BA (Hons) Theology and Religious Studies

How do ancient texts help shape people’s choices in the modern world? Is mindfulness a Buddhist practice or a Western therapeutic technique? Where does evil come from, and what should we do about it? What’s the connection between believing, belonging, and behaving? Do new religious movements present a danger to society? What tools does Christian doctrine provide for addressing the climate crisis? What does the Bible really say? Is religion a force for good in the world, or a source of conflict?

Questions about religion, faith, and spirituality are vital in modern, global society. A degree in Theology and Religious Studies equips you to understand the ongoing significance and meaning of religious perspectives in the contemporary world, as well as inviting you to think critically and constructively about beliefs, practices, and ethical concerns in traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Asian religions. Our programme welcomes and supports students from a variety of faith, belief, and non-belief backgrounds.

Excellence

Our courses are nationally recognised for their excellence. We are rated 1st in the UK for Teaching Quality Score (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023), 1st for Student Experience Score (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023) and are Top for Satisfaction with Feedback in the Guardian University Guide 2022 and 2023. We received 100% Overall Satisfaction in the subject area of Theology and Religious Studies in the latest National Student Survey (Discover Uni 2022), and 85% of our students go on to work or further study within 15 months of completing their course (Discover Uni 2022).

Flexibility

Our programme is designed to give you maximum flexibility to pursue your own interests. Whether you’re entering directly from school/college or you’ve been away from education for a while; whether you know right now what you want to focus on at University, or you’re wanting to discover ideas you’d never thought about before: our first year curriculum gives you the skills and knowledge to dive straight in, and our staff have the range of expertise to support you, wherever your curiosity takes you.

Staff Expertise

Theology and Religious Studies at Chester is in the top 10 in the UK for World-leading and Internationally-excellent research (REF2021 Results Analysis – Elsevier).

At Chester, you will never be taught by someone who’s just working out of a textbook—you’re more likely to be taught by someone who wrote the textbook. Our staff are subject experts with deep knowledge of the religious traditions they teach, from Christian theology and the Bible to contemporary spirituality and New Religious Movements. Alongside expertise in specific traditions, we have particular strengths in theology and religion in combination with: gender and feminism; film and popular culture; politics and religious violence.

Study Abroad and Community Engagement

The ideas you encounter in the classroom are only part of the story. Our programme also provides you with the opportunity to expand your horizons by studying abroad, either in a University-sponsored year abroad, or via the field study module we offer in the second year. This module usually involves an overseas field trip to Jerusalem, where you will be able to develop your skills in cultural and religious literacy. You can also put your learning into practice by volunteering in the local community or participating in the many community engagement events hosted by the department and the University.

Student Support

We pride ourselves on the quality of our student support, which is literally built into the layout of our department: your classes take place in the same building where your lecturers have their offices, so a helping hand or a friendly ear are never more than a few steps away.

We work with students to achieve their best: every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor, who will meet with you at least once per term to help you with your overall development and career planning, as well as being your first point of contact for any difficulties you might encounter during your studies. In addition to being subject experts, all of our lecturers are also trained and experienced teachers: every member of academic staff is certified by the Higher Education Academy, and specially trained in Mental Health First Aid.

The University of Chester also has dedicated Student Support services for everything from financial difficulties to specific learning needs to bespoke academic skills development, and offers an assortment of bursaries and support packages available to assist students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Professional Skills and Employability

Taught by staff who are active at the cutting edge of their disciplines, advising religious communities and shaping policy, you will be well equipped to enter into any professional role which requires religious literacy and cultural sensitivity. Our students go on to work in a variety of different professions including charity work, law, education, government, health and social care, youthwork, publishing, ministry, finance and other forms of business and industry.

• 85% of our students go on to work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course (Discover Uni, 2021).
• A degree in Theology and Religious Studies builds skills that are in high demand with employers across all sectors. Alongside critical thinking, argumentation, independent decision making, and the ability to present complex information clearly, our programme develops cultural and religious literacy, empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, media literacy and technological skills, and helps you gain project management experience that is crucial for career advancement.
• This course is designed so that you develop these skills as you work through all your modules. In the second year, there is a specific opportunity to develop connections between your academic subject and your future career through a range of practical and experiential modules. You could undertake a work placement in a secondary school RE classroom or in another profession, or go on an overseas field study. You can also choose to learn a language.

You will benefit from ongoing support from the University. Careers and Employability offers a range of activities throughout the year, from individual workshops to the Chester Difference Award. They will help you find a volunteering placement, internship, or a UniJob that will let you earn some money while protecting your study time. Chester students can also access support for starting their own business, or obtain enhanced career support through the Graduate Head Start programme for up to two years from the end of their course.