Overview

Religious traditions continue to shape how people navigate change, conflict and identity across the world, making their study genuinely relevant to understanding contemporary society. The BA (Hons) Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol examines these dynamics through global faiths including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism, taught by specialists across these traditions as well as Jewish studies and East Asian religions. Learning extends well beyond the classroom, with fieldwork visits to local places of worship and the option to study abroad for a semester at partner universities across four continents. The course suits students drawn to big questions about belief, culture and conflict, and who want to build strong analytical and communication skills relevant to a wide range of careers.

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What You'll Learn

• Approaches to and issues in the study of world religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism

• Historical and contemporary perspectives on religious traditions and their evolution

• How religious traditions engage with change, conflict and cultural identity

• Fieldwork-based engagement with faith communities through visits to places of worship

• Optional specialist units covering Western and Asian religious traditions in the second and third years

• The option to study a relevant language, such as Arabic, Hebrew, Sanskrit or Greek

• A semester studying abroad at a partner university in year two

• Independent research through a final-year dissertation, supported by a supervisor

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse religious traditions and beliefs across different historical periods and cultural contexts, drawing on both textual and fieldwork-based evidence. They will be equipped to engage thoughtfully with questions of conflict, identity and change as they relate to religion, and to communicate complex ideas about belief and culture clearly. Through independent research and a final-year dissertation, students will develop the ability to design and carry out a substantial piece of original work. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, research and communication skills, well suited to further study or a wide range of careers including law, journalism, education and public policy.