BA Study of Religions

Why choose this course?

Throughout history, religion has occupied a central place in the lives of all societies and cultures.  In the 1960s many believed that religions would gradually decline especially in the West, as science seemed to answer many of the questions traditionally answered by religions.  Now, in many parts of the world, religious groups (traditional and new) have become prominent – perhaps especially groups often called “fundamentalist”.  Religions still inspire many human endeavours in the field of art, literature, music, and politics so our understanding of these is incomplete without reference to the religious tradition that contributed to their formation.

What could I go on to do?

Study of Religions is a fairly new degree at Heythrop, and at the time of writing no students have yet graduated.  National information about where Religious Studies graduates go (for example from the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services) shows that over 30% go directly on to further study and some of these go to into careers which require professional training (teaching is an obvious example, but not the only one). Religious studies graduates are also to be found – not always as their first job – in public services, youth and community work, advice work and social research, journalism, publishing.

There is increasing demand for people with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in careers involving policy making and with people from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds.