Overview:
The course in Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies delves deep into the study of prominent global religious traditions, encompassing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Students are exposed to multifaceted perspectives. This requires them to adopt roles as historians, philosophers, literary critics, and linguists.
This comprehensive approach fosters an appreciation for the divergent qualities of non-western religions and nurtures analytical and critical skills.
By embracing Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, students gain insight into major world religions and their foundational languages. The course also delves into the intellectual foundations of religious traditions. It also illuminates the cultural and societal milieus shaping religious beliefs and rituals. Intriguing topics include the interplay between religion and science, as well as the role of religious ethics in the public sphere.
The Faculties of Theology and Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies jointly support it. The programme also boasts a distinguished assembly of over 270 scholars. These range from language and literature experts to church historians and theologians. These faculties, in conjunction with Oxford’s exceptional library resources, magnetise scholars from across the globe.
| UCAS Code | VT69 |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – AAA Advanced Highers – AA/AAB IB – 38 (including core points) with 666 at HL |
| Admission Test for Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford | None |
| Subject Requirements | A subject involving essay writing/ a language can be helpful. |
| Extras things admission tutors look for | Written work: One piece written in English, which you have composed as part of a current or recent course of study. It must not exceed 2,000 words in length (and shorter is fine). It should demonstrate your ability to: think clearly and to reason coherently structure work and arguments in a logical way write clearly (and grammatically), with clear expression of thought provide evidence of independence of thought. Your work may be on any subject and not necessarily Language or Religion. Submission deadline: 10 November 2023 |
| Duration | 3 years (BA) |
| Admissions Statistics | Interviewed: 57% Successful: 18% |
| What is Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford? | Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford is a comprehensive programme that offers a deep understanding of major global religions. It equips students with historical, philosophical, linguistic, and literary skills, enabling them to appreciate diverse religious traditions. The course also provides insights into the intellectual foundations of these religions, along with their cultural and societal contexts. Moreover, students explore topics like the relationship between religion and science. They also explore the role of religious ethics in public life, fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities applicable to various careers. |
| Oxford Colleges that offer Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies | Christ Church Harris Manchester College Lady Margaret Hall Pembroke College Regent’s Park College St John’s College St Peter’s College |
| Structure of the course | Year 1 Religion and religions. One of the following languages, each of which have three assessment components: Arabic, Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan Four papers also assess written and (depending on the option) oral abilities. Year 2 & 3 Students specialise in the study of a religion, particularly through the study of its texts in their original languages. Students specialising in Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam usually continue studying in the language they began to learn in their first year. Students specialising in Eastern Christianity may take up either Syriac or Armenian in their second year. Students specialising in Hinduism may take up Hindi in their second year. Students take seven papers, three in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and three from those taught by the Faculty of Theology and Religion. The seventh may be chosen from either Asian and Middle Eastern Studies or Theology and Religion. In addition, all students must prepare a 12,000-word thesis on a topic of their choice. This may be chosen from either Asian and Middle Eastern Studies or Theology and Religion. |
| Common Careers | Graduates of Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford secure opportunities in Law, Social Work, The Media, Journalism, Publishing, Banking, Management Consultancy, Accountancy, Personnel Management, Teaching, The Police Force, The Arts |
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