Religions and Global Diversity - Arts (BA (Hons)) at University College Cork

About

Why Choose This Course

It helps to develop the students’ appreciation of the different religions and cultures which is ever more important in a more multi-cultural society.”

Patrick O'Brien

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“What everyone asks, when I tell them I study religion, is if I will become a priest at the end of it. But the Religions and Global diversity programme in UCC offers much more than the study of Christianity. It helps to develop the students’ appreciation of the different religions and cultures which is ever more important in a more multi-cultural society.”

We do the objective academic study of different religions in the modern world, and the program attracts students of all religions, and none.

Prof. Brian Bocking

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This is the only course in the study of religions in Ireland that enables you to study a wide variety of religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, East Asian religions and indigenous religions with experts in these traditions from an openminded, academic, non-confessional standpoint.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad: If you are studying Religions and Global Diversity through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in: Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the US.

Placement: If you study Religions and Global Diversity through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

Religions and Global Diversity is recognised by the Teaching Council as a qualification for intending teachers of post-primary RE in Ireland.

As Ireland and societies worldwide remain culturally diverse yet increasingly closely interlinked, understanding different religious beliefs and practices becomes essential for teachers, public sector workers and professionals in NGOs, the media, business, healthcare, human resources, etc.

As well as the valuable transferable skills acquired through any arts/social sciences subject, this course provides particularly deep insights into different religions and cultures, which will help you in the workplace and in any kind of employment involving people.

Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108

Mature entry applicants

Find out about the mature entry requirements here.

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page.

Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.

Fees and Costs

Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. The state will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student Contribution and Capitation Fees are payable by the student. In 2021/22 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €130.

For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.

How Do I Apply

Refer to and CK108. Students choose Arts subjects when registering for first year.

EU Applicants: The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.

Mature Applicants (age 23 or over): See the CAO Mature Applicants page and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) page for essential information on the application process for mature students.

QQI FET/FETAC Applicants: See our QQI FET/FETAC Applicants page.

Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page.

All Applicants: Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Please check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year.

In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Unique in Ireland, this course explores traditions such as Buddhism, Islam, Indian and East Asian religions, different forms of Christianity, indigenous religion, Judaism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and new religious movements.

Religions matter. Every world-news bulletin has stories about the impact of religions on individuals and communities. Whether in India, Ireland or Iran, forms and expressions of religion are constantly changing. Some people turn to spiritualities in quest of personal fulfilment, while others seek to strengthen religious values in a fast-changing world.

Religions and Global Diversity is the study of religions, and is a course offered only at UCC, with its tradition of independent thinking. Unlike traditional theology courses, Religions and Global Diversity does not assume you are a believer and is not about promoting religion. It’s a fascinating subject for anyone with an interest in the power of religion, whether or not you follow a religion.

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

RG1001 Religions in the Contemporary: An Introduction to the Study of Religions (15 credits)

Years 2 Modules:

Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives; Christianities in a Global Age; Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianity; Contemporary Religions in Ireland; Indigenous Religions; Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements; Hinduism and Indian Religions; Korean Religions and Philosophical Traditions; Religions of East Asia; Buddhism in Practice; Religions, Gender and Sexuality; Islam - Film, Media and Music; Asian Languages

Year 3*/4 Modules:

Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives; Christianities in a Global Age; Contemporary Religions in Ireland; Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements; Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianity; Indigenous Religions; Hinduism and Indian Religions; Korean Religious and Philosophical Traditions; Dissertation in the Study of Religions; Religions of East Asia; Buddhism in Practice; Religions, Gender and Sexuality; Islam - Film, Media and Music; Asian Languages

*BA International students spend third year studying in an approved foreign university in a country of the student's major language or subject. They will return to complete their final year in UCC in year 4.

Other details

To qualify as a teacher of RE in Ireland, you must take at least half of your degree in Religions and Global Diversity, including the following compulsory modules: Authority & Community in Contemporary Christianities; Christianities in a Global Age; Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives. This is a requirement of the Teaching Council.

See College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on modules.

Disciplines

Arts

Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Recognised Qualification

Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS 1 Year at Bachelor degree level from a recognised university with competitive grades in specific relevant subjects

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum average of 90% in Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS competitive grades in year 1 at Bachelor degree level.

International Baccalaureate

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.

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Religions and Global Diversity

About This Course

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Fact File
Course Outline

Fact File

Title

Arts
Code

Subject available through multiple programmes
Subject Title

Religions and Global Diversity
College

Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
Duration

4 Years
Teaching Mode

Full-time
Qualifications

BA (Hons)
Fees

Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,130 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Entry Requirements

Refer to CK101, CK108 See Requirements for full details.
CAO Points

Refer to CK101, CK108

Course Outline

Unique in Ireland, this course explores traditions such as Buddhism, Islam, Indian and East Asian religions, different forms of Christianity, indigenous religion, Judaism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism and new religious movements.

Religions matter. Every world-news bulletin has stories about the impact of religions on individuals and communities. Whether in India, Ireland or Iran, forms and expressions of religion are constantly changing. Some people turn to spiritualities in quest of personal fulfilment, while others seek to strengthen religious values in a fast-changing world.

Religions and Global Diversity is the study of religions, and is a course offered only at UCC, with its tradition of independent thinking. Unlike traditional theology courses, Religions and Global Diversity does not assume you are a believer and is not about promoting religion. It’s a fascinating subject for anyone with an interest in the power of religion, whether or not you follow a religion.

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

RG1001 Religions in the Contemporary: An Introduction to the Study of Religions (15 credits)

Years 2 Modules:

Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives; Christianities in a Global Age; Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianity; Contemporary Religions in Ireland; Indigenous Religions; Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements; Hinduism and Indian Religions; Korean Religions and Philosophical Traditions; Religions of East Asia; Buddhism in Practice; Religions, Gender and Sexuality; Islam - Film, Media and Music; Asian Languages

Year 3*/4 Modules:

Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives; Christianities in a Global Age; Contemporary Religions in Ireland; Western Esotericism and New Religious Movements; Authority and Community in Contemporary Christianity; Indigenous Religions; Hinduism and Indian Religions; Korean Religious and Philosophical Traditions; Dissertation in the Study of Religions; Religions of East Asia; Buddhism in Practice; Religions, Gender and Sexuality; Islam - Film, Media and Music; Asian Languages

*BA International students spend third year studying in an approved foreign university in a country of the student's major language or subject. They will return to complete their final year in UCC in year 4.

Other details

To qualify as a teacher of RE in Ireland, you must take at least half of your degree in Religions and Global Diversity, including the following compulsory modules: Authority & Community in Contemporary Christianities; Christianities in a Global Age; Islam: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives. This is a requirement of the Teaching Council.

See College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on modules.

How to Apply

1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC;
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Religions and Global Diversity - Arts (BA (Hons))

University College Cork

University College Cork

Key Facts

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