Ranking
Top 50
Department in world (QS 2024)
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Course overview
Now more than ever, religion plays a major role in national and international politics. On this course you’ll research the role of religion in politics and society, strengthening your skills as a global citizen.
Combine social sciences and religious studies and gain the analytical skills to debate major issues like political violence, security, democracy, human rights and religious freedom. Develop your understanding of the role of religion in politics, international relations and modern society.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
Course highlights
This course crosses subject boundaries so you can discover how religious issues and political challenges interact in a variety of contexts across the world.
Build your own degree, choosing modules from a variety of subject areas. Take advantage of our expertise from across social sciences and religious studies to gain an informed insight into crucial debates impacting the future of society.
- Build your degree around your interests with flexible module choices available across Theology and Religion, History, Philosophy and Politics.
- Access teaching and lectures from experts from the Top 50 Theology and Religion department in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Immerse yourself in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe. Make the most of the Department's links with faith-based communities across the city.
Small group teaching offers you focussed support.
Take advantage of expertise that goes across subject boundaries and perspectives.
Build your own degree with a flexible range of modules.
Broaden your perspectives
You'll learn from experts across social sciences and religious studies, providing you with different ways of looking at issues and debates impacting modern society. What’s more, you’ll study in an internationally recognised department for research excellence. Our Theology and Religion department is ranked 3rd in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on research rated 4* (according to Times Higher Education).
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Theology and Religion.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – choose between a 15,000-word dissertation or a placement-based dissertation.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
Students must choose ONE 60 credit dissertation option. In addition, students must choose 60 credits of optional modules. Full time students must balance their taught credits 60/60 across semesters 1 and 2. Part-time students are advised not to exceed 40 taught credits in any one semester.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Dissertation Preparation and Guided Reading | 20 |
| LM Research Methods | 20 |
| Religion in Contemporary Global Politics I | 20 |
Students studying the MA must take one of the following Dissertation modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 |
| LM Placement-based Dissertation | 60 |
Students must choose 60 credits of optional modules from the following indicative lists.
Students may choose up to 20 credits of their 60 credits of their optional modules from modules available from the Department of Political Science and International Studies.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Theology and Religion at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to research and organise information, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to write to tight deadlines.
Our Theology and Religion graduates enter many roles, including:
- Church Ministry
- Modern Day Slavery Officer
- Religious Minister
Employers our Theology and Religion graduates have worked for include:
- National and international places of worship
- Ministry of Justice
- Cambridge University Press
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.