From the earliest traces of human existence, religion has been a powerful way to understand the purpose of life, the nature of the cosmos and the basis for human behaviour. In our richly BA Religion and Theology degree, you will explore the histories, cultures and beliefs of both major and less well-known religious traditions, taking your pick from a variety of approaches and research specialisms that cover all the major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Christianity).You tailor your own programme from a wide-ranging choice of modules. You will combine thematic, social scientific, linguistic and historical approaches, addressing both the history and basic beliefs of religious traditions and their thematic study, from religion in the media to mythology in modern cinema. Examining religious history and culture across a broad spectrum, you will also consider the political and social dimensions of religion, from gender and sexuality to warfare and social ethics.Distinctive featuresA focus on the relationship between the history of religions and contemporary issues in society. This is made an area of initial focus in the core modulesA wide range of scriptural languages from elementary to advanced level.The inclusion of an independent study (in year two) and a dissertation (in year three) ensure that the programme enshrines research-led teaching and independent study at its heart.The question-driven second year core module, ‘What is Religion?’ - an innovative combination of ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ perspectives on the nature of religion