Religious Studies and Scottish Literature, MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme integrates the dynamic study of religions with the engaging exploration of Scottish literature. Religious studies, as an interdisciplinary field, examines religious beliefs, practices, and their connections to society, focusing equally on practitioners and their spiritual elements. Students will explore the concepts and emotions underlying religious traditions, alongside historical and contemporary contexts, while developing skills for critical analysis of poetry, drama, and prose from Scotland and beyond. The programme highlights intersections between religious ideas and literary texts, ranging from canonical works like Buddhist sutras and the Hebrew Bible to modern fiction.Edinburgh enriches this experience with its museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival and resources like the Scottish Poetry Library and National Library of Scotland. The city's literary heritage, home to renowned writers, offers a vibrant backdrop. The programme's flexibility allows core studies in the first two years, with specialisation later, fostering adaptability and an openness to diverse perspectives essential for careers in a global society.