Portuguese/Theology & Religious Studies

Portuguese and theology and religious studies is a combination that brings together a major world language with one of the most intellectually rich and wide-ranging of the humanities disciplines. Portuguese gives access to the literary, cultural, and intellectual traditions of Portugal, Brazil, and the Lusophone communities across Africa and Asia, encompassing extraordinary literary figures, a distinctive Atlantic history, and the contemporary realities of some of the world's most dynamic and complex societies. Theology and religious studies encompasses the study of religion, religious traditions, sacred texts, and theology, not as worlds apart from ordinary life but as they relate to politics, history, literature, philosophy, art, and culture, as well as to personal belief and practice.

At the University of Glasgow, this five-year programme develops both strands to a high level. The Portuguese component gives you language proficiency and deep engagement with Lusophone literatures and cultures. The theology and religious studies strand develops your critical understanding of religious traditions, biblical and theological interpretation, philosophy of religion, and the intersections of religion with contemporary life and thought.

The two disciplines complement each other: Lusophone cultures include a wide range of religious traditions and their histories, and theological thinking has shaped the literatures and cultures you will study in Portuguese.

The programme includes a placement year and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to develop professionally in contexts where both language skills and religious understanding are relevant.

Graduates move into careers in education, religious organisations and interfaith work, international development, journalism, cultural organisations, the civil service, and NGOs. The combination of Portuguese language skills and theological literacy opens doors across organisations connected to Lusophone communities, international development, and religious and cultural institutions. Postgraduate study in theology, Lusophone studies, or related humanities disciplines is a natural route.