Religion, Politics and Society MA

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.

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.

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).

• 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.

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:

Students studying the MA must take one of the following Dissertation modules:

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.

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.

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.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

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.

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

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.

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 has developed into 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.

Campus life

Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse 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.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.