MA Religious Studies and Scottish Literature
UCAS code: V6Q3
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Divinity
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA Religious Studies and Scottish Literature
Religious studies is a vibrant interdisciplinary field of study focusing on religious beliefs and practices and their relationship with the wider world. It is concerned with the concepts and emotions which underpin religious belief and practice, and their role and function in culture and society.
Religious studies deals with historical as well as contemporary material and is equally interested in the groups and individuals who practice religion as in the gods, deities, ancestors and spirits with whom they interact.
This joint honours programme combines vibrant study of religions with the excitement of Scottish literature. It generates a cross-fertilisation of methods and materials in which literature is illuminated by religious ideas, and religion is mediated in texts from canonical writings of traditions from Buddhist sutras to the Hebrew bible, to classic and modern fiction.
Reading and writing are key practices in both religion and Scottish literature. This programme introduces you to major texts and gives you the tools and critical skills to understand and interpret them.
Year 1
You will study two compulsory religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches, and Scottish Literature 1. You can also choose courses from other University subject areas.
Year 2
You will study two compulsory religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches, and Scottish Literature 2. You can also choose courses from other University subject areas.
Year 3
You will continue to study one or more religious traditions in international and cross-cultural contexts and will take courses in literature at an advanced level.
Year 4
You will choose further advanced courses and will complete a dissertation with academic supervision on a subject in either religious traditions or Literature with academic supervision.
Programme structure
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.
To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Our facilities
Teaching takes place primarily in the School of Divinity, based in New College. You will also have access to all the University's libraries and computer facilities.
Study abroad
There is a varied range of opportunities to spend time abroad. For shorter periods, these include summer programmes and work abroad.
During Year 3, you will also have the opportunity to study abroad on exchange for up to a year at a wide selection of leading global universities. These include Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands and Dartmouth College, United States, with which the School has ongoing relationships.
Going abroad expands your horizons and is great fun, as well as bringing academic and career benefits.
How will I learn?
Courses are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and online learning.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including examinations, coursework, participation in seminars, presentation of your work and an honours dissertation.
Programme details
Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.
To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.
Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers within a variety of settings, including the creative arts, non-governmental organisations, industry, finance, teaching, management, administration, government, counselling and the voluntary sector.
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5. If you haven’t achieved this by the end of S5 we may consider your application based on a strong performance in S6. A minimum of BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).
Minimum entry requirement
The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).
More information for widening access applicants
Required subjects
The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:
- SQA: Higher: English at grade B.
- A Levels: English Literature or combined English at grade B.
- IB: HL: English at grade 5.
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.
International Foundation Programme
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
SQA, GCSE and IB
For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
SQA National 5 Grade C
SQA Standard Grade 3
SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
GCSE Grade C or 4
Level 2 Certificate Grade C
IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
PTE Academic: Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
(Revised 05/06/2019 to provide more accurate/comprehensive information.)
This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.
It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.
Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for MA Religious Studies and Scottish Literature
Additional costs
None.
Funding
For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.
- College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
- Web: Contact CAHSS Undergraduate Admissions Office
- International enquiries