Religion and Theology

Religion and theology address two interrelated but distinct modes of inquiry. Theology in its classical sense is the systematic study of religious belief, engaging with sacred texts, doctrines, and traditions with a view to understanding what they teach and how those teachings can be interpreted and defended. Religious studies approaches religion more broadly as a human phenomenon, examining the beliefs, practices, institutions, texts, and communities of different traditions from a scholarly rather than a confessional perspective.

Together, the two approaches give you both depth within particular traditions and breadth across the diversity of human religious experience.

At York St John University, this part-time programme recognises that throughout history religion has shaped individuals, societies, cultures, and political movements, as the current description notes, and that understanding religion is vital for understanding the modern world. You will engage with the major world religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others, examining their scriptures, histories, and contemporary expressions alongside the theoretical frameworks that scholars use to analyse religious phenomena, from sociology and anthropology to philosophy and phenomenology. The foundation year provides a supported entry route for students building towards degree-level study, and the programme's breadth of structural options, including a sandwich year, year abroad, and work placement, gives you substantial professional and international experience alongside the academic curriculum.

The year abroad provides the opportunity to study in a different academic and cultural context, deepening your engagement with religious diversity in direct experience, while placement and work experience opportunities in schools, hospitals, interfaith organisations, or charities develop professional skills applicable to a range of careers.

Graduates from religion and theology programmes pursue careers in chaplaincy and ministry, interfaith dialogue, education, journalism, social work, international development, the civil service, cultural organisations, and research. Postgraduate study in theology, religious studies, ethics, or philosophy supports those with research or specialist professional ambitions.