Religious Studies
Arpta SinghSenior Executive – Content
Religious Study is an academic subject which focuses and researches on religious beliefs, behaviours and institutions. In this field, professionals describe, compare, interprets and explain religion on historically based facts and events and cross-culture perspectives. Religious Study tries to study religious behaviour and belief from outside, from another viewpoint. There are various disciplines and methodologies which come into play such as:
Religious Study originated in the 19th century when scholars and historians tried to analyze the Bible, the Hindu and Buddist texts, translating them into European Languages. There are a few subcategories of religious studies and the discipline itself. Religious Studies main aim is to study religious phenomena as a whole and not be limited to the approaches of its subcategories.
| Subcategory |
Description |
|---|---|
| Anthropology of Religion |
This is principally concerned with common basic human needs that religion fulfils. |
| Cultural Anthropology of Religion |
This is concerned with the cultural aspects of religion such as rituals, beliefs, religious art, practices of piety and more. |
| Economics of Religion |
Surveys have found that the poorest countries are the most religious and how religion plays a role in the economy of a state/country. |
| Geography of Religion |
This is concerned with the elements of religious practice and embodiment in various geographic areas spread all over. |
| History of Religion |
This is concerned with topics of disciplines which has been coming down since ages which deal with religious figures, events and evolution of doctrinal matters. |
| Psychology of Religion |
This is concerned with how people behave and act religiously. What a person’s views, ideologies and the role of religion in the development of human culture. |
| Sociology of Religion |
This is concerned with the dialectical relationship between religion and society, the practices, historical backgrounds, developments, universal themes and role of religion of society. |
Religious Studies Courses in India
There are various courses which are offered in India and there are numerous subcategories which specializes in religion. The programmes in Religious studies are as follows:
| Course |
Duration |
|---|---|
| 3-Years |
|
| 2-Years |
|
| 2-Years |
|
| 2-Years |
|
| Diploma |
1-Year |
| Postgraduate Diploma |
1-Year |
The courses which are offered by various Universities/Colleges/Institutes in India.
| BA in Theology and Religious Studies |
BA in Islamic Studies |
| BA in Christian Studies |
MA in Hindu Studies |
| MA in Buddhist Studies |
MA in Jain Studies |
| MA in Comparative Studies |
MA in Cultural Studies |
| MA in Religious Studies |
MA in Islamic Studies |
| MA in Christian Studies |
Master of Religious Education |
| MPhil in Guru Granth Sahib Studies |
MPhil in Religious Studies |
| PhD in Religious Studies |
PhD In Islamic Studies |
| PhD in Indian Philosophy and Religion |
PhD in Christian Studies |
| Diploma in Imams |
Diploma in Sri Mad Bhagawath Puran |
| PG Diploma in Buddhist Studies |
PG Diploma in Comparative Study of World Religions and Spirituality |
| PG Diploma in Eastern and Indian Christian Spirituality |
|
Religious Studies Eligibility Criteria
A student needs to meet the eligibility criteria that is set by the University/college/institute. The eligibility criteria may differ from University to University. Here is the common eligibility criteria set by varsities.
| Programme |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| BA |
The student needs to have done their Class 12 from a recognised board and should have secured a minimum of 45%. |
| MA |
The candidate should have done their graduation from any discipline and should have secured a minimum of 50%. |
| MPhil |
The candidate should have done their MA in a specialized subject from a recognised university and should have secured a minimum of 55%. |
| PhD |
The candidate should have done their MA or MPhil in a specialized subject from a recognised university and should have secured a minimum of 60%. |
Religious Studies Admission Procedure
Chose University/College: The first step one has to make and that is to search for colleges or universities which are offering courses in Religious Studies or similar subjects. Check the fees, the seats offered, eligibility criteria which is set for the course.
Apply for Course: Proceed to apply for admission after getting to know the university offering the programme. Fill up the details as required and pay the application fee. The application forms are available for a limited period of time so the candidate is advised to know the details way in advance.
Mode of Admission: Universities and Colleges will either conduct entrance exams for admission or offer admission through merit. For postgraduate courses/MPhil and PhD, the candidate will have to appear for an entrance exam.
Results: Selected and qualified candidates make the merit list. The student has to get the desired rank and percentage, to be eligible for admission.
Counselling: The candidate will have to appear for the counselling session conducted at the university to book their seat, submit their documents and pay the fees to seal admission.
Religious Studies: Employment Areas
On doing any programme in Religious Studies or a specialized field, one can work in various organisations to NGOs to religious houses.
| Job Opportunities for Religious Studies Candidates |
|
|---|---|
| Teaching and Education |
Preacher |
| Content Writer |
Translator |
| Historian |
Certified Tourist Guide |
| Regional and Urban Planner |
Philosopher |
| Psychologist |
Field of Sociology |
| Advisor |
Counsellor |
Top Colleges offering Religious Studies
Candidates can check the below table to know about top colleges offering Religious Studies:
| Colleges offering Religious Studies Courses |
|
|---|---|
FAQs on Religious Studies
Q. What is Religious Studies as a course?
Q. What is theology?
Q. What are the four types of theology?
Q. What can I do with a Religious Studies degree?
Q. What are the popular Religious Studies courses offered by different universities in India?
Q. What are the subcategories of Religious Studies?
Q. What are the discipline and methodologies used in Religious Studies?
Q. What are the courses offered in Religious Studies?
Q. What are the scope in the field of Religious Studies?
Q. Which are the top colleges offering Religious Studies course?
Q. What is the study of Christianity called?
Popular Religious Studies Colleges in India
Popular Private Religious Studies Colleges in India
Most Popular Courses
Popular Religious Studies UG Courses in India
UG Courses
- B.A.
252 Colleges
- UG Diploma
23 Colleges
- B.A. (Hons)
1 College
Popular Religious Studies PG Courses in India
PG Courses
- M.A.
60 Colleges
- PG Diploma
9 Colleges
- M.Sc.
2 Colleges
- M.Com
1 College
Popular Religious Studies Specializations in India
Popular Specializations
- Islam
21 Colleges
- Theology
11 Colleges
- Christianity
9 Colleges
- Hinduism
6 Colleges
- Sikhism
6 Colleges
News & Updates
May 17, 2022
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I want to know about the fee structure at Anjuman- E- Islam Urdu Junior College of Education for Diploma in Education (D.Ed.).
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I want to know about the fee structure at JDT Islam College of Arts And Science for a B.A. in Travel and Tourism Management.
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