Course summary

This MA in Ancient Religions offers a unique, multidisciplinary programme that explores the diverse religious traditions of the ancient world. The course goes beyond the familiar realms of Greece and Rome to include ancient civilisations as far-reaching as Ancient Egypt, Celtic Britain, and Ancient China. By undertaking a comparative analysis of religious traditions, you will study how different cultures practised religion and engaged with the divine. You will explore the earliest temples in Southwest Asia, delve into the religions of the Bronze Age Mediterranean, and examine the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt. This programme will also take you across the sacred landscapes of northwest Europe, where you can uncover how ancient peoples interacted with their surroundings. Through the study of ancient religions, you will encounter a range of key topics, such as organised religious practices, the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, and concepts like cosmology, magic, and divination in the classical world. You will also have the chance to engage with Old Testament texts, exploring their cultural and religious significance. This programme places emphasis on the importance of literary analysis and historical analysis, encouraging you to think critically about the religious, cultural, and political issues that shaped the ancient world. The course offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies according to your research interests. Modules are designed to cater to a wide variety of themes, from ancient philosophy and classical texts to political and cultural issues in the ancient world. You will also have the chance to engage with Greek and Roman philosophy, biblical studies, and even study ancient languages like New Testament Greek and Biblical Hebrew. Whether you are interested in the ethical issues surrounding ancient religions or how different cultures viewed death and religion, this programme offers a comprehensive insight into the rich and varied beliefs of the ancient world. It is particularly suitable for those looking to further their academic journey, or to gain an in-depth understanding of the ancient world’s diverse and complex religious traditions. Through your studies, you will engage with the political, cultural, and ethical issues that continue to influence religious thought today. By exploring these ancient civilisations, you will gain a deeper understanding of how religion shaped, and was shaped by, the ancient world.