Master of Arts - Theology and Religion

Theology and religion is a diverse subject area that is vital for understanding the contemporary world. 

The MA in Theology and Religion is designed to accommodate study of religions and spiritualties, past and present, and prepares students for professions which depend upon an advanced understanding of how religious histories, ideas, texts, and practices permeate all societies. It also provides ideal preparation for further research at doctoral level. 

The programme has a wide range of modules and students can create their own pathway by choosing those that are most relevant to their interests. The University of Birmingham caters for interests in historical traditions, ritual and practices, contemporary spiritualties, world religions, religious texts, politics, histories and ethical issues.

Students will be encouraged to be critically robust in the analysis of their own and others’ presuppositions, to work independently with the guidance of module tutors and thesis supervisors, and to approach their studies in ways that demonstrate awareness of and engagement with the multi and interdisciplinary nature of issues under discussion.  

Students are trained to interrogate their own presuppositions and those of others in a critically robust manner, to approach the study of theology and religion in ways that show sensitivity to the multi-disciplinary theories and issues. Transferrable skills include the ability to deploy relevant evidence and contextual considerations, and present this in the context of a written piece of work, an examination or in an oral presentation. Students also gain skills of personal organization in terms of working to deadlines, preparing contributions for group discussion, and ensuring best use of tutorials and seminars.