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Programme code | 1THRS025T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Jon Balserak
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Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme aims to develop a student's knowledge and understanding of Religion and the study of Religion. It does this by providing the opportunity for advanced study of the religious thought and traditions of both the West and Asia. The programme aims not only to equip students with deep knowledge of the religious traditions of both the West and Asia but also to give them the knowledge, skills, and wherewithal needed to research these traditions. The dissertation which the student writes will also prepare those who wish to undertake a research degree of PhD quality. The programme offers two pathways: Buddhist Studies Pathway and Religion and Theology Pathway. The taught element of the programme requires the student to do some study of both Asian and western religious traditions (irrespective of the pathway one chooses) but also allows them to focus more rigorously on the study of either Buddhism or Religion and theology more broadly. In either pathway, the aim is to engage students in in-depth study lead by internationally-renown staff which teaches careful, rigorous, scholarly research methods at a high level.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Methods of Assessment | |
For both teaching methods and assessment types, progression through the programme entails the demonstrating of considerable improvement in both knowledge and understanding. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Depending on the unit, methods will range from traditional and interactive lectures to seminars, class presentations, and group discussion. |
Methods of Assessment | |
For both teaching methods and assessment types, progression through the programme entails the demonstrating of greater capacity in important intellectual skills. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Groups projects, dissertation research |
Methods of Assessment | |
Oral presentations, dissertation research |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
An introductory understanding of the essential foundations for postgraduate study and of the themes and trends which underlie religious belief. Students will gain insight into conceptual and methodological approaches to the study of religion. They will develop an understanding of how to apply such approaches in addressing complex religious questions. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
A broadening knowledge and evidence of broadening use of skills in discussing and analysing religious belief. A developing understanding of the content and rationale of religious belief and an ability to understand and explain the rationale for religious beliefs. A competent grasp of the issues pertaining to current research in religion, and an ability to reflect on issues such as inter-religious dialogue and the relationships between religion and other fields of knowledge. Increasing evidence of methodological sophistication. Ability to make use of a widening range of sources and methods in the analysis of religious belief. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Qualified evidence of analytic insight and reflexive practice. Ability to work flexibly and adapt skills and knowledge across a range of areas. Secure grasp of the content of and rationale behind religious beliefs and an ability to evaluate critically different belief systems. Competence and authority in working with a diverse range of primary and secondary sources relating to religions and religious belief. Ability to structure ideas and proposals coherently and present them persuasively in cogent written form, to plan, manage and bring to completion a dissertation on a research topic arising from the different areas (e.g. comparative theology). |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Tuition on this programme will be provided by academic staff. The programme does not require residence in Bristol, though it is advised as one must participate in teaching which occurs in Bristol. For the MA dissertation, students will be supervised by a member of staff; the supervision can take place from a distance but good contact with the supervisor is required to ensure the writing of a quality dissertation.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Students take the dissertation unit and follow one of the two pathways: | ||||
Dissertation | THRSM0025 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
BUDDHIST STUDIES PATHWAY students must take two core units: | ||||
Buddhism: The Foundations | THRSM0015 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Introduction to Sanskrit 1 | THRSM0097 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES PATHWAY students must take two core units: | ||||
Buddhism: The Foundations | THRSM0015 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The History of Christianity: Core Texts | THRSM0001 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
All students then choose 80 credit points of optional units from the following (if selecting a language students must take 40 credit points of that language, this includes Sanskrit): | ||||
Introduction to Sanskrit 1 | THRSM0097 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Introduction to Sanskrit 2 | THRSM0098 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Atheism | THRSM0107 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Medieval Mystics and Visionaries in Medieval England | THRSM0100 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Public Role of the Humanities | HUMSM0002 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Personal Option Unit | AFACM0007 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Supervised Individual Study | AFACM0008 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Buddhism in Practice | THRSM0118 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
The Theology of Martin Luther | THRSM0122 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Vatican II and Post-conciliar Roman Catholic Debates in Theology | THRSM0123 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia | THRSM0126 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Practice of Tibetan Religion | THRSM0130 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Ancient Jewish Novels | THRSM0131 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Or any 20 credit point unit available from across the Faculty of Arts | ||||
MA | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
The award of an MA with Merit in the Faculty of Arts requires at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component and at least 65 out of 100 for the dissertation.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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