MA in Religious Studies
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Taught Masters
- Code
- F57
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 180 credit points
Description
This MA will equip you for higher level study of religion by building on your existing knowledge of, and interest in religion. Using a variety of texts and other materials the course discusses theoretical and methodological issues, utilises case studies of religions in modern Britain and elsewhere, and provides you with appropriate research training. It gives you the opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of independent research on a topic of your choice and to write this up as a dissertation.
Planning your studies
You must hold an honours degree to be accepted for the MA in Religious Studies programme. Your first degree need not be in religious studies, but you must have the basic skills expected of a graduate in that area. A880 brings you up to date with the latest ideas and approaches in religious studies but does not offer remedial undergraduate training for those who have an inappropriate bachelors degree or inadequate experience. Before you enter the degree you must be able to:
- write clear, concise, grammatically correct and accurately spelt prose
- read large quantities of text quickly, accurately and critically
- classify evidence precisely and assess its value and reliability
- argue logically, consistently and sceptically
- marshal various sorts of evidence to support a logical argument.
If you are in any doubt about whether you possess these skills, you should consider taking one or two of our higher level undergraduate courses first. If you want help to assess your preparedness please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You must complete the required credit for this award within ten years.
Career relevance and employability
You will develop and enhance knowledge and skills that will be valuable for PhD study and in careers such as teaching, working in the health service, local and national government, social services and social policy.
The skills that you would gain from this subject would encompass attributes that many employers are looking for, so a wide variety of careers will be open to you.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this masters degree you require:
180 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Postgraduate compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
120 | Oct 2010 |
|
60 |
You must pass A880 before studying A881.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of 180 points’ worth of required courses you will be awarded the Master of Arts in Religious Studies, entitling you to use the letters MA (RS) (Open) after your name. You will have the option of being presented at a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- MA in Religious Studies
- Schedule B to the Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Arts and Humanities.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
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Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
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