Religious Studies University of Ottawa

Overview

The Religious Studies programme at the University of Ottawa provides a comprehensive academic framework for the objective study of religious facts and experiences. This Master of Arts degree focuses on the plurality of religious traditions, examining their historical, anthropological, and psychological dimensions within society. Students engage with a curriculum that treats no single tradition as normative, fostering a critical and comparative perspective.

Research within the department is particularly strong in the areas of Canadian religious history, including Indigenous and Inuit traditions, as well as the Graeco-Roman world. The programme encourages students to explore how religious expressions have evolved over time and how they continue to shape contemporary cultural contexts.

Why Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa is ranked among the top research institutions in Canada, providing an ideal environment for advanced graduate study. Located in the nation's capital, the university offers proximity to significant cultural and historical resources. Students benefit from the Faculty of Arts' specialised research centres, such as the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies and the Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9721 per semester
• National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide both a broad orientation to the field and specialised research opportunities. Modules may include:

• Seminar in Religious Studies
• Second Temple Judaism
• Psychoanalysis and Religion
• Freud, Jung and Religion
• Origins of Christianity
• Psychedelic Studies
• Sacred Plant Medicines and Shamanic Practices
• Current Approaches to the Study of Religion
• Religion and Anthropology

Careers with Religious Studies

Graduates of the Religious Studies programme are equipped with advanced research and analytical competencies suitable for diverse career paths. The programme prepares students for roles in academia, policy analysis, and cultural heritage management. By examining the intersection of religion, law, and human rights, graduates are well-positioned for careers in international development, social advocacy, and public service.