Religion, Spirituality and Health

This module examines the topics of spirituality, wellbeing and health in a range of religious traditions, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism, as well as new spiritualities and various kinds of popular practice. Engaging with a range of research perspectives and methodologies – including history, sociology, philosophy, textual studies and health humanities – you will explore historical and contemporary notions of wellbeing and health in relation to practices, beliefs, and identities. The module addresses topics such as mysticism, religion and medicine, philosophy of mind/body, popular spirituality, healing, and social categories such as spiritual-but-not-religious (SBNR). The module may include a visit to a site in London (e.g. a temple or meditation centre, a history of medicine archive, or a contemplative garden).

This module aims to:

• analyse how notions and experiences of wellbeing are affected by spirituality and religious thought and vice versa
• critically evaluate the relation of spirituality to society in a range of cultural contexts and time periods
• adopt a variety of methodologies, including textual studies, philosophy, sociology, and history to research spirituality
• develop competency in the health humanities.

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• articulate theories and practices of wellbeing, health and spirituality in a range of religious and quasi- or non-religious traditions
• provide nuanced definitions of spirituality, health and wellbeing that are informed by complex understandings of culture, society, and belief in different time periods and regions
• employ multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches in your research and assessment
• demonstrate competency in articulating current and leading ideas in the health humanities.

The standard entry requirements comprise:

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent
• A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study
• English language band C (for example, IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing, and 6.0 in listening and speaking).

You will be assessed via coursework, in the form of a 4,000-word essay.

This is an on-campus module. You will be expected to attend a 2-hour seminar in-person each week. Exact days and times will be provided upon enrolment.

This module is offered as part of our flexible master’s awards in Professional Development. The awards are one of the most flexible currently offered in the UK, providing the opportunity to study a range of modules from across King’s, both on-campus and online. Whether you are looking for a promotion or to retrain, you have come to the right place.   

Designed for mature professionals juggling life and work commitments, our postgraduate awards will enable you to study at your own pace. In challenging financial times, you are also able to fund your studies module-by-module. We will support you to select the right module diet that meets your objectives while ensuring that you are well prepared for success. We will also help you to build your professional network of peers from across our suite of CPD modules.  

We can’t wait for you to continue your lifelong learning journey here at King’s.