Religion MA

This Religion MA is focused on the intersection between Religion and public life.You will examine the relationship between Religion and key issues that affect all of our lives, including:

• Issues of poverty and inequality
• Diversity and inclusion
• Sustainability and the environmental crisis

With an emphasis on research, this course will develop your research skills, as you explore different methodologies, disciplines and theoretical outlooks. Flexibility is built in, so you can study to suit your own research interests and preferred approaches. These can include philosophical, theological or social scientific approaches to the study of religion and spirituality.

We have designed the course to be relevant and contemporary, and you will have opportunities to engage with those who are making real changes in the wider religious landscape. This might include religious leaders, worshippers participating in action for social justice, and organisations working for social change.

The MA draws on the thriving research culture within the Religion department, the School of Humanities and York St John University as a whole. You will especially benefit from engaging with the Centre for Religion in Society, and our flagship Ebor Lectures.

Throughout the course, we address the need for change towards social justice, examining the ways in which Religion has been both an obstacle to, and a source of inspiration for, bringing about positive social change.

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.

If you choose to study full time the course will take 1 year to complete.

If you choose to study part time the course will take 2 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

Teaching sessions will be highly interactive with a strong emphasis on discussion, and you will be encouraged to explore your own areas of interest within the field. There will be a focus on paying attention to research methodology throughout, and the course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out research, and communicate your findings. Tailored feedback and one-to-one tutorials will support you in this task.

You will have opportunities to engage critically with the theory and practice of religion in society today by getting involved with the Ebor lectures and writing blog entries for the Centre for Religion in Society (CRiS).

You will be taught by research-active scholars in the field. In addition to taught sessions, you will receive advice and tailored support through one-to-one sessions with the module leaders, your Academic Tutor and Dissertation Supervisor. Academic staff are available to help you explore your own interests and to assist you to achieve your goals. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

We use a wide variety of forms of assessment, which have been designed to develop transferable skills relevant to future employment. These include:

• Production of web-page content
• Critical analysis of a lecture
• A professional report
• An annotated bibliography

Your studies culminate in the production of a dissertation based on a research proposal, which takes the form of a critical analysis of an area of your own interest within the field. You will be supported by a dissertation supervisor, who can offer one to one advice to help you explore your chosen area of interest and assist you in developing your skills of independent research, equipping you to go forward and produce innovative research.

Qualifications

We welcome applicants with academic backgrounds from across humanities and social sciences. Some previous students have studied Religion, Philosophy or Theology at undergraduate level, while others have previously specialised in areas such as Sociology, Geography or Politics, or have relevant professional experience to support their application.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £8,600 for full time study
• £4,300 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £11,800 for 1 year of full time study
• £5,900 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Religion MA take you?

This postgraduate degree could lead you to a career directly related to religion, or it could take you in a completely different direction, using the many transferrable skills you will develop.

This will give you an advantage for a career in:

• Teaching
• Research
• Policy
• Third sector and community projects
• Youth work
• Social Services
• Work with faith-based organisations

Alumni stories

Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £5,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2023).

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.