MA Religion, Culture and Society
About this course
MA (Hons) in Religion, Culture and Society, a theology and religious studies degree exploring how faith and belief systems shape human history, identity, and contemporary communities. The curriculum encompasses foundational themes such as global traditions, philosophical ethics, and the cultural contexts of various belief systems. Students benefit from flexible option choices in the first year alongside core academic study. The first year introduces major traditions through compulsory study in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, Jewish studies, spirituality and new religions, Christianity, and Islam, while also allowing choices in complementary subjects or language learning. Year 3 advances the discipline through targeted modules including South Asian religions, Jewish studies, new forms of spirituality and new religions, atheism and the rejection of religion, and theories of religion.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 29 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 73%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 7%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- London: 30%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 40%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 86%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 6%
Modules
- Buddhist and Hindu traditions
- Jewish studies
- spirituality and new religions
- Christianity
- Islam
- in a subject that complements your programme
- that help you to learn a language
- that simply interest you
- South Asian religions
- Jewish studies
- new forms of spirituality and new religions
- atheism and the rejection of religion
- theories of religion
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Religion, Culture and Society at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £40,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Theology and religious studies.
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Religion, Culture and Society at University of Edinburgh?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Religion, Culture and Society at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Does MA Religion, Culture and Society at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Religion, Culture and Society at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.