Religious Studies and English Literature, MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme integrates the dynamic study of religions with the engaging exploration of English literature. Religious studies, as an interdisciplinary field, examines religious beliefs, practices, and their broader societal connections, including the concepts and emotions that shape them across historical and contemporary contexts. It emphasises the people and communities involved alongside deities and spirits. In literature, students develop critical skills for analysing poetry, drama, and prose, engaging with global English texts and exploring how religious ideas intersect with literary works, from canonical scriptures like Buddhist sutras and the Hebrew Bible to modern fiction.Edinburgh enhances this learning through its rich cultural resources, including museums, galleries, and as the first UNESCO City of Literature, featuring the Scottish Poetry Library, Writers' Museum, Scottish Storytelling Centre, and the National Library of Scotland. The programme offers flexibility, allowing core studies in the first two years with optional courses, leading to specialisation. It equips graduates with essential skills for understanding diverse texts, fostering openness to varied perspectives crucial for careers in a global society.