MA Politics and Theology & Religion
About this course
Politics and theology are disciplines that have always been entwined. Religious institutions have shaped political systems, and states have long sought to define, control, or co-opt the authority of religious bodies. Understanding either field properly requires some grasp of the other: the history of democracy, nationalism, and international relations cannot be told without reference to religious ideas and institutions, and the study of faith traditions demands attention to the political contexts in which they have developed and spread. Together, the two disciplines offer a rich framework for understanding some of the most consequential forces in human history and in the world today. At the University of Aberdeen, this four-year, full-time programme gives you solid grounding in political science, examining political systems, ideologies, international relations, and political thought across the world. The theology and religion strand takes you into the origins, development, and comparative study of the major world religions, with particular depth in Christian faith in its historic and contemporary dimensions. You will develop the analytical, interpretive, and argumentative skills that both disciplines demand, and the programme's combination of perspectives equips you to engage seriously with questions about authority, justice, belief, and power. The inclusion of a year abroad broadens your academic and personal horizons and gives you exposure to different intellectual traditions. A typical entry tariff of 168 points reflects the academic standard expected. Graduates from politics and theology programmes go on to careers in the civil service, diplomacy, international organisations, journalism, law, religious bodies and charities, education, and policy research. The combination of disciplines is particularly relevant to careers in international development, refugee and asylum policy, conflict resolution, and interfaith dialogue. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in politics, theology, international relations, or area studies, building on the dual expertise they have developed.
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