies, depending on the modules you choose, exploring areas such as human rights, wealth and wealth creation, terrorism, social justice, philosophy of religion, multiculturalism, and the links between religion and global development or gender. You’ll also gain an understanding of research methods in the humanities and social sciences.
With the support of leading researchers, including those working in our Centre for Philosophy of Religion and Centre for Religion and Public Life, you’ll develop a wide range of skills while exploring a subject that is vital for understanding the world we live in.
You’ll find plenty of resources at Leeds to inspire and inform your studies. The Special Collections housed in our Brotherton Library include extensive collections of archive and early printed material, including hundreds of theological works from the 17th century onwards.
We also hold the library of Ripon Cathedral and the archives of the Dean and Chapter, spanning from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century, as well as extensive archives relating to Quaker history. There are even a large number of early printed books and manuscripts connected with Jewish theology and history. All the major world religions are also fully represented in our excellent library resources.
This programme is also available to study part-time over 24 months. You can also study for a Masters (MA), where you take more modules overall, or postgraduate certificate (PGCert) qualification, where you take fewer modules overall.
Course content
There are no compulsory modules - instead you'll choose four optional modules from the range we offer, allowing you to focus on topics such as Muslims and multiculturalism, or philosophical approaches to spirituality. During the course you’ll acquire skills in research and interpretation and good social and cultural awareness.
If you study for the MA qualification, you’ll take more modules. If you study for the PGCert qualification, you'll take fewer modules.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Sin, Public Discourse and Public Life 30 credits
- Religions and Global Development 30 credits
- Contemporary Issues in Religion and Gender 30 credits
- Muslims, Multiculturalism and the State 30 credits
- Religion and Society: Research Process and Methods 30 credits
- Religion, Politics and the Future: From Apocalypse to Utopia 30 credits
- Religion, Society and Public Life 30 credits
- Theology and Public Life 30 credits
- Philosophy and the Spiritual Life: Contemporary Perspectives 30 credits
- Research Project (Theology and Religious Studies) 30 credits
- Special Options in Theology and Religious Studies 30 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, seminars and tutorials where you can discuss the issues arising from your reading in greater depth. Independent study is also an important element of the programme, allowing you to develop your skills and pursue your own interests more closely.
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
To help you gain and demonstrate a range of skills, you’ll be assessed using a range of different methods. These include essays and assignments as well as literature reviews, project reports and presentations.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
Bachelor degree with 2:1 (Hons) in theology, religious studies or another humanities or social science subject. Other subjects will only be considered if there is evidence of relevant experience, background or private study in the field.
Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team. You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
There’s no final deadline for applications to this course, but we recommend that UK/EU candidates apply at least two weeks before the start of the course. International candidates should try to allow at least a month.
We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, especially if you’re hoping to apply for scholarships or need to allow time for obtaining a visa or moving to Leeds.
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you need
- Copies of your degree certificate and full transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying.
- A sample of your written work (2,000-3,000 words) on a topic relevant to the course. All samples must be typed and in English.
- A personal statement of around 500 words, in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application.
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
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
- UK: £6,167 (total)
- International: £13,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
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 about additional costs
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 may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
This course will give you a range of in-depth subject knowledge, as well as valuable transferable skills in research, analysis, interpretation, communication and cultural awareness. All of these qualities are valuable in a wide range of careers or further study.
Graduates pursue careers in a variety of sectors including the charity sector, NGOs, education, local government, civil service and policy work, business and legal services, the media and social work.
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.
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 at the Careers website.