Religious Studies

Religious Studies at Aberdeen is distinct from Divinity or Theology and is committed to no one religion and is, rather, the comparative study of the major and local religious traditions of the world. The kinds of issues raised are not of the truth of religion but of the origin, function and meaning of religion.

Why Aberdeen?

Understanding the many religious traditions of the world is as important today as understanding the great political and economic movements of the age. Whether it be the Islamic, Jewish and Christian traditions of the Middle East and the Americas, the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain movements of Asia and Europe, or the evangelical, shamanic and ancestral cults of Africa, Siberia and the Caribbean, Religious Studies provides a mirror on the world in which we live now and a memory of our collective pasts.

• The approaches used are social scientific-anthropological, sociological, political and psychological as well as literary, philosophical and historical
• The aim of religious studies is to introduce students to both the variety of religions worldwide and the variety of ways of studying them.

Programmes

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

As with all programmes, courses available in Religious Studies change from year to year, and individual courses may not be available in subsequent years.

First Year

Introduction to Religions of the World I;  
Introduction to Religions of the Word II.

Second Year

Sociological and Anthropological Theories of Religion; Psychological Theories of Religion; Islam; Buddhism.

Third Year and Fourth Year

Social Anthropology of Religions; Atheism; Critical Theories of Religion: The Frankfurt School; Quran; The Life of Muhammad; Understanding Confucianism; Reading Confucian and Daoist Sacred Texts; Understanding New Religious Movements.  

Teaching and Assessment

The School has a flexible approach to teaching and assessment utilising a combination of small and large group teaching, assessed through examinations, essays and personal dissertation. The acquisition of communication, IT, and team-working skills is emphasised.

Careers

Religious Studies graduates go on to a variety of careers, from education to journalism, development and research.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Religious Studies.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide