Religion, Politics and Society BA | School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

Overview

This course gives you an in-depth and critical understanding, from a global perspective, of the role of religion in society and politics across local communities.

Combining topics across religious studies, politics, international relations and sociology, you’ll gain an insight into the complexity of religion, politics and society. You’ll examine topics such as migration, race and ethnicity, development, the environment, conflict and violence, and sexuality and gender.

Core modules will introduce you to key concepts and approaches in religious studies, politics and sociology. You’ll even have the option of carrying out fieldwork with religious groups in Leeds, a diverse and multi-faith city.
You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules reflecting topics that appeal to you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the most important issues affecting public life today, whilst expanding your knowledge and specialisms.

Course content

Core modules in your first year introduce you to key approaches in sociology, political and religious studies. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules on topics including religion in modern Africa, British and international politics, and social policy.

Throughout the next two years, you’ll only have one core taught module, which allows you to explore religion in context. You’ll then tailor your degree by choosing from an even broader selection of optional modules, meaning you can specialise in the issues and geographical regions that interest you. You’ll also have the option of taking discovery modules from across the University.

By your final year, you’ll have gained important skills in research and analysis, which you’ll apply when you undertake a final year project on a topic of your choice.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is home to tutors who are at the forefront of research in their fields.

To help you benefit from their knowledge and experience, we use a range of teaching and learning methods such as lectures, seminars, tutorials and occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also an integral part of the degree – it’s an opportunity to develop your skills in research, interpretation and analysis.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment, which usually include a mixture of exams and essays. However, some modules may also assess you on oral presentations or group work. We offer plenty of support to help you manage assessments, and you’ll be able to attend extra classes on issues like exam technique and public speaking throughout your time at Leeds.

Entry requirements, fees and applying

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students taking Access courses, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
BTEC

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U

M1, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate

34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate

The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications

European Baccalaureate: 75%.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.

You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Career opportunities

This degree will give you a valuable insight into many of the issues and challenges facing communities today, and will allow you to develop deeper cultural awareness. You’ll also develop transferable skills that are valuable to all kinds of employers.

You’ll be a confident communicator who works well in a team, but you’ll also be capable of working independently. You’ll have strong research skills and be able to analyse information from a range of sources, before drawing your own conclusions.

Graduates have gone into a wide range of careers as a result, such as politics, the civil service, journalism, the media, education, management and politics. Others have pursued postgraduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. You could be taught in English, German or Czech – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.