Religion and Theology with Foundation Year

Religion and theology is a discipline that takes seriously one of the most fundamental and persistent aspects of human life: the reach of the sacred and the role of faith, ritual, text and community in shaping how individuals and societies understand themselves and the world. At York St John University, this four-year full-time degree includes a foundation year and incorporates sandwich, year abroad and work placement opportunities, providing a flexible and practically enriched route through a subject that has never been more relevant to understanding the contemporary world. The programme recognises that religion is not a private or marginal phenomenon but a force that shapes cultures, politics, art, conflict and the deepest aspects of personal identity.

You will study the major world religions including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism, examining their histories, texts, practices, theologies and contemporary forms. You will also engage with philosophy of religion, biblical studies, ethics and the social scientific study of religion, developing a multi-disciplinary approach to your subject. The foundation year gives you the academic grounding to succeed in the degree if you are building on non-traditional qualifications, and the placement and year abroad extend your theological learning into professional and international environments.

A typical tariff of around 88 points is expected.

Graduates from religion and theology degrees pursue careers in education, chaplaincy, religious organisations, journalism, international development, humanitarian work, the civil service, social work and community engagement. The discipline develops skills in reading complex texts, constructing careful arguments, understanding diverse perspectives and engaging with ethical questions, all of which are broadly applicable. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in theology, religious studies, philosophy or teacher training.