Religion in the Contemporary World

Study in the heart of London on this unique theology degree programme combines humanities and social sciences to illuminate the complex relationships between religion and society. It draws on theoretical insights and investigative methods from social anthropology, sociology, history and theology.

KEY BENEFITS

• King’s home to a large, vibrant department with special expertise in Islam, Judaism and Christianity and a variety of contemporary religious movements.
• Ranked joint third in the UK for world-leading and internationally excellent research.
• Teaching makes the most of London’s rich religious culture, incorporating many places of worship and the collections of the British Museum.
• Central location offers easy access to numerous libraries across London.
• Students develop key transferable skills which can lead to a variety of different careers

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

This unique programme combines humanities and social sciences to illuminate the complex relationships between religion and society. Drawing on both theoretical insights and investigative methods from social anthropology, sociology, history, and theology, the degree aims to equip you with intellectual skills necessary for sound understanding of the ways in which the variety of contemporary religious expressions shape and are shaped by groups and societies, and by global cultural and political trends. You will take modules in anthropology, sociology, and history of religion, theology, and study in detail at least two monotheistic religions. The programme also includes a module based on visits to religious groups in London, with the aim of fostering the ability to observe their beliefs and practices and to interpret them within historical and socio-cultural contexts.

ABOUT THE Department of Theology and Religious Studies
CAREERS Our students develop key transferable skills in critical analysis, argumentation and communication that are indispensable in a wide variety of occupations. King’s students go on to careers in: government, the Civil Service, non-government organisations, social services, the caring professions, charities, law, the City, academia, PR and advertising, journalism and the media, entertainment and the arts, the church and other religious organisations. Recent graduates have found employment as or in…. • Insight Manager, ISPUN • Sales Executive, Events company • PR Assistant, PR Company • Research Ethics Co-ordinator, National Research Ethics Service • Researcher, Houses of Parliament • Trainee Accountant, Accountancy Firm • Children/Family Worker, Regents Trust • Publishing Assistant, Allison and Busby • Research Assistant, Tyndale House • Company Director. Musical Entertainment company
TEACHING STYLE We strongly believe that teaching and research should be closely related. All teaching members of staff are therefore research-active, many enjoying international reputations as leaders in their fields. Our commitment to original research means that we can introduce students to new discoveries in areas as diverse as priesthood and cult in ancient Israel; mysticism; political Islam and the state; the relationship between philosophy and literature, and between moral and aesthetic value; and religion and politics, in particular nationalism, ethnicity and global networks.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Each programme has a distinctive core, defined through a unique pattern of modules (some year-long modules, some over a single term). Some modules are compulsory, mostly in the first year when they are introductory. The scope for choice increases substantially in the second and third years, to suit developing individual interests and strengths. Module options may change from year to year; we strive constantly to enhance the variety of modules on offer. Methods of assessment vary from one module to another, but typically involve the submission of some coursework (usually an essay) and an unseen written examination in the summer. A few modules involve either coursework or a summer examination.
LOCATION As befits a capital city that is home to a mix of people of hugely diverse backgrounds, London offers tremendous opportunities for the student of religion. Numerous religious groups with their very different beliefs and rituals, as well as artistic traditions exhibited in places of worship, exist on the department’s doorstep. Unrivalled resources enabling us to put those facets into context are close at hand: looking beyond the College, we can turn to the National Archives, the British Library, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Lambeth Palace Library, to name only a few.

ABOUT THE Department of Theology and Religious Studies
CAREERS Our students develop key transferable skills in critical analysis, argumentation and communication that are indispensable in a wide variety of occupations. King’s students go on to careers in: government, the Civil Service, non-government organisations, social services, the caring professions, charities, law, the City, academia, PR and advertising, journalism and the media, entertainment and the arts, the church and other religious organisations. Recent graduates have found employment as or in…. • Insight Manager, ISPUN • Sales Executive, Events company • PR Assistant, PR Company • Research Ethics Co-ordinator, National Research Ethics Service • Researcher, Houses of Parliament • Trainee Accountant, Accountancy Firm • Children/Family Worker, Regents Trust • Publishing Assistant, Allison and Busby • Research Assistant, Tyndale House • Company Director. Musical Entertainment company
TEACHING STYLE We strongly believe that teaching and research should be closely related. All teaching members of staff are therefore research-active, many enjoying international reputations as leaders in their fields. Our commitment to original research means that we can introduce students to new discoveries in areas as diverse as priesthood and cult in ancient Israel; mysticism; political Islam and the state; the relationship between philosophy and literature, and between moral and aesthetic value; and religion and politics, in particular nationalism, ethnicity and global networks.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Each programme has a distinctive core, defined through a unique pattern of modules (some year-long modules, some over a single term). Some modules are compulsory, mostly in the first year when they are introductory. The scope for choice increases substantially in the second and third years, to suit developing individual interests and strengths. Module options may change from year to year; we strive constantly to enhance the variety of modules on offer. Methods of assessment vary from one module to another, but typically involve the submission of some coursework (usually an essay) and an unseen written examination in the summer. A few modules involve either coursework or a summer examination.
LOCATION As befits a capital city that is home to a mix of people of hugely diverse backgrounds, London offers tremendous opportunities for the student of religion. Numerous religious groups with their very different beliefs and rituals, as well as artistic traditions exhibited in places of worship, exist on the department’s doorstep. Unrivalled resources enabling us to put those facets into context are close at hand: looking beyond the College, we can turn to the National Archives, the British Library, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Lambeth Palace Library, to name only a few.