Religion MA

York St John University

On this vibrant, contemporary postgraduate degree we will introduce you to a wide variety of ideas and practices from different religious traditions and spiritualities. You will examine different outlooks and lenses through which to make sense of the world, challenging your current understanding. Working towards an approach which is inclusive and moves away from prejudice and marginalisation, we will question narrow, parochial outlooks, aiming to decolonise the curriculum.

This Religion MA is focused on the intersection between Religion and public life. You will examine the relationship between Religion and key issues that affect all of our lives, including:

• Issues of poverty and inequality
• Diversity and inclusion
• Sustainability and the environmental crisis

With an emphasis on research, this course will develop your research skills, as you explore different methodologies, disciplines and theoretical outlooks. Flexibility is built in, so you can study to suit your own research interests and preferred approaches. These can include philosophical, theological or social scientific approaches to the study of religion and spirituality.

We have designed the course to be relevant and contemporary, and you will have opportunities to engage with those who are making real changes in the wider religious landscape. This might include religious leaders, worshippers participating in action for social justice, and organisations working for social change.

The MA draws on the thriving research culture within the Religion department, the School of Humanities and York St John University as a whole. You will especially benefit from engaging with the Centre for Religion in Society, and our flagship Ebor Lectures.

Throughout the course, we address the need for change towards social justice, examining the ways in which Religion has been both an obstacle to, and a source of inspiration for, bringing about positive social change.