Religion PGDip

Course overview

Religion continues to shape our society and our understanding of the world. Deepening our knowledge of religious beliefs and practices is essential to responding to some of the greatest societal, ethical and political challenges we face.

On this course you'll explore how religious traditions shape our understanding of the world.

You'll learn about the relevance of theology, sacred scripture, religious ritual, and faith-based organisations to contemporary issues such as climate change, terrorism, global development, gender, sexuality and race discrimination, migration and diaspora.

You'll also critically interrogate the concept of religion in the context of different theories of politics, policy and social change, engaging with hotly debated and contested topics such secularisation, religious identity and representation, and religion and the public sphere.

The course draws on academic expertise from across the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, including theological, philosophical, sociological and anthropological approaches to the topic.

Our academic staff have expertise on a range of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, and new religious movements. They approach religion from a variety of angles, but they share a commitment to studying and teaching about religion critically and emphatically as a relevant factor in understanding our contemporary world. We have active links with charitable, activist, community and faith organisations in the city and beyond.

As a postgraduate student, you'll be able to participate in our Centre for Religion and Public Life, and Centre for Philosophy of Religion and Theology. You'll be encouraged to join in with our weekly seminars and occasional research days, showcasing the work of our very own researchers at Leeds as well as external scholars.

This course can be used for preparing for further research, and to develop skills sought by a wide range of sectors, for example, advocacy, NGO, non profit and third sector, policy, local government, and education sectors. Or, you might simply want to satisfy your curiosity about this fascinating and important area.

You can study full-time or part-time, and we also offer masters (MA) and postgraduate certificate (PGCert) versions of the course.

Course details and modules

Modules on this course introduce you to key theories and methods of study and also enable you to focus on specific issues, geographical and historical contexts, or disciplinary approaches.

There is flexibility within the programme to take modules from the Schools of Politics and International Studies, and Sociology and Social Policy. If you choose to take the placement module, you’ll undertake a piece of research for a local charity or organisation.

Our wide range of optional modules includes the study of research methods in the study of religion, which will give you the skills to undertake fieldwork as part of your research.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Religion PGDip in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Religion PGDip in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

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

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

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including written assignments and essays, in-course assessment, group and individual presentations and reports.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in an Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Religious Studies and Theology related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in religious studies and theology, or coming from an area of expertise to which religious studies and theology is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

Religious Studies and Theology related subjects

• Theology
• Religious Studies
• Philosophy
• Liberal Arts
• English Literature
• History of Science
• History of Art
• Politics
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Cultural Theory

Other Areas

• International Studies
• Gender Studies
• Geography
• Area Studies
• Social Work
• Healthcare
• Journalism
• Law

International

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 any component. 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).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

​​​​​​Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

1. What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
2. Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
3. What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
4. How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
5. Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
6. What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: Teaching; Counselling; Community Service Management; Charity Sector; Social Work; Chaplaincy; Media; Journalism; Law; Civil Service.

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your 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.

Support for part-time and mature learners

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides support for mature and part-time learners across the University, including advice on how to apply to university and support throughout your studies.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

Contact us

Postgraduate Administration Office

Email: prhs_pgenquiries@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £8,000 (Total)

International: £17,666 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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 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 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 equip you with a range of in-depth subject knowledge, but it will allow you to develop high-level skills in research, analysis, interpretation and communication.

All of these qualities are valuable to a range of employers across sectors and industries, and we’re proud of our record in preparing postgraduates for their careers after graduation. They’ve gone into roles such as teaching, NGO, charity and third sector, local government, consultancy, business management, administration, accountancy, law, journalism and the civil service among others.

Many of our graduates also progress to further study, and ultimately pursue academic careers.

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 about Careers support.