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Undergraduate

History and Religious Studies BA (Hons)

What is History and Religious Studies BA (Hons)?

Explore human belief and action to gain a deep understanding of key forces in the shaping of our world and identities. You’ll ask deep questions about what it means to be human, to examine answers to such questions, and the way that those answers – religious and otherwise – have shaped global events, cultures and societies.

Our Theology and Religious Studies courses are ranked 2nd in the UK for teaching quality and student experience, and 17th overall by The Times Good University Guide 2022.

Our students don’t just study what others have said, or learn names, dates and beliefs. They’re historians and scholars of religion, investigating and interpreting events and evidence, practices and ideas for themselves, in order to understand the development of individual, social and cultural identities.

Study style

You can shape your studies to match your interests – from British, European, American and Soviet history to major world religions (Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism), new expressions of spirituality and non-religious movements.

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, student-led sessions and placements, supported by digital technologies. Small group discussions allow you to connect with expert tutors and other students, with excellent environments for learning and strong group identity. You’ll gain hands-on experience with historical documents and artefacts, as well as the close examination of religious texts and ideas, will also help you to build essential skills for work within and beyond university.

Get History and Religious Studies BA (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Entry requirements

    • 96 – 112 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBC  at A levels, MMM – DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an integrated foundation year to help you prepare. A degree with an integrated foundation year starts your studies with a year spent learning the skills required to progress onto a full honours degree. You will develop valuable study skills, communication, team work and problem-solving techniques which help to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your course.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2024 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham V162 TBC TBC

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work in:

  • heritage and museums
  • third sector/NGO/charities
  • publishing
  • teaching
  • human resources
  • media/journalism
  • social care
  • research and consultancy
  • politics.

Industry links

Our partnerships with local archives and museums, as well as links with local and national religious communities, allow you to examine your learning in professional and lived contexts. Field trips, projects and placements give you hands-on engagement with heritage, social and religious organisations, providing opportunities to gain professional level skills and experiences.

Develop your historical and religious knowledge

Gain an excellent grasp of key historical events and developments, as well as of religious values and trends. Understand the ways in which belief and history intersect in shaping one another and our ever-changing world.

Become an independent researcher and critical thinker

Working closely with subject experts as you develop deep knowledge in your field, you’ll gain highly desirable skills in investigative, analytical research and communication.

Grow your intellectual initiative

Enjoy opportunities to challenge yourself in a supportive environment, while developing skills in the ethical, evaluative interpretation of texts, events and ideas.

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Ranked 2nd in the UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction (Theology)

Our Theology and Religious Studies courses are ranked 2nd in the UK for teaching quality and student experience by The Times Good University Guide 2022, and 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023

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UK Top 20 (Theology and Religious Studies)

Our Theology and Religious Studies courses are ranked in the UK top 20 by The Times Good University Guide 2022.

Trips and experiences

Unique placement, field trip and study abroad opportunities support your learning. Previous destinations have included the USA, Canada, India and Spain, as well as various UK destinations. You’ll also be able to hear from a variety of guest speakers, as well as benefiting from local and international partnerships with museums, archives and religious communities.

"I encourage students to develop empathy"

“I encourage students to value open dialogue, put aside assumptions and develop qualities of empathy and insight.”

Martin Wood, Senior Lecturer in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

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