Religion and Theology - 2012 entry
BA (Hons)
- single
BA (Hons)
/
BSc (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
This course is run by the Department of History, Philosophy and Religion
It is hard to overstate the importance of the study of religion and theology for the modern world. Almost every area of human and cultural activity is affected by historical and contemporary expressions of religion. Understanding religion and its relationship to culture, politics and the environment is vital as the 21st century unfolds.
In the Oxford Brookes Religion and Theology course we have an opportunity, some would even say an obligation, to engage critically with the issues generated by contemporary expressions of religion in the modern world. In the course we seek to explore the dynamics of religion in order to give a full account of human culture, have a better understanding of human and cultural development and understand the dynamics of faith. Our Religion and Theology course will enable you to interrogate how religion interacts with a wide range of contemporary issues from terrorism to sexual morality. This perspective will be invaluable whether you envisage practical or academic application of your studies.
We offer an innovative and exciting course in Religion and Theology with a contemporary focus on social context. The course is supported by cutting edge e-learning resources and can be fully delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment. Students can take the course in a range of modes, including full-time face-to-face, part-time and by distance learning.
Why Brookes?
Where you choose to study will make a considerable difference both to what you study and how you study it. The study of religion is profoundly influenced by the context in which it is studied and from which it is viewed. Oxford Brookes University provides an ideal location or vantage point for the study of religion, theology, philosophy of religion, culture and ethics. The character and nature of the department will enable you to adopt a contemporary perspective on contemporary issues, offering a culturally and academically diverse community of scholarship.
On the course you will find 'insider' and 'outsider' perspectives, both of which are cherished in the study of religions, brought into critical conversation with each other. All of this takes place in Oxford, which is a centre of international scholarship and global encounter for the study of religions and their contemporary cultural expression.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The BA in Religion and Theology at Brookes is unique not only in its subject matter but also in the choice it offers you as to your style and mode of learning. On the single honours course you can study full-time or part-time, in distance-learning or on-campus mode.
As a combined honours on-campus student, you can combine Religion and Theology with a subject chosen from a range of other subjects taught in the university; popular combinations include Philosophy, Communication, and Education. All this is possible because the BA (Hons) in Religion and Theology combines the resources of our internationally-famous distance learning theology courses with cutting edge classroom-based courses in religion, culture and ethics. These courses have been at the forefront of the teaching of religion and theology in the UK for more than 25 years.
We offer a wide variety of teaching methods in both distance learning and on-campus study. Similarly we are able to offer an appropriate variety of forms of assessment: essays short and long, presentations, book reviews, portfolios and research dissertations.
The Religion and Theology team is highly committed to supporting you and your learning during your time at Oxford Brookes. Members of staff are active researchers and publish nationally and internationally. This research feeds directly into what happens on the undergraduate course. Here you will be at the cutting edge of contemporary developments in the study of religion, theology, philosophy of religion, culture and ethics. Indeed, you will be part of the team.
In detail
RELATED COURSES:
Andrew Coulter
The independence of the course played a big factor in me studying at Oxford Brookes; you can study whatever you want concerning Religion and Theology over the course of the degree, this really attracted me.
See full profile »Course content
The course gives you the opportunity to engage with a broad range of contemporary issues at the same time as gaining specialist skills in the study of religion, the philosophy of religion and Christian theology. Whether you choose to discover the diversity of religions or explore the depths of theology, this course will give you the tools to undertake your inquiry. The choice is yours.
You'll gain a contemporary perspective on contemporary issues - we have a diverse range of scholars working in theology, study of religions, philosophy of religion and history of religions. Our students engage with a culturally and academically diverse community of scholarship with lively conversations, debates and thorough analysis of the core themes in religious belief and practice.
The course at Oxford Brookes is uniquely flexible: you can study Religion and Theology either as single honours or combined with another subject; full-time or part-time; in distance learning or on-campus mode.
Our course provides a secure foundation in three key strands:
- Study of Religions
- Theology
- Philosophy of Religion.
In the first year you will be introduced to each of these three subject areas and the key themes that will inform your study. In the second and third years you will have opportunities to develop your knowledge in each of the three areas and to specialise in topics that interest you most.
As courses are reviewed regularly the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here. You can find detailed descriptions of the modules here.
Year 1
Below is a selection of first-year modules:
- Introduction to the Study of Religions
- Introduction to Theology
- Academic Literacy: Religion and Theology
- Issues in Contemporary Religions
- Issues in Contemporary Philosophy
Years 2 & 3
Modules may include:
- Essentials of Theology
- Theology in Social Context
- Special Topics in Theology or Religion
- Continental Philosophy of Religion
- Vice and Virtue
- Culture, Gender and Sexuality
- Religion, Philosophy and the Body
- Dissertation
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes, is available here.
Sample course materials
Below are a series of short videos produced by Beverley Clack as additional resources supporting her modules on Continental Philosophy of Religion, and Sex and Death in Ancient and Classical Religions.
Feuerbach - Master of Suspicion
Seneca and Roman Religion
Jacques Lacan - God and the Phallus
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
RELATED COURSES:
Rachel Compton
The staff have helped me with module choices and putting together a good academic learning plan. They also offer help if I don’t understand any content on the course itself, providing a comfortable atmosphere to discuss any problems.
See full profile »Department
Department of History, Philosophy and Religion
Course length
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: up to 8 years
Teaching location
Harcourt Hill Campus / Distance learning
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
V600 BA/RD
Combine with...
RELATED COURSES:
This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
VL6P Mod/RCAN
Communication, Media and Culture
VP6X Mod/RCHQ
Education Studies
XV39 Mod/RCWD
English Language and Communication
QV96 Mod/RCLD
History of Art
VV6H Mod/RCHA
International Relations
VL6G Mod/RCRL
Philosophy
VV6M Mod/RCPQ
Sociology
VL63 Mod/RCSO
Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
CV66 Mod/RCSU
Fees / funding
RELATED COURSES:
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
RELATED COURSES:
Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points
Advanced Diploma: grade C, including A-level at grade B
BTEC: in a relevant field of study at DMM
Many of our students are mature and have non-traditional entry qualifications, which we welcome if they can show evidence of academic potential. We routinely take students from other universities with credit transfer.
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
For the on-campus mode, all applications for full-time study should be made through UCAS and all applications for part-time study should be made directly to the university using the university application form.
For the distance learning mode, please read further information here.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
RELATED COURSES:
Dave Preece
I chose to come to Brookes because I liked the range of subjects offered and the variety of teaching styles used. The modular system and the flexibility of the course was also something that attracted me; I could tailor the degree to suit my interests.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study Religion and Theology
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.
One of the world's great academic cities, Oxford is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects. It is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for its large student population, from theatres and cinemas to museums, art galleries and music venues. A bustling and stunning cosmopolitan city, Oxford has excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
RELATED COURSES:
Lucie Acraman
Since finishing the course, I have been able to put the many skills which I learnt on the course into practice. These include debate and counsel, empathy for others' views and a greater understanding of other cultures.
See full profile »Career prospects
You will develop skills which are in demand in many professional contexts, including skills in analysis and communication, empathy for diversity of opinion and balanced judgement concerning complex issues. Your knowledge of the dynamics of different religions and cultures will enable you to work in any multicultural or international environment where an understanding of different ethnic groups is needed.
Career paths include the civil service, media, politics, charity work, social work, law, international relations and teaching. Many of our distance learning and part-time students are engaged in employment whilst studying. Our graduates are increasingly sought-after in the business world, especially by companies working overseas or by firms employing young people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Further study
The academic reputation of the course means that a significant number of graduates go on to postgraduate and higher study.
