This new and innovative degree links political science, sociological, and anthropological perspectives to illuminate religion’s role in domestic & global contexts, and, conversely, explores how contemporary religious expressions shape and are shaped by cultural, social and political trends. This is a pioneering programme, the first of its kind in the UK.
KEY BENEFITS
- King’s is home to a large, vibrant Department of Theology & Religious Studies, with special expertise in Islam, Judaism and Christianity and a variety of contemporary religious movements.
- The Department is ranked joint third in the UK for world-leading and internationally excellent research.
- Our teaching makes the most of London’s rich religious culture, incorporating many places of worship and the collections of the British Museum.
- King's central location offers easy access to numerous libraries across London.
- Students develop key transferable skills which can lead to a variety of different careers.
UCAS code
V621
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Three years/six years
Location
Strand Campus
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Closing date
Please refer to the
UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/ CONTACTS
Address
Department of Theology & Religious Studies
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2350/2374
Fax
020 7848 7200
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The programme illuminates the complex relationships between religion, politics and society around the world. It provides an innovative approach to the study of politics and society, linking it with sociological and anthropological perspectives to provide a new understanding of one of the central problems of our time: the role of religion in domestic, international and transnational politics. Conversely, the programme also allows students to analyse how contemporary religious expressions shape and are shaped by global and local cultural, social, and political trends. This programme is designed for students interested in politics, religion and the social sciences.
Important note for applicants: This is a pioneering degree, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. Applicants are advised that we will not expect the personal statement on the UCAS application form to be tailored to this particular degree. As we expect candidates to apply to a range of subjects, we will look not for subject relevance in the personal statement; instead, we are interested in the intellectual coherence of the statement. We would encourage all candidates, therefore, to demonstrate why they would wish to study at university, what interests them and why, and what stimulates them intellectually.
ABOUT THE Department of Theology and Religious Studies
CAREERS
Our students develop key transferable skills in critical analysis, argumentation and communication that are indispensable in a wide variety of occupations. King’s students go on to careers in: government, the Civil Service, non-government organisations, social services, the caring professions, charities, law, the City, academia, PR and advertising, journalism and the media, entertainment and the arts, the church and other religious organisations.
Recent graduates have found employment as or in….
• Insight Manager, ISPUN
• Sales Executive, Events company
• PR Assistant, PR Company
• Research Ethics Co-ordinator, National Research Ethics Service
• Researcher, Houses of Parliament
• Trainee Accountant, Accountancy Firm
• Children/Family Worker, Regents Trust
• Publishing Assistant, Allison and Busby
• Research Assistant, Tyndale House
• Company Director. Musical Entertainment company
TEACHING STYLE
We strongly believe that teaching and research should be closely related. All teaching members of staff are therefore research-active, many enjoying international reputations as leaders in their fields. Our commitment to original research means that we can introduce students to new discoveries in areas as diverse as priesthood and cult in ancient Israel; mysticism; political Islam and the state; the relationship between philosophy and literature, and between moral and aesthetic value; and religion and politics, in particular nationalism, ethnicity and global networks.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
Each programme has a distinctive core, defined through a unique pattern of modules (some year-long modules, some over a single term). Some modules are compulsory, mostly in the first year when they are introductory. The scope for choice increases substantially in the second and third years, to suit developing individual interests and strengths. Module options may change from year to year; we strive constantly to enhance the variety of modules on offer. Methods of assessment vary from one module to another, but typically involve the submission of some coursework (usually an essay) and an unseen written examination in the summer. A few modules involve either coursework or a summer examination.
LOCATION
As befits a capital city that is home to a mix of people of hugely diverse backgrounds, London offers tremendous opportunities for the student of religion. Numerous religious groups with their very different beliefs and rituals, as well as artistic traditions exhibited in places of worship, exist on the department’s doorstep. Unrivalled resources enabling us to put those facets into context are close at hand: looking beyond the College, we can turn to the National Archives, the British Library, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Lambeth Palace Library, to name only a few.
Study is made up of compulsory and optional modules every year. Currently, students study the following modules shown below. We review our modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the Department for further advice.
YEAR 1
RPS students take three compulsory modules plus a choice of options.
YEAR 1 CORE
- Introduction to the Sociology of Faith
- Introduction to the Anthropology of Religion
- Introduction to Religion and Politics
YEAR 1 OPTIONS
At least two modules from:
- Islam’s Beginnings
- Introduction to Jewish Thought and Practice
- Introduction to Christianity
- Islam: Later Developments & Modern Practices
- Introduction to Buddhism
Remaining credits are taken from the above or
any other first year / level 4 modules offered by the Department, including in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.
YEAR 2
Students take three compulsory modules plus a choice of options.
YEAR 2 CORE
- Religion in Different Socio-Cultural Contexts
- Religion: Social and Geo-Political Context
- Religion & Politics in International & Transnational Contexts
YEAR 2 OPTIONS
At least one of the following modules:
- Modern Islam I: History & Politics
- Modern Islam II: Sociological & Intellectual Trends
- Religious Differences: Jewish, Christian & other Perspectives
- Lived Religion: Making Sense of Religious Practices
Additional credits are taken from the remaining second year / level 5 optional modules offered by the department.
YEAR 3
As in previous years, you will take at least three compulsory modules from the below list of four available, along with a range of options. You may also opt to write a dissertation (Independent Study Project), for which you will receive one-to-one supervision from a member of the staff.
YEAR 3 CORE
- Muslim Communities in the West
- Religion, Politics and Global Media
- New Religious Movements in Global Perspective
- Varieties of Religious Experience
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
Remaining credits are taken from the above or any other modules offered by the Department, including in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The optional dissertation/ independent study project should be in the study of religion from the perspectives of anthropology, sociology or politics.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
96+-97+ ATAR, or an OP of band 3-2 for Queensland
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8/10 or 17-18/20
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 85%-90% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 85%-90% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 31-33.
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university with at least 80%
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 18-19 plus at least an additional foundation/Access year
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 10-11 i
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5 and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus)
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 6
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
The Baccalaureat with 13-14/20 overall
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.5-1.3 overall
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at AAB
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolyterion with 18-19
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Three elective subjects at minimum Levels 5, 5, 5 plus Level 4 in each of the four core subjects.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkar) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB-AAA
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at AAB-AAA OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year.
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 8-9 lus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 , plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres bien i
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAB
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 OR A-levels with grades of AAB
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 7.5-8.0
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A-A1 , plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university
Poland
Matura
Matura with 80%-85% in extended level subjects
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 8-9
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 , plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Russian university
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB-AAA
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAB in three content-based H2 subjects. Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 2-1
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AAABB
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 8-9 overall
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with with an overall mark of 4, plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university
United Kingdom
A levels
AAB
Compulsory subjects
No compulsory subjects.
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities (or similar) Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining credits at Merit. Supplementary information and achievement e.g marks for certain credits/subjects may be required depending on course content.
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 D3 M2
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Considered on an individual basis
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAABB and AB at Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate
35 points and 665 HL
European Baccalaureate
80% overall
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 554 . Or SAT with a total score of 1800 with at least 600 in each section or the ACT with a score of 27 plus 3 SAT-S with a score of 600 in each
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.
There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above
We are looking for students with: open minds; a willingness to engage intellectually with their teachers and fellow students; a commitment to making the very most of the first-rate education we provide; a love of learning; enthusiasm for life at the very heart of one of the most exciting and ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the world. We welcome students of all faiths and none, including mature students, international students, and students with no previous qualifications in theology or religious studies.
Come to one of our religious literacy days to learn more about our department and see whether you might feel at home at King’s. Please see