RELIGION ANDTHEOLOGYBA (Hons) or BA/BSc (Hons) combined

Samantha Winter is studying Religion and Theology combined with Education Studies.

I chose the Religion and Theology course because being a Christian, I wanted to understand God, Christianity and other religions at a deeper level. I chose to study the Education Studies course because I am interested in how the education system works, and I have a desire to work in the community and for organisations that run alongside schools.

I like the freedom that is given in assessment for many of the modules – we are able to research and discuss the things we are passionate about, the things which interest us. Many of the staff are willing to give up some time if you have any worries or concerns about the teaching, assessments, or any other problems. Staff are also quick to reply to any emails which have been sent.I love the closeness and community at Brookes and how easy it is to get on with everyone; the lecturers are very friendly and approachable. I have also fallen in love with the Harcourt Hill campus, when I came here on an open day I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

For more profiles go to www.history.brookes.ac.uk

WHY STUDYRELIGIONANDTHEOLOGY?

The Religion and Theology course at Oxford Brookes gives you the opportunity to engage with a broad range of contemporary issues at the same time as gaining specialist skills in the study of religion, the philosophy of religion and Christian theology. Whether you choose to discover the diversity of religions or explore the depths of theology, this course will give you the tools to undertake your inquiry.

Contents2 Why choose Oxford Brookes? 4 Teaching and learning6 Research and expertise 8 Course structure 9 Career choices10 Student profile 11 Modules 13 Key facts

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Distinctive features

n An innovative and exciting course with a contemporary focus on social context.

n Lecturers at the cutting edge of contemporary thought

n Access to specialist collections and libraries, including Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History and the Bodleian Library

n Flexible course structure - you can study Religion and Theology either as single or combined honours, full-time or part-time

n The course can be studied through distance learning

n Undergraduate research conferences with external speakers

Established reputation

Oxford Brookes has been at the forefront of the teaching of religion and theology in the UK for over 25 years.

Religion & Theology at Brookes has established an outstanding reputation for its exciting research-led teaching. What makes us stand out is the broad choice of modules on offer and the excellent opportunities to pursue your studies to postgraduate level.

Oxford has the highest proportion of ‘knowledge intensive’ employees of any English city, with Oxfordshire boasting the highest number of NGOs outside London, so you are in an excellent position to pursue career development opportunities in this region.

Oxford Brookes provides an ideal location or vantage point for the study of religion, theology, philosophy of religion, culture and ethics. All this takes place in Oxford which is a centre of international scholarship of religions and global encounter for the study of religions and their contemporary cultural expression.

WHYCHOOSEOXFORDBROOKES?

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Student choice

The BA in Religion and Theology at Brookes is unique not only in its subject matter but also in the choice it offers you as to your style and mode of learning. On the single honours course you can study full-time or part-time, in on-campus or off-campus mode (distance learning).

In addition to your compulsory Religion & Theology modules we offer a range of further modules which allow you to pursue personal interests. This ensures that you become familiar with key concepts and theories in your studies, whilst giving you the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest.

The Independent Study modules enable you to further explore your chosen specialism with the full support of academic staff.

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The staff at the university are very supportive towards me. Lecturers always give feedback on assignments and suggest ways for future improvement. As students we also discuss different parts of our studies that we enjoy or struggle with.

David Preece, undergraduate

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Teaching

The Religion and Theology team is highly committed to supporting you and your learning during your time at Oxford Brookes. Members of staff are active researchers and publish nationally and internationally. This research feeds directly into what happens on the undergraduate course. Here you will be at the cutting edge of contemporary developments in the study of religion, theology, philosophy of religion, culture and ethics. Indeed, you will be part of the team.

Studying at a distance

Our module content is delivered online, via the Brookes Virtual Learning environment. Here you will find texts, videos, podcasts and websites to support your learning. For each module you will be assigned a module leader who will answer any questions you have, and give feedback on your assignments. The module content is available for flexible study whenever suits you, including over the summer.

Study trips

Trips provide an exciting opportunity for students to use their learning experiences to form the basis of independent studies and other research based modules. Recent trips include undergraduates and PhD students visiting India led by programme leaders and teaching fellows in collaboration with Indian theologian, artist and writer Jyoti Sahi.

Religion and Theology can be studied either on campus or at a distance, full or part time, single or combined honours. Popular combinations include philosophy, communication, and education.

TEACHINGANDLEARNING

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Support

Throughout your time at Brookes you will receive excellent support from our dedicated staff, both academically and personally.

You will be allocated an Academic Adviser when you start who will provide academic and departmental support for you throughout your studies. In addition, our Student Support Co-ordinators are there to help you in all aspects of your academic career, from module choices to any personal issues you may experience.

Through our Upgrade service we offer advice on all aspects of study, from planning and writing essays to statistical analysis, either in a one to one situation or as a drop-in session. Upgrade is a free service available to all students at any level, and is unique to Oxford Brookes.

www.brookes.ac.uk/services/upgrade

Resources

With over half a million books, DVDs and CDs, a vast range of databases, e-journals and reference materials, the library provides all the resources you need for your study of Religion and Theology.

You can also take advantage of the Library Electronic Information Network (LEIN), giving you access to a range of biographical searching tools, databases and electronic journals. Once you reach the stage of writing your dissertation you will have access to Oxford’s Bodleian Library.

We have a dedicated Religion and Theology librarian who is on hand to answer your enquiries, teach you information skills and guide you around the electronic resources. The library also offers regular training sessions on accessing and making the best use of key resources in your specific subject area.

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RESEARCHANDEXPERTISE

Staff research

Our teaching staff research comprises three main strands:

n Church history, with particular emphasis on the eighteenth century and the German church struggle of the twentieth century.

n Philosophical approaches to the study of religion, with emphasis on psychoanalytic and feminist approaches.

n The study of religion and contemporary forms of religious belief and practice.

Will I get involved?

We value research highly and actively encourage you to become a researcher in your own right. By designing and undertaking your own research you will develop excellent analytical and and independent study skills, adding weight to your CV.

Religion and Theology at Brookes is home to a rich range of research expertise. We have a strong research environment for students whose recent work includes themes in gender and sexuality, theology and health and the eighteenth century.

The lecturers are incredibly helpful, all it takes is an email for them to help you with any problem. The small grouped lectures enable you to ask questions more freely without feeling like just another ‘number’ in a larger lecture. I feel these all lead to a better relationship with the staff.

Andrew Coulter, undergraduate

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We have an international reputation for research, where leading academics and students form a thriving community through the work of our research centres and groups

Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church HistoryReligion and Theology is home to a University Research Centre on Methodism and Church History (OCMCH) which undertakes cutting edge research on key themes in religious history. The aim of OCMCH is to embody the historic links between Oxford Brookes University with the Methodist Church, through a programme of research activities and support for the historic collections of the Centre.

The Centre has an international reputation for Wesley and Methodist studies and has a number of art, manuscript and book collections which students can use for projects if they wish. The Centre offers outstanding resources for scholars and anyone with an interest in Methodism or associated areas.

Commitment to research-led teaching means that all our teaching staff are recognised experts in their field. Research underpins our teaching and learning so that, throughout your degree, you will be introduced to the very latest academic thinking.

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COURSESTRUCTURE

The course at Oxford Brookes is uniquely flexible: you can study Religion and Theology either as single honours or combined with another subject, full-time or part-time, in distance learning or on-campus mode.

Our course provides a secure foundation in three key strands:

n Study of Religionsn Theology n Philosophy of Religion

In the first year you will be introduced to each of these three subject areas and the key themes that will inform your study. In the second and third years you will have opportunities to develop your knowledge in each of the three areas and to specialise in topics that interest you most.

The flexibility of distance learning, together with the various modules available seemed to offer a breadth of learning and possible research. I also like the learning resources accessibility and the twice-yearly distance learning schools.

Nigel Sharp, undergraduate

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CAREERCHOICES

Career prospects

Religion and Theology undergraduates develop skills which are in demand in many professional contexts. These include skills in analysis and communication, empathy for diversity of opinion and balanced judgement concerning complex issues.

Career paths

Students of all ages have gone on to develop significant academic careers in a wide range of professions, including civil service, media, politics, charity work, law, international relations and teaching. Many of our distance

learning and part-time students are engaged in employment whilst studying. Recent graduates are working in film making, education and third sector organisations.

Our Careers and Employment Centre is on hand throughout your time at Oxford Brookes, guiding your development from undergraduate to professional. An invaluable resource to all students, the Centre provides a wealth of information throughout your studies, from career guidance and advice, to application procedures and practical interview skills.www.brookescareerscentre.co.uk

In today’s competitive job market ‘transferable skills ‘ are essential in enhancing your career options. At Brookes we ensure you develop critical independent learning skills to equip you for a successful future.

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Lucie Acraman completed her studies in Religion and Theology and went on to become President of the Oxford Brookes Student Union.

The Religion and Theology course looked at religion in a contemporary light – how the modern diasporas of religion effects our modern day society, and the way that our cultures affect the people we become. It also offered a wide variety of study options with many practical applications.

Brookes staff supported me massively during my studies. Lecturers were easy to contact and quick to offer support and guidance. Staff encouraged us to work closely with other students and to explore other views as well as our own. The fact that I am still in contact with various lecturers is a testament to how much effort they give to their students.

Since finishing the course, I have been able to put the many skills which I gained on the course into practice, including debate and counsel, empathy for others’ views and a greater understanding towards other cultures.

For more profiles go to www.history.brookes.ac.uk

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MODULES

YEAR 1

Introduction to the Study of ReligionsAn overview of the major religious traditions of the world. The focus will be on living religions. You will have the opportunity to develop a basic understanding of the manifold expressions of religious sentiment and the diversity of religious practices.

Introduction to TheologyIntroduces you to the academic study of Christian theology. It enables you to familiarise yourself with Christian theology and to begin to engage with the description, analysis and criticism of fundamental discourses within Christian theology.

Introduction to PhilosophyThe module will focus on the examination of a collection of issues from epistemology, philosophy of mind, metaphysics and ethics. The course stands alone but can be considered as the primary foundation from which to begin a deeper study of philosophy.

Sources & Texts in Religion & TheologyThis introductory module enables you to develop an understanding and experience of some key religious and theological texts and sources.

Academic Literacy: Religion & TheologyProvides you with some of the tools and methodologies commonly employed in the study of religion and theology.

Issues in Contemporary TheologyYou will be introduced to a range of issues which will facilitate your awareness of the scope of theological scholarship. Particular attention will be given to the bible as a source of theological reflection within the study of theology.

Issues in Contemporary PhilosophyProvides an opportunity to explore a number of key themes in philosophy which inform the discipline of philosophy of religion.

Issues in Contemporary ReligionsExamines moral dilemmas in religious ethics, the treatment of animals and matters of life and death.

Contextual Studies in Religion & TheologyEnables you to contextualise your understanding and experience of religious and theological issues, either from within your own culture and tradition, or from one you have identified.

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YEARS 2 AND 3

Essentials of the Study of ReligionThe module will investigate the methodologies and methods used in the study of religions. Topics include responses to the Holocaust, and Islam and the West.

Essentials of Theology Aims to consolidate and enhance your knowledge of the core methodologies in Christian theology. Topics include three days of Easter, signs and symbols, contextual theology and psalms.

Essentials of the Philosophy of Religion Enables students to have a secure and critical knowledge of the effect of applying philosophical method to the content of religion and to some of the problems that arise when considering the coherence of theistic belief.

Culture, Gender & SexualityYou will explore the relationship between issues of gender, sexuality and culture as key factors in human identity, development and society.

Vice & VirtueConcerned with the interrelations between philosophical psychology and ethics, in particular issues relating to practical reason, motivation, virtue, impartiality, and responsibility.

Special Topics in Theology and ReligionYou will use available resources from the virtual learning environment, or suggest your own, to negotiate an appropriate assessment from portfolio to presentation or poster.

Independent StudyYou will produce a proposal on a topic that interests you, work with an expert tutor and write in depth.

Research Methods: Religion & TheologyYou will investigate varied social research methods and choose fieldwork or literary research to create a research proposal.

Religion in Social ContextThe module will examine key figures and writings in the contemporary evolution of socially-engaged religious movements, and offer analyses of the controversial nature of these movements amongst scholars and against

the background of the history of the religious traditions from which they emerge.

Theology in Social ContextIntroduces alternative ways of pursuing a theological engagement which will interrogate the relationship between theology, Christianity and its social and cultural context.

Continental Philosophy of ReligionAims to develop and advance your knowledge of the range of approaches possible in philosophy of religion. Topics include major figures in continental philosophy, atheism and evil in literature.

Research Topics in Study of Religion or TheologyYou will use available resources from the virtual learning environment, or suggest your own, to negotiate an appropriate assessment.

Religion, Philosophy & the BodyConsiders the development of religious and philosophical approaches to the body with particular reference to specific historical periods. Topics include sex and death in religions and the body in Christian thought.

DissertationYou are required to propose and write an8-10,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choosing working with the support of teaching staff.

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KEYFACTS

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TEACHINGLOCATIONHarcourt Hill Campus/Distance learning

ACADEMICFACULTYFaculty of Humanitiesand Social Sciences

DURATIONFull time:3 years

Part time:up to 8 years

HOW TO APPLYFull time study application is through UCAS. See our website for course codes.

TYPICAL OFFERSA level: BBC or equivalentIB Diploma: 30pointsAdvanced Diploma: C, including A-level at grade BBTEC: In a relevant field of study at DDM.

For the combined honours degree the offer will lie be-tween the offers quoted for each subject.

Many of our students are mature and have non-traditional entry qualifications, which we welcome if they can show evidence of academic potential. We routinely take students from other universities with credit transfer.

Contacttel +44 (0)1865 484848 email query@brookes.ac.uk www.history.brookes.ac.uk

Oxford Brookes UniversityHarcourt Hill CampusOxfordOX2 9AT

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 484848query@brookes.ac.ukwww.history.brookes.ac.uk

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