Anthropology and Religious Studies

UCAS code: RSA1

Here's what University of Wales Trinity Saint David says about its Anthropology and Religious Studies course.

BA Anthropology and Religious Studies is an exciting degree that looks at how people live, think, and believe in different cultures across the world. It brings together two key areas of study, Anthropology and Religious Studies, giving you the tools to explore what shapes human societies.

In anthropology, you will learn about the way people live in different cultures and how societies have developed over time. You’ll study both past and present human societies, understanding the variety of ways people interact with each other and their environment. This involves exploring subjects like ethnography in anthropology, which is the practice of studying people and cultures through close observation. You will also investigate how social theory and power play a role in shaping societies.

Religious studies focuses on understanding different religions from around the world. You will learn about religious beliefs, practices, and institutions, examining how they influence people’s lives. As you study these topics, you’ll explore themes such as ritual and myth, which are central to many religions. You’ll also look at how sacred space in societies and iconography in human societies—the use of symbols and images—help define religious and cultural identities.

This Anthropology and Religious Studies BA gives you a social scientific approach to understanding the world, combining both theoretical and practical perspectives. This means you will not only learn about the theories behind human cultures and religions but also gain real insights by studying different communities in-depth.

The degree is flexible, offering both full-time and part-time study, so you can choose the path that works best for you. Whether you’re interested in ancient rituals or how modern societies are shaped by religion, this degree provides a rich and varied way to explore the diverse ways people live and believe.

By the end of this programme, you will have a deep understanding of the complexities of human culture and religion, equipping you for careers in areas like social research, education, or community work.

In the first year, you will explore key themes in philosophy, ethics, and human interaction with the environment. Courses such as An Introduction to Ethics, Ancient Philosophy, and Freedom, Equality and Justice introduce fundamental questions about morality, society, and politics. You’ll also study People’s Worlds: Interaction with the Environment, providing insight into how humans engage with their surroundings.

An Introduction to Ethics (20 credits) Ancient Philosophy (20 credits) Freedom, Equality and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy (20 credits) The Big Questions (20 credits ) People's Worlds: Interaction with the Environment (20 credits)

In the second year, you will dive deeper into complex topics through a wide range of module choices such as the Philosophy of Mind, exploring the relationships between humans, animals, and machines. You can investigate the intersection of religion and gender in Women and Religion, while Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics addresses the ethical issues surrounding business and environmental concerns in a globalised world.

Your final year will focus on independent research alongside optional modules. Modules like Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice and Global Genocides explore significant social justice issues, while Religions in Africa and Living in Multi-Cultural Worlds offer a global perspective on religion and society.

You can also complete a Professional Placement to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits) Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits) Women and Religion (20 credits) Religions in Africa (20 credits) Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice (20 credits) Thinking With Things (20 credits) Family, Gender and Sexuality (20 credits) Materialities in Anthropology (20 credits) Professional Placement (20 credits) Living in Multi-Cultural Worlds Global Genocides (20 credits)

The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1,000 to 4,000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words.