Theology and Religious Studies, BA

Course content

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to the history, methods, concepts and questions posed by theology and religious studies. You'll also choose from a range of optional modules, maintaining a balance between individual religious traditions, such as Islam or Judaism, and specific regions or themes from modern Africa to philosophy of religion.

This foundation will enable you to make the most of the choice on offer over the next two years, as you select from a range of optional modules to shape a degree that suits you. A compulsory module in your second year will allow you to place religious studies in contemporary contexts, but otherwise you'll be free to focus on topics from Buddhism and Hindu traditions to theological ethics, science and religion, sin and the sociology of religion.

Throughout your degree, you'll develop your critical and research skills, as well as your cultural and social awareness. You'll be able to demonstrate these in your third and final year when you choose a topic for an independently researched dissertation.

You can also take part in fieldwork, allowing you to conduct original research in local religious communities, or even go into a local school and apply your knowledge and skills to the classroom.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB

  • Career opportunities

    A degree in Theology and Religious Studies will equip you with in-depth subject knowledge, but you'll also develop valuable transferable skills that really stand out to employers. You'll be a confident communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, either in writing or verbally. You'll be comfortable working independently or in a team, and you'll have strong organisational and research skills.

    Graduates have gone on to succeed in a wide range of careers in management, politics, the civil service, journalism, the media, education and the charity sector. Others have gone on to postgraduate study in related disciplines.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    On this programme you can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. You could be taught in English, German or Czech - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.