Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Religious Studies 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Otago |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Main Subject Area

Theology, Divinity and Religious StudiesMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Religion is as old as humanity itself. Despite the rise of science and modern technology, the majority of people in the world today are religious, and current demographic trends reveal that – as a whole – the world is becoming more religious. In order to understand humans, human history, and the contemporary world, we need to understand the multifaceted nature of religion and its place in human societies.


Religion offers you the opportunity to become familiar with religious movements, their history and the influence they currently wield. By studying religion, you will learn to enter empathetically into a world of thought that may be very different from your own, without losing the ability to ask critical questions about it.


In Otago’s Religion programme, you will critically examine religious beliefs and practices and their influence on human behaviour. You’ll investigate religion’s evolutionary origins, psychological underpinnings and historical development as well as its links with modern politics, law and social movements.


Looking beyond ‘mainstream’ religions, you’ll examine those new forms of spiritual practice that have emerged alongside the traditional religions. Religion approaches these phenomena with both critical spirit and empathy and offers explanations that believers might be reluctant to accept, while also attempting to understand the believer’s point of view.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Religion is as old as humanity itself. Despite the rise of science and modern technology, the majority of people in the world today are religious, and current demographic trends reveal that – as a whole – the world is becoming more religious. In order to understand humans, human history, and the contemporary world, we need to understand the multifaceted nature of religion and its place in human societies.


Religion offers you the opportunity to become familiar with religious movements, their history and the influence they currently wield. By studying religion, you will learn to enter empathetically into a world of thought that may be very different from your own, without losing the ability to ask critical questions about it.


In Otago’s Religion programme, you will critically examine religious beliefs and practices and their influence on human behaviour. You’ll investigate religion’s evolutionary origins, psychological underpinnings and historical development as well as its links with modern politics, law and social movements.


Looking beyond ‘mainstream’ religions, you’ll examine those new forms of spiritual practice that have emerged alongside the traditional religions. Religion approaches these phenomena with both critical spirit and empathy and offers explanations that believers might be reluctant to accept, while also attempting to understand the believer’s point of view.

Admission Requirements

80+
169+
50+
6+
5+
105+
24+
  1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
  2. Every applicant must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree majoring in the subject or subjects of study proposed with an average grade of at least B or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

1 Year
Feb
Jul

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

Postgrad Programmes 474