Master of Arts - Religious Studies

This course will enable students to explore the diversity of global religious and spiritual life; probe relationships between religion, spirituality, society, identity, ethics and popular culture; explore texts and traditions; consider the phenomenon of religion from a range of disciplinary perspectives; receive training in advanced research skills; and undertake field research.

This course is ideal for anyone seeking to gain greater understanding of the impact of religion and spirituality in the contemporary world and at some key points in history, and to develop critical thinking skills. It is also ideal as a means of training for further doctoral studies in religion.

Professionals in both the private and public sectors engage in this Master’s course to increase their ‘religious literacy’ and to demonstrate to their employers the many transferable skills fostered by the study of religions. Teachers take the course to bolster their expertise in a range of religious traditions. Many students take this course simply because they consider studying the world’s religious beliefs, texts, histories and practices fascinating and relevant.

At Chester, they will provide students with opportunities and training to undertake field research in religious communities, both abroad and in the UK.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum Level of Education Required: 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
• Min GPA: 60.0%
• English Proficiency Requirements:
  For direct admission, applicant must be from an English speaking country or meet either of the following English test scores:
  • Min TOEFL iBT: 88 (Min Listening: 17.0, Min Reading: 18.0, Min Speaking: 20.0, Min Writing: 17.0)
  • Min IELTS overall: 6.5 (Min Listening: 5.5, Min Reading: 5.5, Min Speaking: 5.5, Min Writing: 5.5)
  • Min PTE overall: 65 (Min Listening: 59, Min Reading: 59, Min Speaking: 59, Min Writing: 59)
  Applicants interested in applying for direct admission, but are yet to complete an acceptable language test, can do so, but must provide valid results before receiving a final offer letter.
  For conditional admission, instead of submitting language proficiency test scores, applicant may complete English courses prior to the academicprogram. The length of the English course is determined based on the applicant's level of English proficiency.