MA Religion, Politics and Society
Birmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 10,530 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for UK students | 7 May 2024 for international students
** for UK students full-time | £24,120 for international students full-time
Introduction
Since the 1990s, religious issues have assumed a growing importance in national and international political affairs.
This was dramatically highlighted by the September 11, 2001 attacks and the events that have followed since. This situation has obliged scholars of politics to take religion seriously while scholars of religion have to address theological topics that intersect with political issues.
Whether it is a ‘theological’ topic within political sciences or a ‘political’ topic within theology and the study of religion, both disciplines are being challenged: theologians often lack an adequate grounding in political science, and scholars of political science have not received formal training in religious studies.
The main goal of the masters is to provide students with an advanced level understanding of the conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics at a time when religion plays more than ever a major role in the politics of nation-states and the development of the international system.
The program addresses major themes around the role of religion in politics and international relations in the contemporary world and allows students to research the role of religion in society and politics. It explores the theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject by focusing on the relationship between organized religions and the nation-state, as well as the global processes that promote religious conflict and conflict resolution. It also examines the public roles of religious communities and individuals and how political topics of secularism, tolerance, and governance, intersect with religious groups and tradition.
This master's offers a unique bi-disciplinary approach that has been developed by internationally recognized scholars in the field of religion and politics such as
Since the 1990s, religious issues have assumed a growing importance in national and international political affairs.
This was dramatically highlighted by the September 11, 2001 attacks and the events that have followed since. This situation has obliged scholars of politics to take religion seriously while scholars of religion have to address theological topics that intersect with political issues.
Whether it is a ‘theological’ topic within political sciences or a ‘political’ topic within theology and the study of religion, both disciplines are being challenged: theologians often lack an adequate grounding in political science, and scholars of political science have not received formal training in religious studies.
The main goal of the masters is to provide students with an advanced level understanding of the conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics at a time when religion plays more than ever a major role in the politics of nation-states and the development of the international system.
The program addresses major themes around the role of religion in politics and international relations in the contemporary world and allows students to research the role of religion in society and politics. It explores the theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject by focusing on the relationship between organized religions and the nation-state, as well as the global processes that promote religious conflict and conflict resolution. It also examines the public roles of religious communities and individuals and how political topics of secularism, tolerance, and governance, intersect with religious groups and tradition.
This master's offers a unique bi-disciplinary approach that has been developed by internationally recognized scholars in the field of religion and politics such as Jocelyne Cesari. Tapping into the interdisciplinary expertise of the School of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion, it operates with a groundbreaking method that mobilizes the scholarship of social sciences and religious studies to offer analysis on major issues such as political violence, security, democracy, Human Rights, and religious freedom.
This degree is ideal for building the theoretical and methodological skills of students of religion interested in interdisciplinary doctoral programs. It is also tailored to current and aspiring policymakers and analysts in international, national, and regional governmental and nongovernmental organizations engaged in the management of conflict, diversity, inter-religious relations, and community development.
Tapping into the interdisciplinary expertise of the School of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion, it operates with a groundbreaking method that mobilizes the scholarship of social sciences and religious studies to offer analysis on major issues such as political violence, security, democracy, Human Rights, and religious freedom.
This degree is ideal for building the theoretical and methodological skills of students of religion interested in interdisciplinary doctoral programs. It is also tailored to current and aspiring policymakers and analysts in international, national, and regional governmental and nongovernmental organizations engaged in the management of conflict, diversity, inter-religious relations, and community development.
Why Study This Course?
- Dr Jocelyne Cesari teaches the Politics of God and Religion in Contemporary Global Politics modules
- Truly interdisciplinary study – this program allows you to explore a range of issues in religion and politics from different disciplinary perspectives.
- Excellent reputation – The Theology and Religion department was ranked 3rd in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on research rated 4*. The University of Birmingham has also been ranked as one of the world's top 50 institutions to study Theology and Religious Studies in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- Flexibility – the wide range of modules on offer allows you to both identify and explore your specific interests.
- Small classes – teaching on the Masters-level modules involves mainly small-group seminars allowing you to really get to grips with the learning material.
- Access to a wide range of services – as a postgraduate student you will have access to services such as the Academic Writing Advisory Service and the Bank of Assessed Work which will aid your transition from undergraduate to postgraduate level, or back into academia after a time away.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. To discover whether you are eligible for any award across the University, and to start your funding application, please visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database.
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships, or their home government.
Postgraduate Loans
Government-backed master loans are available to help UK and EU students to finance their studies. For those starting courses after 1 August 2020, loans are available of up to £11,836 for Masters students in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment, and application information are available on the UK government website.
Curriculum
Core Modules
Religion in Contemporary Global Politics
This module focuses on theoretical and conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics. Traditionally, the study of political science and international relations has framed the understanding of religion within the context of secularisation and the nation-state. This interpretation is being increasingly contested by the impact of globalization and the rise of anti-secular movements. The module will critically examine the secularisation thesis as applied to the ‘ West’ (developed countries) and the ‘ East’ (developing countries) and evaluate the impact of globalization on collective religious identities. Following an introduction to the theoretical perspectives the course will focus on three particular themes: religious nationalism; religious identities and mobilization; and religious transnationalism. The module concludes by reflecting on the wider implications for the study of politics and international relations of organized religious movements today.
Research Methods
This module unpacks the core issues of researching theology and religious studies. It addresses debates surrounding the design, conduct, ethics, and evaluation of research in a multidisciplinary subject area. It prepares you to carry out independent research and to critically assess others’ research across a wide spectrum of approaches.
Dissertation Preparation and Guided Reading
Following the research methods module, where you will have identified your dissertation project, this module is designed to aid your planning and research for the dissertation by further developing the relevant skills and knowledge in a structured way in the form of a literature review and study skills sessions.
Optional Modules
You will choose three optional modules. Options typically available within Theology and Religion are listed on our postgraduate modules page.
You can also choose up to two of your options from modules available in other Departments. Modules available typically include:
History
- Globalisation Since 1945
- The Making of the World: Themes in Global History
Philosophy
- Bioethics
- Ethics and Global Ethics
- Human Rights
- Topics in Global Justice
Dissertation or Practice-Based Dissertation
You will complete the program with a research project. You must take one of the following Dissertation modules:
If you choose to complete a written dissertation, this will be a substantial and sustained investigation of a topic related to one or more of the disciplines being studied, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.
The placement-based dissertation is ideal for those who have begun careers and are returning to study after time in employment, or those who are aiming to enhance their employability by making links within different professions. It offers a more applied, contextualized approach to independent research than the more traditional dissertation route. In addition to completing 100 hours on placement, you are asked to produce one of the following:
- A 10,000-word dissertation critically analyzing evaluating reflecting on an aspect of the approach and/or work of the institution hosting the placement.
Or
- A report a piece of relevant research, or another form of media output for the placement host. This will be decided in conjunction with your dissertation supervisor and placement host supervisor.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities, especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific career events.
You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:
- Receive one-to-one career advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV, and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
- Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
- Attend an annual program of careers fairs, skills workshops, and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
- Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV
What's more, you will be able to access our full range of career support for up to 2 years after graduation.
Postgraduate Employability: Theology and Religion
Birmingham's Theology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organize information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.
Postgraduates in theology and religion go on to a wide variety of industries, including public service, education, law, consulting, and other competitive graduate schemes. Others consider further study and go on to doctoral research, including the Midland4Cities funded scheme. Employers that our graduates have gone on to work for include Birmingham Council, Frontline, and the NHS.
Program delivery
We have two teaching semesters per year, the autumn semester and the spring semester.
As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each semester, followed by your dissertation. Depending on the modules you take, you can typically expect six hours of classroom time per week, two per module. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules each year, followed by your dissertation.
Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.
Teaching Year
We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring, and summer terms.
As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each of the first two terms, followed by your dissertation. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules each year, followed by your dissertation.
Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.