MA in
Religion,
Conflict and
the Media
Why study the MA in Religion, Conflict and the Media?
‘Religion’, however understood or constructed, is regularly seen to be at the heart of portrayals
of conflict and terrorism, even more so since the 9/11 attacks. The role of religion in relation to
violence has been constructed in a number of ways, from a central explanatory factor in conflict
and violence to a potential solution to conflict and violence. Questions are constantly asked in
the media and beyond about the role of religion in civil and political discourse. Should religion be
allowed to have any role in political decision making? Is religion essentially a private matter? Are
violent manifestations in the name of religion a violation of ‘true’ religious belief?
A flexible programme that allows
students to specialise in media
presentations of religion with a
particular focus on Christianity,
Judaism and Islam and equips them
with the skills needed to pursue
research at graduate level.
For your career
A Sense of Community
The MA in Religion, Conflict and the Media
degree is ideal for those wishing to further
study at MPhil/PhD level, for those who are
looking for a fantastic all-round course in the
field of Religious Studies that will allow them
the to explore a range of modules specialise in
an area that they enjoy.
You’ll be part of a vibrant academic community
with an international reputation for excellent
research-led teaching. Our postgraduate
community, which brings together students
and staff from across the Faculty, is lively and
diverse. At our weekly research seminars
staff, graduate students and visiting speakers
present their research in a friendly and lively
atmosphere.
•Preparation for PhD study
•Flexibility to pursue your own
interests
•Practical and Applied
Research Methods training
•Individual support and
academic guidance
Study options
This programme can be studied full-time (one
year) or part-time (two years).
Modules and dissertation
Autumn
60 credits
Research
Methods
Religion in an
Age of Terror
This module will equip you with the essential techniques for research in Biblical
Studies, including how to define a research topic, the location and effective use of
research resources, the internet and research, analytical and critical skills, writing
up research.
This module analyses the ways in which modern cultural, political and social contexts
have influenced ways in which we understand religion and sacred texts and the ways
in which religion has made an impact on the contemporary world. It will explore
ways in which religion is constructed in the media as well as contemporary culture
and politics with particular focus on the construction of Christianity, Judaism, Islam,
and ‘secularism’.
This module explores the origins, growth and development of violence in Abrahamic
traditions which provides a historic perspective on the roots of contemporary
religious violence, including theories of religious violence and tolerance; violence
in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Qur’an; religious
violence from the Crusades to the aftermath of the Reformation; pogroms and
the Holocaust; Orientialism; and the roots of ‘fundamentalism’. This module is
recommended.
Spring
Optional
30 credits
Religion and
Violence:
Judaism,
Christianity
and Islam
in Ancient
and Modern
Perspectives
Spring
30-60 credits
Approved
Modules
You choose 30-60 credits of modules from an approved list, from the Sheffield
Institute of Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies.
An indicative list is below:*
• Issues in Cultural Studies (30 credits) • Issues in Religion, Theology and the Bible
(30 credits) • The Bible and the Arts (30 credits) • Selected Old Testament Texts in
Context (30 credits). Or units to the value of 30 credits from another department,
such as Journalism, with approval from the Programme Director.
Summer
60 credits
Dissertation
The dissertation will be an extended piece of independent academic research
undertaken in consultation with a supervisor.
Module choices change each year*
Alison Bygrave
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0)114 222 0507
Sheffield Institute for
Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies
University of Sheffield
S10 2TN
For the latest news:
Twitter: @unishefSIIBS
Facebook: /UoSBibs
http://www.shef.ac.uk/siibs/masters
How to apply
Apply online www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/
taught/apply
Entry requirements
Good honours degree (2.1 or above, or
overseas equivalent) in an appropriate
subject. Other qualifications will be
considered.
International students
If your first language is not English you are
also required to take a language test, eg,
IELTS (minimum score 7.0, with a minimum
of 6 in each component) or equivalent.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
of the information provided, but the University can
accept no responsibilities for any errors. University
programmes of study are continually reviewed and
revised and there may be some changes between this
document and the provision at the time the student
embarks on the programme of study. The University
reserves the right to discontinue programmes of
study and to amend programmes of study whenever it
sees fit. Timetable and other restrictions may prevent
students from pursuing a particular combination of
modules.
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