Course Overview
Lancaster's Religious Studies and Sociology degree is taught by some of the leading international scholars in both fields. Lancaster is first in the North West for Religious Studies - as ranked by The Guardian University Guide 2011 - and our Sociology Department was ranked top five in the UK in the last UK Research Assessment (2008).
Your degree will help you understand the interface between religion and society and addresses a wide range of issues affecting people's lives today and the societies in which they live. You'll also develop a sensitivity to the historical contexts that have shaped the contemporary world.
You'll divide your time equally between courses in Sociology and Religious Studies, starting with World Religions and Introduction to Sociology modules. You'll be able to specialise and develop your own interests with second-year subjects such as Understanding Social Thought and Religion and Society, as well as final year modules that include Television, Society and Morality and Indian Religious and Philosophical Thought.
For a list of compulsory modules, please see the tab above.
Lancaster University's an interesting place. It's a friendly and accepting environment, and I'm really enjoying it here.
Career opportunities
The skills you'll gain during your Sociology and Religious Studies degree - such as critical communication skills - are a good foundation for many careers. In increasingly multicultural societies and an integrated world, Religious Studies graduates with an understanding of other faiths, cultures and values are highly regarded. Furthermore, your study of Sociology enables you to place this knowledge in context within contemporary society.
Lancaster graduates in the subject have chosen a wide range of careers, including roles in the Civil Service, journalism, banking, the police and business, as well as teaching and the caring professions.
Some of our alumni also pursue further study through a postgraduate degree at Lancaster or another institution.
Modules
Here are some of the current modules which are available during your studies at Lancaster:
PartI
- Introduction to Sociology
- Religions of the Modern World
PartII (Year 2)
- Research Methods
- Research Skills and Techniques
- Understanding Social Thought
For more detailed module information please visit the Politics, Philosophy and Religion department website.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAB
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 A-level grades.
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 pts overall with 15 pts from best three HL courses
BTEC: Overall grades of DDD/DDM
Mature students: Applications welcome; promising candidates are interviewed, Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
IELTS: 6.5
For details of how we evaluate international qualifications, please click here.
Financial Support
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page.
