Religious Studies Undergraduate Student Profiles

Amelia Wilson

A Wilson Lancaster University was definitely the right choice for me. I want to become a Religious Education teacher and found the RS course invaluable for my future profession. The undergraduate degree offers a variety of modules ranging from many religious traditions and belief systems. The course is interesting and provides a historical context as well as dipping into more contemporary issues within religions.

The Politics, Philosophy & Religion department has many members of staff who are willing to help and go beyond what they are expected to do for the good of their students. The department also has a PPR society which successfully runs events linking to all three individual subjects.

I knew immediately after attending an open day that Lancaster University was for me. The collegiate system promotes a small community feel and provides a system where the least competitive people become very proud of their college. Lancaster University is the place to be!

Alice Callaghan

Alice I chose to study Ethics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster because of the great selection of modules available and because of my interest in studying Ethics at degree level. I also loved the campus and all the volunteering opportunities the university had to offer.
Since, being at Lancaster I have loved being part of the PPR department and have studied many fascinating courses. I have been department rep two years running, social secretary for the PPR society and have been a tour guide for the department as well. The department offers lots of extra opportunities outside of just the excellent academic ones, and I think this is what makes it such a great and exciting place to study. I am really glad I chose to study Ethics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster University.

More comments from past students

'The experience of a range of faiths rather than just a straight theology degree was particularly useful'. (BBC Radio Producer, religion)

'I learnt to assimilate information from different sources, and to write up essays clearly and concisely'. (Company Director)

'I developed general skills: time management, self-motivation and organisation skills'. (Department Manager, a Motorway Services company)

'I developed tolerance and respect for all people, irrespective of race, sex or creed. Critical analysis. Listening skills'. (Solicitor)

'I gained a much more open mind which has helped me in my work where I need to respect the opinions of others'. (Careers Adviser)

'Ability and confidence to articulate and express own views'. (Head of University Research Office)

Graduates working in education:

'I need a multifaith approach in schools, so it was useful to study Buddhism and Hinduism for example'.

'I learnt clear communication, assessing an argument, sensitivity to other people's beliefs and practices.'

'Setting problems about which I'm still thinking!'

Graduates working in the commercial sector:

'Having been on the summer India course I gained experience in teamwork, and in my other RS courses also picked up valuable analytical skills useful in my career'. (Retail Management Trainee)

'Wide cultural background and understanding of people from different countries'. (Embassy, Consular Section)

'I have lots of colleagues who have more "vocational" degrees, but I feel the skills I learnt at Lancaster were second to none and far more valuable to me in my current position than those I would of developed on more supposedly relevant courses'. (Charted Accountant)

Graduates working in the welfare and public sectors:

'It was through my [Lancaster RS course] that I was introduced to survival issues and peoples' rights'. (Campaign Officer for Survival International)

'The practise of looking at things from different angles has proved useful in all my jobs'. (NHS Administrator)

'An awareness of important motivating factors in people's lives'. (YWCA Youth Worker)

'The theoretical and sociological sides of Religious Studies are now in the forefront of Police Service Development'. (Police Officer)

Ministry

'Additional information at my disposal, new insights into old stuff, imaginative ways of communicating it, and the vocabulary to use in communicating to today's society'. (Priest)

'Development of analytical skills, deeper understanding of different faiths, and a good foundation for continued learning'. (Methodist Chaplain)

Undergraduate Study