Master of Arts in Religion and Political Life

 

Over the last five years the MA in Religion and Political Life has attracted international students from China, The United States, Europe, and Africa. This one-year MA programme aims to furnish students with a critical understanding of key concepts and themes in the field of Religion and Politics. The MA programme is unique in its research-led and interdisciplinary structure. Students will acquire knowledge of the historical and continuing involvement of religion in various forms of political culture. They will acquire the ability to analyse critically religious traditions or aspects thereof from the standpoint of their involvement with governing ideologies, policy-making and legal regulations. The programme will also provide the necessary historical, conceptual and methodological foundations for further research in the Humanities. Click here for the interactive syllabus for this module RELT60141 (Click here for a PDF).

In this programme students are encouraged to undertake independent research in order to:

  • Understand the history of contemporary issues in Religion and Politics
  • Examine the political aspects of various religious traditions
  • Gain awareness of potential conflict and cooperation between religions and political cultures

After the successful completion of the programme students might further their studies in an MPhil, PhD or seek employment in NGOs, the media, governmental and international offices or faith based communities.

Further Course Description

At one time there was a radical division between religion and public life, but today there is enormous interest in the role of religion in the public sphere. The relationship between religion and politics is receiving much attention in the social sciences. This programme aims to furnish students with a critical understanding of key concepts and themes in the field of religion and political life. Students will explore various approaches to studying the various relationships between Religion and Political life (theoretical, historical, anthropological, ethnographic, and sociological methods, for example). Students will acquire knowledge of the historical and continuing involvement of Religion in various forms of political culture, and the ability to analyse critically religious traditions or aspects thereof from the standpoint of their involvement with political life. The programme will also provide the necessary foundations for further research in the field of Religion and Political Life.

Module Details

The subject core course unit is typically Religion and Political Life, which will provide a grounding in five methodological approaches to examining the relationship between religion and politics (historical, philosophical, theological, ethnographic, political). This is complemented by a School-led core course which gives students the opportunity to acquire a variety of research and presentation skills.Optional course units typically include: From Religion to Politics; Gender and Globalisation; Exploring Hindu Nationalism; Christianity, Culture and Society in England c.1750 - 2000. After successful completion of the taught course units you will write a dissertation for which you will usually have one-to-one supervision.

Scholarships and Bursaries

UK and EU applicants may enter the AHRC or ESRC competition(internal deadline in March/April for this year). This is highly competitive, and applicants should discuss applying with the Programme Director as soon as possible.Some awards are usually offered by the School or department: see here for current information, or contact the Admissions Administrator andrew.rigg@manchester.ac.uk. Some awards are reserved for international applicants. For further information about the cost of this degree click here.

Progression and Assessment

Teaching is mainly in lectures and seminars, with tutorials for dissertation supervision. Assessment of each course unit is normally by means of a 6,000 word essay, but may include book reviews, source reports, presentations, seminar papers. Language course units will usually involve examination. The MA dissertation Is of 12,000-15,000 words.