MA Religion, Politics and Society

Program Overview

The MA in Religion, Politics, and Society at the University of Birmingham offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating curriculum that blends theoretical frameworks with practical applications. This program focuses on how religion shapes political behavior, public policy, and societal change. It examines global issues such as religious conflict, secularization, religious freedom, the role of religion in peacebuilding, and the intersection of faith and governance. Students are encouraged to critically analyze how religion influences political ideologies and social norms while also exploring the challenges of religious diversity in increasingly multicultural societies. The program provides students with the flexibility to pursue a range of topics and research areas, culminating in an independent dissertation on a subject of their choice.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA in Religion, Politics, and Society is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between religion, politics, and social dynamics. Core modules include Religion and Politics, Theories of Religion, Religion and Society, and Global Religious Movements, which cover a range of global and contemporary issues at the intersection of faith and governance. Optional modules allow students to explore specialized areas such as Religion and Conflict, Human Rights and Religion, Political Theology, and Secularism and Public Policy. This mix of core and optional modules ensures that students can tailor their learning to their specific interests while gaining a broad understanding of the complex role religion plays in shaping modern political and social landscapes. The program is delivered by world-leading experts in religious studies, political science, and sociology, providing students with the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research.

Research Focus: The MA in Religion, Politics, and Society places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to critically engage with academic debates surrounding the role of religion in political and social spheres. Research focuses on a variety of themes, including religion and international relations, political Islam, religion in modern democracies, and the impact of religion on social policy. Students have the opportunity to work on their own research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members, investigating contemporary issues such as religious extremism, global religious conflicts, religious secularism, and the role of religion in social movements. The program is designed to help students develop strong research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methods, which will enable them to contribute to academic scholarship and practical solutions for real-world challenges.

Industry Engagement: The MA in Religion, Politics, and Society at the University of Birmingham is supported by strong industry links with international organizations, government bodies, NGOs, and religious institutions. The program offers students opportunities to engage with professionals in the field through guest lectures, seminars, and networking events. Students can also participate in internships, placements, or collaborative projects that allow them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations. These partnerships enhance the learning experience and provide valuable opportunities for career development in areas such as public policy, international relations, human rights advocacy, and religious leadership. Industry engagement also allows students to gain practical experience in dealing with contemporary issues such as religious freedom, conflict resolution, and intercultural dialogue.

Global Perspective: The MA in Religion, Politics, and Society is designed with a global perspective, reflecting the increasing relevance of religion in global politics and international relations. Students will examine religious dynamics across different cultural and geopolitical contexts, exploring how religion influences political decision-making, social structures, and international diplomacy. The program encourages students to consider religious pluralism, the globalization of religion, and the role of religion in global conflict and peacebuilding. By incorporating diverse case studies from around the world, the program provides students with the tools to understand and engage with the global challenges posed by religious diversity, secularism, and the intersection of religion and state policies. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in international organizations, policy think tanks, and diplomatic missions, contributing to the development of global peace and social justice initiatives.