Study of Religions MSt

University of Oxford

This course offers an intensive training in research in the study of religions. It enables students to study two major religions, and to explore the nature of religion itself, at an advanced level.

Course structure

The Oxford tutorial system applies to postgraduate study in this course, so you are encouraged to develop your particular interests in conversation with your tutors.

Core course

You will take one core course which comprises the following two elements:

• Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion: An introduction to the core theoretical approaches in religious studies, delivered via eight weekly 1.5-2 hour seminars throughout Michaelmas term.
• Themes in the Interaction between Religions.: This element explores various themes touching on interactions between religions including inter-religious disputations and will be delivered via eight weekly 1.5-2 hour seminars throughout Hilary term.

All seminars will require student preparation and will be led by academic staff.

Two courses in world religions

You will select the two religions that you wish to focus on from the following five religious traditions currently covered by the faculty:

• Buddhism
• Christianity
• Hinduism
• Islam
• Judaism

You will study your selected two religions from perspectives of your choice, as worked out with specialist tutors to whom you are assigned. You may study the early doctrines and practices of religious traditions or opt to study the modern variations of a particular religion, or a set of religious practices or institutions in the contemporary world.

Students will normally be assigned a tutor (or tutors) for each religion, who will guide them through study over one of each of the first two terms of the academic year (ie you can normally expect to study one religion in each term, though arrangements are subject to tutor availability).

Each of these traditions has an internationally-recognised research centre, institute or outstanding cluster of scholars in Oxford. This typically means that you are not only taught by specialists in your chosen tradition, but also have access to a variety of specialist libraries and collections.

Research seminars

In addition there is a fortnightly Inter-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar on the Study of Religions, on topics directly relevant to the course, which all MSt students are expected to attend.