University
University of OtagoThis course is available
On-Campus, Online
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Jul 2023
Campus
University of Otago
The Master of Arts (Coursework) programme is designed to give students the skills sought-after by employers around the globe, with a balance of specific subject knowledge plus broad-based transferable skills – such as oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
The degree is also an possible qualification for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The MA(Coursework) normally requires either 12 months or three semesters of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study and entails completion of papers and a dissertation.
The dissertation is a major piece of supervised research of up to 20,000 words.
The primary aim of the MA(Coursework) is to provide candidates with a grounding in their chosen subject area within a wider disciplinary frame. The degree cultivates the skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement a significant piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership.
Why study Religion?
Religion is as old as humanity itself. Despite the rise of science and modern technology, the majority of people in the world today are religious, and current demographic trends reveal that – as a whole – the world is becoming more religious. In order to understand humans, human history, and the contemporary world, we need to understand the multifaceted nature of religion and its place in human societies.
Religion offers you the opportunity to become familiar with religious movements, their history and the influence they currently wield. By studying religion, you will learn to enter empathetically into a world of thought that may be very different from your own, without losing the ability to ask critical questions about it.
Career opportunities
Religious Studies graduates can be found in many walks of life, including MP, UN adviser, lecturer, analyst, archivist, development organiser, and even a TV show host.
Our graduates have particular qualities valued by employers in many fields including:
Excellent critical thinking and writing skills
The ability to find information, analyse it in a logical and systematic manner, and communicate it clearly
Wide-ranging knowledge of both human history, culture and contemporary affairs
The ability to enter with empathy into the minds and hearts of others, to understand what motivates and shapes their behaviour.
Further study
Postgraduate studies include master’s degrees by research or by coursework (either in Religion or in Buddhist Studies) and a PhD. Graduates in Religion who choose to go overseas have been accepted for postgraduate study at some of the world’s best universities.
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Every applicant must either
In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme. Applicants must normally have achieved an average grade of at least B+ in the papers at the highest level in the programme.
English language requirements
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