Religion - Study of Religions

University College Cork

Ireland, Cork

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University College Cork

Ireland , Cork

Key Facts

Program Level

Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines8-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Next Intake 8-Sep-2026

Religion - Study of Religions

About

UCC’s HDip in the Study of Religions is the only course in Ireland to offer research-informed teaching across traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, New Religious Movements, Western Esotericism, Folk Religion, and East Asian religions.

Our academic, non-theological approach to religions makes the course suitable for students of all beliefs, and for those of no religion, unlike traditional theology departments which promote one religion rather than studying all equally.

The calibre of the staff in the department is unequalled in Ireland, making the HDip a popular choice for graduates seeking an intensive encounter with the study of diverse religious traditions.

Disciplines

Arts

Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

English Program Requirements

English Language Requirements (for Non-Irish EU applicants)

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):

UCC Language Centre Pre-sessional Programmes

These programmes are available to assist students who:

Have not achieved their required level of English for acceptance onto their undergraduate or postgraduate programme
Feel they do not have the academic or general English language skills necessary to succeed at the University

Find out more about the Language Centre's Pre-Sessional Programmes.

Career

As societies worldwide become increasingly closely interlinked whilst remaining culturally diverse, understanding people’s very different religious beliefs and practices becomes essential for teachers, public sector workers, professionals in NGOs, the media, business, healthcare, human resources, etc.

As well as the enhanced general transferable skills acquired through an Arts/Social Sciences postgraduate programme, the Study of Religions course provides particularly deep insights into different religions and cultures which will help you in any kind of employment involving people. Students successful in the HDip may also apply to enter the department’s Master's or MPhil Programmes, which offers a pathway to research at PhD level.