Religion and Theology

Studying Religion and Theology at Bristol will provide you with the analytical tools you need to think critically about the nature and variety of religions, as well as enabling you to understand, explain and analyse the ways in which religion has significantly shaped the modern world. You will explore themes such as philosophy, ethics, mysticism, sex, power and politics across many religions, and engage with a variety of living religious communities. Throughout your degree you will have access to world-leading academics through lectures and distinctive small seminar groups

Religion and Theology courses

Single honours

BA Religion and Theology (V600)

Joint honours

Why study Religion and Theology at Bristol?

Religion continues to play a central role in modern culture, and the place of religion in the world today can be best understood by examining it from a variety of perspectives that cross disciplinary boundaries. In our undergraduate course you can study the Bible, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Chinese religions. You are encouraged to investigate issues of philosophy, ethics, mysticism, sex, power, politics and interfaith dialogue across different religions and traditions. To that end, your analysis of religion in its many forms can employ a variety of methodological approaches: historical, archaeological, linguistic and textual, philosophical, theological and comparative.

You can choose to study Religion and Theology as a Single Honours or Joint Honours subject with Sociology or with Philosophy. As the department is fairly small, you will enjoy a close working relationship with other students and teaching staff. You will also have your own personal tutor with whom you can meet to discuss academic or other issues that may concern you.

What kind of student would this course suit?

You will enjoy independent study and will appreciate the challenge of engaging with religion’s place in the modern world through a variety of different approaches: historical, archaeological, linguistic and textual, philosophical, theological and comparative.

How is this course taught and assessed?

The course is taught through a wide variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, small-group tutorials, student-led seminars, one-to-one meetings with tutors and optional language classes. Extensive use is also made of audio-visual equipment and the internet. Types of assessment are equally varied, and include traditional essays, book-reviews, short class tests, oral presentations, team-work and formal exams.

What are my career prospects?

The breadth of your degree will give you skills in writing, oral presentation and independent research and you will also benefit from training in the critical and analytical skills common to a humanities degree. Our graduates are therefore equipped to pursue a variety of careers, not necessarily directly related to religion. Some graduates however do pursue careers in religious education, as well as in non-governmental organisations and journalism. A significant number continue further study for a postgraduate degree before pursuing a career in research or teaching.

What do you like about studying at Bristol?

The staff are really supportive and encouraging. Being a mature student, I felt a bit nervous at first, even out of place, but I was quickly made to feel at home.

Marek Sullivan
BA Religion and Theology