Religious Studies and English Literature, MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme combines vibrant study of religions with the excitement of English literature. Religious studies Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on religious beliefs and practices and their relationships with the wider world. You will:

• study the concepts and emotions which underpin religious belief and practice, and their role and function in culture and society

• cover historical and contemporary material

We take as much interest in the groups and people who practice religion as their gods, deities, ancestors and spirits. Examining literature Reading and writing are key practices in religion and English literature. This programme introduces you to major texts and gives you the tools and critical skills to understand and interpret them.You will:

• use a range of methods to examine where religious ideas illuminate literature and where religion is mediated in texts

• study texts ranging from canonical writings, such as Buddhist sutras and the Hebrew Bible, to classic and modern fiction

Why Edinburgh The city of Edinburgh contains many museums, galleries and cultural sites, which broaden and deepen student learning. We are proud to be based in the heart of the first UNESCO World City of Literature. The city's literary highlights include:

• the Scottish Poetry Library

• the Writers' Museum

• the Scottish Storytelling Centre

• outstanding holdings in the National Library of Scotland

We have strong links with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which annually welcomes around 1,000 authors to our literary city.