Course summary

Religion, faith and spirituality are powerful cultural forces, so an understanding of religious and spiritual perspectives in the contemporary world is vital. As one of the most culturally and religiously diverse communities in Europe, Birmingham provides a fascinating and intellectual environment for studying undergraduate Theology and Religion. You'll benefit from our excellent relationships with the city’s faith communities, and our compulsory work placement module will inform your understanding of significant religious traditions within the workplace. An understanding of religion is indispensable knowledge for anyone functioning within a contemporary, multicultural society. Our Theology and Religion staff have specialist expertise in the study of many ideas, movements and traditions that are shaping the twenty-first century, such as feminism and gender studies, cultural studies, global ethics, the philosophy of religion, and the study of the Holocaust. Our Department of Theology and Religion is ranked in the Top 10 for Theology in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, the Complete University Guide 2022 and the Guardian University Guide 2022. Why study this course? Diverse Perspectives - Unlike other universities, we engage with all students/major religions and not just the typical approach of studying the 3 major abrahamic religions. Across all 3 years you will study Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism which are often neglected by other universities. We want our students to gain a strong understanding of all major religions whilst also specialising in the niche that interests them the most. In your final year, you have an unprecedented freedom to choose any module that interests you ranging from the Hebrew Bible to the Holocaust and to Birmingham's diversity. Theology in Practice - Our academics work with policy-makers, and advise governments and public bodies, on engagement with faith communities. A degree in Theology and Religion offers an excellent preparation for any kind of professional role that requires engagement with diverse communities and navigating their particular needs and challenges. Taught by experts – You will study your undergraduate degree course alongside some of the finest minds in Theology and Religion. The Department is 3rd in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on 4* research. Culturally-diverse city – All faiths are well-represented in Birmingham, with more than 650 churches, mosques, synagogues and temples across the city. Outside London, Birmingham has the UK’s largest Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist communities, the second largest Hindu community and the seventh largest Jewish community. Rewarding Student Experience - At Birmingham we believe that teaching hours should be complemented by a wide-range of academic opportunities and social occasions. As a student in Theology and Religion you have access to, among many other things, free language tuition, bespoke academic writing advice, and a student experience team who co-ordinate performances, talks, trips, podcasts, quizzes and celebrations. Year abroad You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year then you will be invited to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year.