Study of Religions (Part-time) The University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Overview

Study of Religions (Part-time) from The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has a distinctive focus on contemporary religions. Its range of modules, exploring different aspects of religion today, has been designed by staff members with a background in sociology, anthropology, and religious studies.

Quick Facts:

• The aim of the programme is not to focus on any one tradition, but to enable engagement with different traditions in a manner that is free, fair, accurate and open to correction.
• The modules enable students to explore not just the theoretical, but also the practical lived aspects of religious faith and practice in different contexts.
• The Study of Religions (MA) at UWTSD is a unique programme that enables students to develop research skills in case they want to continue on a PhD but also prepares them for a career in Religious Education.
• Students will usually start the Study of Religions (MA) with the compulsory module on Theory and Methodology in the Study of Religions. It will provide them with knowledge and understanding of key areas in the study of religions. Students then can select their other three modules from a list of optional modules. These modules will enable students to specialise on distinct aspects of religion and on distinct methodologies. This flexibility allows students to develop their own research interest within the Study of Religions from the start.
• Students have the choice to study in-depth an aspect of Buddhism (Buddhist Philosophy), China (Chinese Religions at the Grassroots) and / or Celtic Spirituality (Celtic Spirituality, Sanctity and Hagiography).
• Additional modules are available in the area of Islamic Studies (Islam Today) and aspects of alternative spirituality (e.g. in the modules Sacred Geography and Western Esotericism). Some modules allow students to look at religion in a comparative approach such as Religion and the Environment and Interreligious Encounter.
• Students can also explore the phenomenon of religious and spiritual experience (Religious Experience Today) – a subject area which the Institute considers is important given the location of the Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre on the Lampeter campus.
• In choosing their options, students should consider which modules are most relevant to the topic of their dissertation and will receive advice on this from the subject specialist.
• Part II consists of a 60-credit dissertation of 15,000 words. Students will be able to apply the skills and knowledge gained in Part I when undertaking this sustained piece of personal research.