Religion and Theology - Oxford Brookes University - Department of ...

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3839

RELIGION AND
THEOLOGY
BA (Hons) or BA/BSc (Hons) combined

Samantha Winter is studying Religion and Theology combined with Education Studies.
I chose the Religion and Theology course because being a Christian, I wanted to understand God,
Christianity and other religions at a deeper level. I chose to study the Education Studies course
because I am interested in how the education system works, and I have a desire to work in the
community and for organisations that run alongside schools.
I like the freedom that is given in assessment for many of the modules – we are able to research
and discuss the things we are passionate about, the things which interest us. Many of the staff are
willing to give up some time if you have any worries or concerns about the teaching, assessments,
or any other problems. Staff are also quick to reply to any emails which have been sent.
I love the closeness and community at Brookes and how easy it is to get on with everyone; the
lecturers are very friendly and approachable. I have also fallen in love with the Harcourt Hill campus,
when I came here on an open day I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
For more profiles go to www.history.brookes.ac.uk

WHY
STUDY
RELIGION
AND
THEOLOGY?
The Religion and Theology course at Oxford Brookes
gives you the opportunity to engage with a broad range of
contemporary issues at the same time as gaining specialist
skills in the study of religion, the philosophy of religion and
Christian theology. Whether you choose to discover the
diversity of religions or explore the depths of theology, this
course will give you the tools to undertake your inquiry.
Contents
2 Why choose Oxford Brookes? 4 Teaching and learning
6 Research and expertise 8 Course structure 9 Career choices
10 Student profile 11 Modules 13 Key facts
1

WHY
CHOOSE
OXFORD
BROOKES?
Oxford Brookes provides an ideal location or vantage point for the
study of religion, theology, philosophy of religion, culture and ethics. All
this takes place in Oxford which is a centre of international scholarship
of religions and global encounter for the study of religions and their
contemporary cultural expression.
Distinctive features
• An innovative and exciting course with a
contemporary focus on social context.
• Lecturers at the cutting edge of
contemporary thought
• Access to specialist collections and
libraries, including Oxford Centre for
Methodism and Church History and the
Bodleian Library
• Flexible course structure - you can study
Religion and Theology either as single or
combined honours, full-time or part-time
• The course can be studied through
distance learning
• Undergraduate research conferences
with external speakers
Established reputation
Oxford Brookes has been at the forefront of the
teaching of religion and theology in the UK for
over 25 years.
Religion & Theology at Brookes has established
an outstanding reputation for its exciting
research-led teaching. What makes us stand
out is the broad choice of modules on offer
and the excellent opportunities to pursue your
studies to postgraduate level.
Oxford has the highest proportion of
‘knowledge intensive’ employees of any English
city, with Oxfordshire boasting the highest
number of NGOs outside London, so you
are in an excellent position to pursue career
development opportunities in this region.
2

Student choice
The BA in Religion and Theology at Brookes
is unique not only in its subject matter but
also in the choice it offers you as to your style
and mode of learning. On the single honours
course you can study full-time or part-time,
in on-campus or off-campus mode (distance
learning).
In addition to your compulsory Religion &
Theology modules we offer a range of further
modules which allow you to pursue personal
interests. This ensures that you become familiar
with key concepts and theories in your studies,
whilst giving you the opportunity to focus on
specific areas of interest.
The Independent Study modules enable you to
further explore your chosen specialism with the
full support of academic staff.
The staff at the university are very supportive towards me. Lecturers always give feedback
on assignments and suggest ways for future improvement. As students we also discuss
different parts of our studies that we enjoy or struggle with.
David Preece, undergraduate
3

TEACHING
AND
LEARNING
Religion and Theology can be studied either on campus or at a
distance, full or part time, single or combined honours. Popular
combinations include philosophy, communication, and education.
Teaching
The Religion and Theology team is highly
committed to supporting you and your learning
during your time at Oxford Brookes. Members
of staff are active researchers and publish
nationally and internationally. This research
feeds directly into what happens on the
undergraduate course. Here you will be at the
cutting edge of contemporary developments
in the study of religion, theology, philosophy of
religion, culture and ethics. Indeed, you will be
part of the team.
Studying at a distance
Our module content is delivered online, via the
Brookes Virtual Learning environment. Here you
will find texts, videos, podcasts and websites to
support your learning. For each module you will
be assigned a module leader who will answer
any questions you have, and give feedback
on your assignments. The module content is
available for flexible study whenever suits you,
including over the summer.
Study trips
Trips provide an exciting opportunity for
students to use their learning experiences to
form the basis of independent studies and other
research based modules.
Recent trips include undergraduates and
PhD students visiting India led by programme
leaders and teaching fellows in collaboration
with Indian theologian, artist and writer Jyoti
Sahi.
4

Support
Throughout your time at Brookes you will
receive excellent support from our dedicated
staff, both academically and personally.
You will be allocated an Academic Adviser
when you start who will provide academic and
departmental support for you throughout your
studies. In addition, our Student Support Coordinators
are there to help you in all aspects of
your academic career, from module choices to
any personal issues you may experience.
Through our Upgrade service we offer advice
on all aspects of study, from planning and
writing essays to statistical analysis, either in
a one to one situation or as a drop-in session.
Upgrade is a free service available to all
students at any level, and is unique to Oxford
Brookes.
www.brookes.ac.uk/services/upgrade
Resources
With over half a million books, DVDs and CDs,
a vast range of databases, e-journals and
reference materials, the library provides all the
resources you need for your study of Religion
and Theology.
You can also take advantage of the Library
Electronic Information Network (LEIN), giving
you access to a range of biographical searching
tools, databases and electronic journals. Once
you reach the stage of writing your dissertation
you will have access to Oxford’s Bodleian
Library.
We have a dedicated Religion and Theology
librarian who is on hand to answer your
enquiries, teach you information skills and
guide you around the electronic resources.
The library also offers regular training sessions
on accessing and making the best use of key
resources in your specific subject area.
5

RESEARCH
AND
EXPERTISE
Religion and Theology at Brookes is home to a rich range of research
expertise. We have a strong research environment for students whose
recent work includes themes in gender and sexuality, theology and
health and the eighteenth century.
Staff research
Our teaching staff research comprises three
main strands:
• Church history, with particular emphasis on
the eighteenth century and the German
church struggle of the twentieth century.
• Philosophical approaches to the study
of religion, with emphasis on
psychoanalytic and feminist approaches.
Will I get involved?
We value research highly and actively
encourage you to become a researcher in
your own right. By designing and undertaking
your own research you will develop excellent
analytical and and independent study skills,
adding weight to your CV.
• The study of religion and contemporary
forms of religious belief and practice.
6
The lecturers are incredibly helpful, all it takes is an email for them to help you with any
problem. The small grouped lectures enable you to ask questions more freely without feeling
like just another ‘number’ in a larger lecture. I feel these all lead to a better relationship with
the staff.
Andrew Coulter, undergraduate

Commitment to research-led teaching means that all our teaching staff
are recognised experts in their field. Research underpins our teaching
and learning so that, throughout your degree, you will be introduced
to the very latest academic thinking.
We have an international reputation for
research, where leading academics and
students form a thriving community through the
work of our research centres and groups
Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church
History
Religion and Theology is home to a University
Research Centre on Methodism and Church
History (OCMCH) which undertakes cutting
edge research on key themes in religious
history. The aim of OCMCH is to embody
the historic links between Oxford Brookes
University with the Methodist Church, through
a programme of research activities and support
for the historic collections of the Centre.
The Centre has an international reputation
for Wesley and Methodist studies and has a
number of art, manuscript and book collections
which students can use for projects if they
wish. The Centre offers outstanding resources
for scholars and anyone with an interest in
Methodism or associated areas.
7

COURSE
STRUCTURE
The course at Oxford Brookes is uniquely flexible: you can study
Religion and Theology either as single honours or combined with
another subject, full-time or part-time, in distance learning or oncampus
mode.
Our course provides a secure foundation in
three key strands:
• Study of Religions
• Theology
• Philosophy of Religion
In the first year you will be introduced to each of
these three subject areas and the key themes
that will inform your study. In the second
and third years you will have opportunities to
develop your knowledge in each of the three
areas and to specialise in topics that interest
you most.
The flexibility of distance learning, together with the various modules available seemed
to offer a breadth of learning and possible research. I also like the learning resources
accessibility and the twice-yearly distance learning schools.
8
Nigel Sharp, undergraduate

CAREER
CHOICES
In today’s competitive job market ‘transferable skills ‘ are essential in
enhancing your career options. At Brookes we ensure you develop
critical independent learning skills to equip you for a successful future.
Career prospects
Religion and Theology undergraduates develop
skills which are in demand in many professional
contexts. These include skills in analysis and
communication, empathy for diversity of opinion
and balanced judgement concerning complex
issues.
Career paths
Students of all ages have gone on to develop
significant academic careers in a wide range
of professions, including civil service, media,
politics, charity work, law, international
relations and teaching. Many of our distance
learning and part-time students are engaged in
employment whilst studying. Recent graduates
are working in film making, education and third
sector organisations.
Our Careers and Employment Centre is on
hand throughout your time at Oxford Brookes,
guiding your development from undergraduate
to professional. An invaluable resource to all
students, the Centre provides a wealth of
information throughout your studies, from
career guidance and advice, to application
procedures and practical interview skills.
www.brookescareerscentre.co.uk
9

Lucie Acraman completed her studies in Religion and Theology and went on to become
President of the Oxford Brookes Student Union.
The Religion and Theology course looked at religion in a contemporary light – how the modern
diasporas of religion effects our modern day society, and the way that our cultures affect the people
we become. It also offered a wide variety of study options with many practical applications.
Brookes staff supported me massively during my studies. Lecturers were easy to contact and quick
to offer support and guidance. Staff encouraged us to work closely with other students and to
explore other views as well as our own. The fact that I am still in contact with various lecturers is a
testament to how much effort they give to their students.
Since finishing the course, I have been able to put the many skills which I gained on the course into
practice, including debate and counsel, empathy for others’ views and a greater understanding
towards other cultures.
For more profiles go to www.history.brookes.ac.uk
10

MODULES
YEAR 1
Introduction to the Study of Religions
An overview of the major religious traditions of
the world. The focus will be on living religions.
You will have the opportunity to develop a basic
understanding of the manifold expressions of
religious sentiment and the diversity of religious
practices.
Introduction to Theology
Introduces you to the academic study of
Christian theology. It enables you to familiarise
yourself with Christian theology and to begin
to engage with the description, analysis and
criticism of fundamental discourses within
Christian theology.
Introduction to Philosophy
The module will focus on the examination
of a collection of issues from epistemology,
philosophy of mind, metaphysics and ethics.
The course stands alone but can be considered
as the primary foundation from which to begin a
deeper study of philosophy.
Sources & Texts in Religion & Theology
This introductory module enables you to
develop an understanding and experience of
some key religious and theological texts and
sources.
Academic Literacy: Religion & Theology
Provides you with some of the tools and
methodologies commonly employed in the
study of religion and theology.
Issues in Contemporary Theology
You will be introduced to a range of issues
which will facilitate your awareness of the
scope of theological scholarship. Particular
attention will be given to the bible as a source
of theological reflection within the study of
theology.
Issues in Contemporary Philosophy
Provides an opportunity to explore a number
of key themes in philosophy which inform the
discipline of philosophy of religion.
Issues in Contemporary Religions
Examines moral dilemmas in religious ethics,
the treatment of animals and matters of life and
death.
Contextual Studies in Religion & Theology
Enables you to contextualise your
understanding and experience of religious and
theological issues, either from within your own
culture and tradition, or from one you have
identified.
11

12
YEARS 2 AND 3
Essentials of the Study of Religion
The module will investigate the methodologies
and methods used in the study of religions.
Topics include responses to the Holocaust, and
Islam and the West.
Essentials of Theology
Aims to consolidate and enhance your
knowledge of the core methodologies in
Christian theology. Topics include three days of
Easter, signs and symbols, contextual theology
and psalms.
Essentials of the Philosophy of Religion
Enables students to have a secure and
critical knowledge of the effect of applying
philosophical method to the content of religion
and to some of the problems that arise when
considering the coherence of theistic belief.
Culture, Gender & Sexuality
You will explore the relationship between issues
of gender, sexuality and culture as key factors in
human identity, development and society.
Vice & Virtue
Concerned with the interrelations between
philosophical psychology and ethics, in
particular issues relating to practical reason,
motivation, virtue, impartiality, and responsibility.
Special Topics in Theology and Religion
You will use available resources from the virtual
learning environment, or suggest your own,
to negotiate an appropriate assessment from
portfolio to presentation or poster.
Independent Study
You will produce a proposal on a topic that
interests you, work with an expert tutor and
write in depth.
Research Methods: Religion & Theology
You will investigate varied social research
methods and choose fieldwork or literary
research to create a research proposal.
Religion in Social Context
The module will examine key figures and
writings in the contemporary evolution of
socially-engaged religious movements, and offer
analyses of the controversial nature of these
movements amongst scholars and against
the background of the history of the religious
traditions from which they emerge.
Theology in Social Context
Introduces alternative ways of pursuing a
theological engagement which will interrogate
the relationship between theology, Christianity
and its social and cultural context.
Continental Philosophy of Religion
Aims to develop and advance your knowledge
of the range of approaches possible in
philosophy of religion. Topics include major
figures in continental philosophy, atheism and
evil in literature.
Research Topics in Study of Religion or
Theology
You will use available resources from the virtual
learning environment, or suggest your own, to
negotiate an appropriate assessment.
Religion, Philosophy & the Body
Considers the development of religious and
philosophical approaches to the body with
particular reference to specific historical periods.
Topics include sex and death in religions and
the body in Christian thought.
Dissertation
You are required to propose and write an
8-10,000 word dissertation on a topic of your
choosing working with the support of teaching
staff.

KEY
FACTS
DURATION
Full time:
3 years
Part time:
up to 8 years
HOW TO APPLY
Full time study
application is through
UCAS. See our
website for course
codes.
TYPICAL OFFERS
A level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30points
Advanced Diploma: C,
including A-level at grade B
BTEC: In a relevant field of
study at DDM.
For the combined honours
degree the offer will lie between
the offers quoted for
each subject.
Many of our students are
mature and have nontraditional
entry qualifications,
which we welcome if they
can show evidence of
academic potential. We
routinely take students from
other universities with credit
transfer.
TEACHING
LOCATION
Harcourt Hill Campus/
Distance learning
ACADEMIC
FACULTY
Faculty of Humanities
and Social Sciences
Contact
tel +44 (0)1865 484848 email query@brookes.ac.uk www.history.brookes.ac.uk
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