Religious Studies on Arts

"Beware of the man whose god is in the skies"  -George Bernard Shaw 

While Bernard Shaw warns against placing all our hope in a distant figure in the clouds, the study of Religion and Theology at SETU focuses on how cultural values and ideas about the meaning of life and death shape our world. Through the study of world religions, theology, philosophy, ethics, and sacred texts the BA (Hons) in Religious Studies programme gives you the opportunity to explore the different ways religious beliefs form and shape our world in an interdisciplinary context. 

A mixture of ideas, outlooks and interests among students and staff fosters lively debate and enables you to gain respect for others and to understand a diversity of views. 

Whatever perspective you bring, our programme encourages lively intellectual reflection upon our prior assumptions and the interface between religion, theology, and culture. 

Students undertaking Religious Studies can apply to participate in Study Abroad, adding an additional year to their degree and graduating with a BA (Hons) International; students on Psychology also have this opportunity. All students are supported by a SETU Academic Advisor to ensure the study abroad experience will complement their degree subjects and enrich their professional and personal experiences. 

Students of Religious Studies also take other subjects as part of their degree. This exposes students to other disciplines and ways of thinking and there is a strong emphasis in SETU on encouraging dialogue between subject areas. Students are supported in developing study, writing, critical and creative thinking and research skills; these skills form the foundation for future years and are highly valued by employers.  

Accreditation: The BA (Hons) with Religious Studies has been accepted by the Healthcare Chaplaincy Board as an approved degree course for those wishing to apply for certification as a Catholic Healthcare Chaplain. 

For more information contact Dr Paul Clogher - [email protected] or contact [email protected] 

*Electives will be decided in advance of academic year; subject to Department guidelines.

^Students undertaking the subject combination of Religious Studies and Sociology will only complete one Dissertation in one subject area, taking an additional elective in the other subject to complete their credits.

Studying Religious Studies and Theology at SETU gives you a strong foundation in the history and development of theology and religion. There is also special focus placed on the theology of culture, the study of world religions, the global reality of religion, social justice, and the connection between theology and the creative arts. Our graduates progress to a range of postgraduate opportunities and careers, including the Professional Masters in Education (PME), pastoral care, and further study at MA and PhD level. 

The programme allows learners who wish to teach in post primary schools to meet the Teaching Council of Ireland’s requirements for the teaching of Religion and has been accepted by the Healthcare Chaplaincy Board as an approved degree course for those wishing to apply for certification as a Catholic Healthcare Chaplain. 

The BA (Hons) with Religious Studies also allows learners to meet the requirements for postgraduate studies in the areas of Theology, Chaplaincy, Religious Studies, and Digital Humanities, including the University’s MA in Applied Spirituality

BA (Hons) international Students can chose to study a four year BA (Hons) international degree which includes a study abroad for year 3. Students will then return to SETU in year 4.

Opt-in BA (Hons) International: Study Abroad/ Year 3