MA Religion, Politics and Society

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

The MA Religion, Politics and Society at the University of Birmingham is designed for students who want to understand how religion shapes politics, international relations, and contemporary society. You'll combine social sciences with religious studies to develop critical analytical skills and engage with pressing global issues like political violence, security, democracy, and human rights.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

Your first year focuses on foundational knowledge and skill-building across the field. You'll take three modules per term over 11 weeks, with two hours of seminar time per module weekly, complemented by guided independent learning. The curriculum draws from expert perspectives across social sciences and religious studies, allowing you to explore modules like Political Islam, Religion, Conflict and International System, and Political Philosophy in Theological Ethics. During term one, you'll also begin planning your dissertation proposal, setting the foundation for your independent research.

Year Two

Your second year is dominated by your dissertation, which comprises one-third of your degree. This 60-credit independent research project allows you to investigate a topic of particular interest under specialist supervision, while you continue to benefit from small group teaching and expert support across the department.

Focus Areas

Religion's role in politics and international relations; political violence and security; religious freedom and human rights; religious nationalism; global governance; interfaith relations.

Learning Outcomes

Develop analytical skills to debate major issues impacting modern society; strengthen your abilities as a global citizen; gain critical perspectives on the intersection of religion, politics, and international systems.

Professional Alignment & Reputation

The Theology and Religion department is ranked 3rd in the UK according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 based on 4* research ratings. The university is one of the largest and most comprehensive departments of Theology and Religion in Britain, ranked in the top 50 globally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Birmingham's MA in Religion, Politics and Society, you'll dive into hands-on learning through small group seminars that build real-world skills like critical analysis of global issues and debating complex social debates. These two-hour weekly sessions in our top-ranked Theology and Religion department (3rd in the UK for research excellence per REF 2021) let you engage directly with experts from social sciences and religious studies, applying theory to today's political challenges in a supportive environment.

This practical focus extends to exceptional resources tailored for deep research and exploration, helping you gain an edge:

- Cadbury Research Library: Access thousands of historical and theological manuscripts, including the Mingana Collection (over 3,000 Middle Eastern manuscripts in 20+ languages like Arabic, Syriac, and Hebrew) and the Birmingham Qur'an—one of the world's earliest surviving fragments—perfect for your dissertation on religion's role in politics.
- Small group teaching (max 18 students): Fosters collaborative discussions and skill-building in modules like Religion in Contemporary Global Politics, where you'll tackle real societal debates with peers.
- State-of-the-art campus facilities: Historic and modern spaces across our beautiful grounds support immersive study, with small seminar rooms designed for focused, interactive learning.

While the program emphasizes seminar-based experiential learning over internships or field trips (no specifics noted in official sources), these resources equip you to produce standout research and launch into careers in policy, NGOs, or academia. Imagine leveraging the Cadbury Library for your thesis—it's a game-changer! Ready to apply and make an impact? Check the full facilities here: [Explore our campus and facilities](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/visit/virtual-tour).

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Birmingham's MA in Religion, Politics and Society, you'll dive into hands-on experiential learning that builds real-world skills in analyzing religion's role in global politics and society. Through small-group seminars—capped at just 18 students—you'll engage deeply with experts from Theology and Religion (ranked 3rd in the UK for research excellence in REF 2021) and social sciences, debating live issues like religious nationalism and contemporary global politics. This setup sharpens your critical thinking, presentation, and teamwork abilities while giving you direct access to world-class resources right on our vibrant campus, including historic and modern facilities designed for immersive study.

You'll put theory into practice using:
Cadbury Research Library: Hands-on access to thousands of religious manuscripts, like the Mingana Collection (over 3,000 Middle Eastern texts in 20+ languages including Arabic, Syriac, and Hebrew) and the Birmingham Qur'an—one of the world's earliest fragments—perfect for primary research on religion and society.
Small-group seminars: Weekly two-hour sessions for collaborative discussions and module projects on topics like Religion in Contemporary Global Politics, fostering group work and peer feedback in an intimate setting.
State-of-the-art campus facilities: Modern spaces across our beautiful grounds support interdisciplinary learning, with opportunities for guest lectures and events that connect academic insights to real societal debates.

This practical edge, combined with our flexible module choices and dissertation, equips you for careers in policy, NGOs, or academia—I've seen students like you thrive and land impactful roles. Ready to build skills that make a difference? Apply now and let's chat about how this fits your goals. Check out the full facilities list here: [University of Birmingham Campus Facilities](https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/visit/campus-tour).