Interreligious Relations MA

About the course

This course explores relationships between religions in the context of a plural society and globalised world. The social and theological aspects of the impact of religious diversity are analysed, including the power of religious identity to influence society for social cohesion or conflict. It is taught by academics who are also practitioners.

This course is ideal if you want to deepen your appreciation of religious diversity and enquire into the challenges which diversity and interreligious dialogue bring to religious communities, civil society, governance issues and public institutions.

It places an emphasis on praxis as well as theory and your experience is valued as part of the learning environment. To a small extent Leicester is used as a case study.

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Key facts

Duration: Two years part-time

Location: St Philip’s Centre, Leicester

Start date: September 2013

Entry and admission criteria

You should have the equivalent of a UK bachelor’s degree (2:1 minimum) in a relevant subject such as theology or religious studies. We welcome applications from a wide sector and all non-standard applications will be carefully considered.

Teaching and assessment

Learning takes place mainly through a shared class environment, with emphasis on mutual learning and valuing experience. Assessment is varied and includes class presentations, essay writing, reports and a portfolio.

Course modules

There are four modules in this part-time MA:

• The Multifaith City explores the contextual issues of religious communities in a city such as Leicester, their history and present relationships
• Religion, Conflict and Cohesion analyses religious identity in terms of the capacity of religious communities for social cohesion or social conflict. Global relationships are also examined
• The Theory and Practice of Interreligious Dialogue enquires into the theological and philosophical bases for interfaith dialogue and its fruits
• The Dialogue Placement provides an opportunity for researching how dialogue and co-operation between faiths works in practice
• You will also complete a 15,000 word Dissertation.
• PG Certificate (two modules only) and PG Diploma (four modules) routes are also available.

Academic expertise

All members of staff at the St Philip’s Centre have a strong profile in teaching and research and are experienced practitioners in the field of dialogue and community praxis.

• Dr John Hall is the Director of St Philip’s Centre and Bishop of Leicester’s Adviser on Interfaith Relations. He has previously been Director of Social Responsibility for the Anglican Coventry Diocese, Chair of the West Midland’s Regional Faith Forum, the Bishop of Coventry’s Officer for Inter-faith work, and a Member of the West Midlands Regional Assembly
• Dr Angela Jagger teaches Religious Studies for the Open University and has been involved in interreligious relations professionally for many years, having been a member of the executive committee of the national Inter Faith Network for the UK
• Dr Alan Race, whose books are recognised as classic texts on courses in interreligious dialogue, has taught in theological/seminary college settings as well as university

Industry links and professional accreditation

A large proportion of our lecturers are active practitioners and specialists in their field, including for example, working as architects, choreographers, composers, interior designers, journalists, new product developers, public relations consultants.

This ensures that you will learn real world skills that are in touch with the commercial sector, the latest technologies and current thinking.

Our creative staff also work as authors, composers, performers, freelance designers, practising fine artists and photographers who exhibit or perform internationally.

Other lecturers are involved in world class research and consultancy which enhances the quality of our teaching. Current projects range from digital media and holography to textile materials, fine art sculpture and the built environment, film and Hollywood to Women's TV History.

Our expertise in innovation has led us to advise regional businesses on developing new products. We are currently leading an initiative in resource efficient design for the retail supply chain. We also conduct consultancy and training for a number of clients including George at Asda, Oxford Instruments and Halfords and our major expertise in knowledge transfer and exchange offers benefits to a range of industrial partners.

Other members of our staff have connections with media organisations such as Amanda Blue independent award winning television producer 'Prescott the Class System and Me', 'World's Oldest Mother', Supernanny, 'Big School lottery' 'Young Black Farmers'

We also have partnerships and collaborations with the city's creative and cultural centres. These include Phoenix Square, The Curve Theatre and Leicester Comedy Festival

De Montfort University is highly rated by employers and offers excellent links with industry, the creative and cultural world, and the professions.

Graduate careers

The requirement for ‘religious intelligence’ is coming to be viewed as a necessary component for employees in the public and voluntary sectors, and this course will equip you in these elements. Other religious professionals will also benefit as part of in-service training, especially those with leadership responsibilities.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding options for 2013/14 entry are still under review and are subject to change.

Part-time Postgraduate courses fees (per year) £2150 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* (per year) £2500 Continuation UK/EU Fee** £150

For more information please take a look at our Funding|| section.

* ELQ Student definition - If you are a Home or EU status student and you already have a qualification at or above the level of the programme you wish to study from any country you will be considered as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. In 2008 the UK Government decided to stop funding universities for student in this situation and therefore the following fees will apply £5,000. Students from outside the EU are not affected by the policy.

** A fee that is charged on a periodic basis where Postgraduate or Research students need to extend their registration to complete the course.

Scholarships

Some limited scholarships are available on enquiry at St Philip's Centre (0116) 273 3479

Student support

“This course has deepened my grasp of the complexities of interreligious relations. It has also given me challenging perspectives on the excitements and frustrations of how religion contributes positively and negatively in public debate on issues such as globalisation, social cohesion and international conflict.”

Kathy Morrison, Interreligious Relations MA graduate