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The last two decades have seen the collapse of the ‘secular consensus’ – that modernity would naturally bring the end of religion as a public and political force. Culture and religion have instead become key referents in domestic politics, local conflict and international wars. This programme re-examines the relationship between religion, state and governance in light of recent transformations on the world stage. Classes will examine the rise of communal religious identities and shifts in modes of religious authority, in particular relationship to issues of political enfranchisement and the complex issue of religious violence.
The programme is offered full-time over one calendar year (September to September) and part time over two calendar years. The schedule of work for part-time students is agreed in consultation with the programme director.
Postgraduate MSc requires successful completion of 180 credits, including the 60 credit core modules, 60 credits of modules from the electives list, and a 12-15,000 words dissertation (worth 60 credits).
Postgraduate Diploma requires 120 credits, including the 60 credit of core modules and 60 credits of modules from the electives list.
Postgraduate Certificate requires 60 credit points at level 5, including 30 credits for Religion Power and Belief and 30 credits from the list of optional courses.
The full MSc programme includes the following components:
First Semester: Compulsory Course - Religion, Power and Belief (30 credits). Optional Courses: A range of courses available within the College of Arts and Social Sciences, including, according to availability: Morality and Belief in Islam; Evolutionary Theories of Religion; Myth and Ritual; Anthropological Theory; Rituals of Death; Religious Belief and Practice in the Modern World; ‘In the Beginning’ and Christian Ethics; Jewish History and Culture; Supervised reading.
Second Semester: Compulsory Courses: Religion and the Secular (15 credits); Dissertation Preparation Course (15 credits). Optional Courses: see above.
Dissertation of 12,000 words, chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor (60 credits).
Download the Programme Handbook
Download the course guide for AT5008 Religion, Power and Belief
Download the course guide for AT5512 Religion and the Secular
The MSc / Diploma / Certificate is normally open to students with a minimum of an upper second class Honours degree classification or equivalent in the social and political sciences or other cognate disciplines, or relevant professional experience (e.g. work for NGOs, the civil service, the military, the international media). Prospective applicants who are unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to address an informal inquiry to the programme director.
Students for whom English is not a first language should be able to demonstrate a minimum level of competence matching IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 580. Students who have already studied in the English medium (for their undergraduate degree for instance) are not normally required to provide such evidence.
All admissions are handled by the University's Student Recruitment & Admissions Service via the online prospectus.
Dr. Johan Rasanayagam (Programme Director - Religion and Politics)
Department of Anthropology, School of Social Science
Tel. +44 (0) 1224 272191
E-mail: johan.rasanayagam@abdn.ac.uk
Postgraduate Secretary
School of Social Science
Tel.: +44 (0) 1224 272762
Email: socscipg@abdn.ac.uk
