Overview
This Sociology, Politics and Religion BA – the first of its kind in the UK – equips you with the social scientific skills and knowledge you need to analyse religion in the world today.
You’ll learn more about the complex relationships between society, politics and religion and explore the ways that contemporary religious expressions shape – and are shaped by – cultural, social and political trends.
This pioneering programme offers a curriculum that focuses on the study of sociology and political science, with complementary multidisciplinary modules that span anthropology, history, religion, and beyond.
Key benefits
- Experience an innovative approach to the study of religion and society, seen through the lens of sociological and political science perspectives.
- Learn from a curriculum that puts London’s rich, religious culture at the centre and incorporates field trips to visit places of worship like mosques and temples or browse collections at the National Gallery and the British Museum.
- Join a department that’s ranked 1st in the UK for our research environment (REF2021). 100 per cent of our research environment was rated 'world-leading' (4*), and 91 per cent of our research impact was rated either 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*).
- Develop key transferable skills to apply to a wide range of exciting careers.
Course essentials
The first year of your Sociology, Politics and Religion BA will teach you how to study the beliefs, practices and organisational forms of religion while using the tools and methods of sociology, politics, anthropology and history. You’ll learn how to use cutting-edge theories and methodologies to understand the relationships between religion, society and politics and how these may evolve in the future. You’ll also discover how to compare diverse political systems around the world and to understand how they respond to complex challenges.
Other required modules will see you explore key concepts and debates by studying social and political thought through time and consider how religion is intertwined with colonialism and decolonisation. You’ll also learn more about religious traditions in a changing word and get an introduction to key sacred texts.
In your second year, you’ll get to choose from a list of required modules in the study of politics, society and religion. For example, you could deepen your understanding of historical sociology or of the diversity of peoples, cultures and religions, or you could choose to study religion in international relations.
The rest of your second year in this sociology, politics and religion degree will consist of optional modules. The varied list ranges from studying understandings of God and gods across the globe to considering transformative leaders or exploring meaning and morals in film, amongst much more.
Your third year of sociology, politics and religion study is structured the same, with the opportunity to choose from required and optional modules. You could consider spirituality and society, the intersection of race, gender and religion, or forms of radicalism and religion, amongst the required options. You may also decide to learn about political and ethical controversies, the search for meaning, or key debates in theology, philosophy or literature.
You’ll also get to choose whether you want to embark on writing a dissertation focused on the area of religion, politics and society that most interests you, or to pick up two further optional modules instead.
There are several extracurricular opportunities that you can enjoy as part of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. As well as offering an active student society with an exciting roster of events and field trips, you will get invitations to department-wide events.
Course aims
- The course explores the complex relationships between society, politics and religion around the world.
- By choosing to study in central London, you’ll also benefit from having a diverse range of museums, cultural institutions, places of worship, and potential internship and career connections, as well as places to enjoy and unwind right on your doorstep.
- It offers an innovative approach to the study of politics and society, linking them with sociological and anthropological perspectives.
Special features
Optional study abroad
Key Information
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-Levels:
AAB
Duration:
Three years
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Application deadline:
11 September 2025
Administrative bodies
Awarding body
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating body
Base campus
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.