The HDip Arts: Study of Religions gives you an intensive course in the study of religions. The course will appeal to those who have a degree, but have not previously studied religions to degree level.
You’ll select modules drawn from the undergraduate course ‘Religions and Global Diversity’. Through this programme, you’ll have access to research-informed teaching in a variety of religious traditions such Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and East Asian religions and in methods and theories in the academic, cross-cultural study of religions.
The Higher Diploma in Arts shall consist of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing 2nd and 3rd Arts modules in the relevant subject.
Over the year, you will study a range of religious traditions and approaches to the study of religions through the following modules: (modules are 10 credits unless otherwise indicated).

Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianities
Christianities in a Global Age
Hinduism and Indian Religions
Indigenous Religions
Islam: historical and contemporary perspectives
Korea's Religious and Philosophical Traditions
Sufism: charisma and devotion in Islam
Contemporary Religions in Ireland
Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements
Religions of East Asia
Buddhism in Practice
Religions and Gender

Dissertation in the Study of Religions: offers supervised research in any area you’re specially interested, whether or not it’s been covered in the HDip programme.
Skills and Careers Information
As societies worldwide become increasingly closely interlinked whilst remaining culturally diverse, understanding people’s very different religious beliefs and practices becomes essential for teachers, public sector workers, professionals in NGOs, the media, business, healthcare, human resources, etc.. As well as the enhanced general transferable skills acquired through an Arts/Social Sciences postgraduate programme, the Study of Religions course provides particularly deep insights into different religions and cultures which will help you in any kind of employment involving people. Students successful in the HDip may also apply to enter the department’s MA Contemporary Religions, which offers a pathway to research at MPhil/PhD level.