Theology is one of the oldest areas of academic study known to humanity while religious studies has developed in the modern period. Both disciplines continue to be intellectually stimulating and relevant in helping us understand the role of religions, both ancient and modern, in the world around us. Theology generally refers to the study of the Christian traditions from textual, historical and doctrinal perspectives. Religious studies refers to the comparative study of beliefs and practices in a variety of religious traditions and contexts and explores different theories of religion cross-culturally. Taken together, our courses cover a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and new religions, and the rejection of religion by atheists and humanists. Religious studies is a vibrant interdisciplinary field of study focusing on religious beliefs and practices and their relationship with the wider world. It is concerned with the concepts and emotions which underpin religious belief and practice, and with their role and function in culture and society. Religious studies deals with historical as well as contemporary material and is equally interested in the groups and individuals who practice religion as in the gods, deities, ancestors and spirits with whom they interact. This joint honours programme brings together the vibrancy of the study of religions with the excitement of English literature. It generates a cross-fertilisation of methods and materials in which literature is illuminated by religious ideas, and religion is mediated in texts from canonical writings of traditions from Buddhist sutras to the Hebrew bible, to classic and modern fiction. Reading and writing are key practices in religion and English literature. This programme introduces you to major examples of both and gives you the tools and skills to understand and interpret them.