University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2018/19 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Arts > Department of Religion and Theology > Religion and Theology with Study Abroad (MArts) > Specification
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Programme code | 1THRS006U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Gavin D'Costa
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Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Theology and religious studies (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 4 years (full time) |
With its distinctive small group seminars and lectures taught by specialist academics, the Bristol programme in Religion and Theology enables its students to:
(a) think critically about the nature and variety of religions;
(b) understand, explain and analyse religion's significant shaping of and complex interaction with the modern world;
(c) explore themes (philosophy, ethics, mysticism, sex, power, and politics) across religions; and
(d) engage with different living religious communities as part of their Bristol degree;
(e) the third year is spent abroad and will broaden educational horizons while developing independence, self-awareness and maturity as scholars;
(f) the final year of the programme (level M/7) will deliver advanced critical awareness of research contexts and techniques informed by work at the forefront of the discipline.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of A1 is through mandatory units at Level C, I, H, and M which introduce the student to the five religious traditions, as well as Biblical studies, theology and philosophy of religion (A1 and A2) and the Methodology (approaches and issues) of Religious Studies (A4). Optional units at Levels C, I H and M provide the student with progressively more detailed studies of individual religious traditions from a variety of methodological perspectives (A1-7). A9 is acquired through mandatory and optional units in the subject pathway through to Level M, including the Year Abroad (level H), in which students will be exposed to sometimes radically different ways of approaching their subject, and required to undertake a formative assessment reflecting on their learning mid-year which will inform their remaining study abroad, and preparation for the final year. Level M, which is worth 75% of the final result, consists entirely in M-level units which naturally conform to the national framework. Units are taught by means of one or more of the following: lectures, small classes, group discussion, student presentations (both as an individual and in groups), guided fieldwork and tutor-guided classroom debate. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Types/methods of assessment: Assessment of the knowledge base delineated in A1-6 is achieved through employing one or more of the following methods of assessment, dependent on the learning outcomes of the unit in question: Diagnostic and Formative Assessment: Oral presentations, essays (and the subsequent feedback), class tests, class participation and guided fieldwork (A3-6). A7 is assessed through class tests and regular language assignments. In the fourth year, an extended project (the dissertation). In language units, regular tests and assignments. Summative Assessment: Written examinations, essays, class tests, dissertations and portfolios (and, at Level C and I, oral presentations and class participation). A7 is assessed through class tests and examinations. Overall assessment % for the final award: 15% marks from level I; 10% marks from level H; 75 marks from level M. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Intellectual skills, including discipline-specific skills, (B1-B12) are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and language classes, individual essay-preparation meetings and dissertation tutorials. The combination within an individual unit is determined by the learning outcomes of that unit. Lectures introduce students to the description, summary and synthesis of information (B2), assessment of arguments (B3) and the evaluations of claims (B4), as presented by the lecturer. Seminars then provide an opportunity for students to develop skills B1-12 in written form (through seminar papers or notes, essays and examinations) and orally (through individual or group presentations), and especially in the dissertation at M level. Training in skill B4-B12 is provided through guided fieldwork, language classes, and developed through the setting of, and feedback on, regular assignments. Skills B1-12 are also developed through essay-preparation meetings (at all levels), and with respect to independent study, (B1, B7, B9, B10, B11, B12), through dissertation tutorials (at level M only). |
Methods of Assessment | |
Types/methods of assessment: The assessment of the student’s competence in skills B1-12 is achieved through employing one or more of the following methods of assessment, dependent on the learning outcomes of the unit in question: Diagnostic and Formative Assessment: Oral contributions to class, presentation of seminar papers (both in written and oral form), class tests (primarily for language units), essay preparation meetings, essays (and the subsequent feedback), guided fieldwork and dissertation tutorials at M level. B8 is assessed through class tests and regular language assignments. Summative Assessment: At level C, competence in these skills is assessed through oral presentations and oral contributions to seminars (and the notes thereof), essays and written examinations. At level I, competence in these skills is assessed through oral presentations and oral contributions to seminars (and the notes thereof) essays and examinations. At level M, competence in these skills is assessed through essays, examinations, a dissertation of 12000 words or a dissertation of 8000 words plus a portfolio of 4000 words. Language units (B8) are assessed through class tests, examinations and, for some units, essays. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Training in these skills is delivered through lectures, seminars, essay-preparation meetings, dissertation tutorials, guided fieldwork, group work and both guided and independent reading. These skills are developed through attending class and researching and preparing for one or more of the following: seminar presentations (oral and written): Skills C1-10 seminar participation (oral): Skills C1, C2, C7 essay-preparation meetings: Skills C2-7 dissertation tutorials: Skills C2-7, 10 writing of essays and dissertations: Skills C1-7, 10 guided fieldwork: Skills C4-8, 10 class tests: Skills C8-10 examinations: Skills C2, C3, C6, C7, C8 Skills in information technology (C5) are taught through training sessions at Level C and I through the use of websites as resources in particular units at all levels and through preparation and feedback sessions on word-processed essays at all levels. IT skills are developed when researching work (many e-resources) and submitting essay assignments, through training sessions at level C and I and for the dissertation (level M). All units in levels C, I, M make use of Blackboard and its various functions (e.g. discussion board, wikis). Independent learning is required in all units. The Year Abroad will also require self-reliance and independence, and will introduce students to sometimes radically different ways of thinking about familiar topics. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Types/methods of assessment: The assessment of the student’s competence in skills C1-10 is achieved through employing one or more of the following methods of assessment, dependent on the learning outcomes of the unit in question: Diagnostic and Formative Assessment: Oral contributions to class (Skills C1-3), presentation of seminar papers (both in written and oral form: Skills C1-3), class tests (primarily for language units: skill C9), essays (and the subsequent feedback), essay-preparation meetings (Skills C1-7) and dissertation tutorials (Skills C1-10). Guided fieldwork (Skills C4-10) is assessed through portfolio. Skill C9 is assessed through class tests and regular language assignments. Summative Assessment: At level C, the competence in these skills is assessed through oral presentations and oral contributions to seminars (and the notes thereof: Skills C1-3), essays (Skills C1-7) and written examinations (Skills C1-3, C5-8). At level I, the competence in these skills is assessed through essays (Skills C1-7) and examinations (Skills C1-3, C5-8). At level M, the competence in these skills is assessed through essays (Skills C1-7), examination (Skills C1-3, C5-8) and a dissertation of 12,000 words or a dissertation of 8000 words plus a portfolio of 4000 words. (Skills: C1-8). Language units are tested by class tests, examinations and, for some language units, essays (Skills: C1-9) |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
At level C, the student is expected to have gained an introductory knowledge and understanding of the five religious traditions outlined in A1 above, Biblical studies (both Hebrew Bible and New Testament), Theology and Philosophy of Religion and the Methodology of Religion and Theology. Discipline-specific, intellectual skills and key/transferable skills (B1-7 and C1-8) will have been developed at a foundational level in accordance with the aims and learning outcomes of particular units. Students taking a unit with fieldwork element will have gained (B4-8). Those students opting to take language units will have been expected to gain, in addition to the above, skills B8 and C9. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
At level I, the student is expected to have further developed his/her knowledge and understanding of the religious traditions mentioned in A1 above and/or Biblical Studies (both Hebrew Bible and New Testament) Theology and Philosophy of Religion and the Methodology of Religion and Theology through mandatory units. The opportunity to develop this knowledge and understanding further is provided through optional units which take as their subject matter specific elements of the religious traditions and/or Biblical Studies. A greater degree of independent learning (Skills B1, B7, C3, C6 and C7) and a greater competence in some or all of the skills of research, group work and oral and written presentation (B2-6, C1, C2, C4) and fieldwork is expected. Students take examinations in most units and therefore have the opportunity to further develop skill C8. Students taking a unit with fieldwork element will have gained (B4-8). Those students taking language options will be expected to further develop skills B8 and C9. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
At this level students are expected to make use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the first two years in researching and discussing topics in much greater depth. They will work at a higher level of methodological and conceptual complexity. They will be expected to work more independently in gathering and assimilating information, synthesising it in an appropriate way and engaging in the sophisticated analysis of relevant evidence. Particularly in the context of the Year Abroad there is a strong emphasis on self-directed study and taking responsibility for one’s learning and to develop skills that are transferable into a broad range of personal and professional activities, including: increased linguistic competency; cross-cultural communication; international understanding; self-management; and adaptability. |
Level M/7 - Masters |
At level M, the student is expected to develop and refine his/her knowledge and understanding of one or more of the elements of Religion and Theology studied at Level I-H through optional units and a specified piece of research work (the dissertation unit and dissertation with fieldwork/work placement unit). Student attain the level of ‘advanced study’ through this year. Each unit offers learning opportunities in one or more of the following: extensive primary source material research (Skills B1, C3), increasing independence (in terms of student learning and originality of thought: skills B7, C6, C7) and greater competence in oral and written presentation than that expected at level H (B2-6, C1, C2, C4-6). In the option of dissertation with fieldwork or work placement offers additional opportunities to network, gain transferable skills and enhance employability. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
In common with the rest of the University, units in the Faculty of Arts
adhere to the credit framework which sets out that 20 credits normally
equates to some 200 hours of student input. Some of this time will be spent
in class, with the remainder divided between preparation for classes and
preparation for, and completion of, the assessment tasks. Some of this
activity may occur within the University’s online learning environment,
Blackboard, which you may use to prepare wikis, to interact with other
students, to download tutorials or to receive feedback.
Assessment Statement
Please select the following link for a statement about assessment. This is University of Bristol access only.
https://www.bris.ac.uk/arts/current/under/assessment.html
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study, with a formal period of study abroad, in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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List A | |||||
Living Religions West | THRS10064 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 | |
List B | |||||
Approaches to the Study of Religion | THRS10030 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 | |
List C - Choose 20 CP from this list | |||||
Topics in Religion and Theology | THRS10063 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit I: Grammar | THRS10017 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Beginners Japanese | UWLP10012 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 | |
Beginners Mandarin Chinese | UWLP10013 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 | |
Greek Language Level A1 | CLAS12311 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level B1 | CLAS12315 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level A1 | CLAS12303 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level B1 | CLAS12307 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
List D | |||||
Living Religions East | THRS10065 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 | |
List E - Choose 20 CP from this list | |||||
Issues in the Study of Religion | THRS10031 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit II: Texts | THRS10018 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek Language Level A2 | CLAS12312 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek Language Level B2 | CLAS12316 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Latin Language Level A2 | CLAS12304 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Latin Language Level B2 | CLAS12308 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
List F | |||||
20 CP From Bristol Futures, UWLP or Faculty Wide Units | OPEN | 20 | Optional | ||
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study, with a formal period of study abroad, in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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List A | |||||
Religion: Contexts and Perspectives | THRS20214 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 | |
List B/C - Choose 40 CP from this list | |||||
Early and Premodern Christianity | THRS20100 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Philosophical Approaches to Religious Experience and Mysticism | THRS20218 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Religion and History of Ancient Israel | THRS20219 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
The Thought of John Calvin | THRS20197 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 1 | THRS20188 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level A1 | CLAS20006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level A1 | CLAS20008 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level B1 | CLAS22315 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level B1 | CLAS22307 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Pre-intermediate Japanese | UWLP20008 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 | |
Pre-intermediate Mandarin Chinese | UWLP20009 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 | |
List D | |||||
Religion: Practices and Ideas | THRS20215 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 | |
List E - Choose 20CP from this list | |||||
Greco-Roman Judaism | THRS20216 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Japanese Religions | THRS20209 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Miracles in the Christian Tradition | THRS20111 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
The Renaissance and the Rise of the Modern Age | THRS20108 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 2 | THRS20189 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek Language Level A2 | CLAS20007 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Greek Language Level B2 | CLAS22316 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Latin Language Level A2 | CLAS20009 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
Latin Language Level B2 | CLAS22308 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 | |
List F | |||||
Take 20 CP From Bristol Futures, UWLP or Faculty Wide Units – OR choose an additional 20 CP from list E above | OPEN | 20 | Optional | ||
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study, with a formal period of study abroad, in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
Please see the Temporary amendments to University regulation for 2020/21 for the progression and classification regulations in programmes where its structure has been amended to accommodate a change in the provision of a placement (study abroad or in industry) in 2020/21.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | ||
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Study Year Abroad | THRS30082 | 120 | Mandatory | TB-4 | |
Students who are unable to go abroad for the whole year will take the semester abroad unit plus 60cp of optional units at level 6/H: | |||||
Semester Abroad | THRS30179 | 60 | Optional | F | TB-2 |
Vatican II and post-conciliar Roman Catholic debates in theology | THRS30086 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Atheism | THRS30050 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Introduction to Sanskrit 1 | THRS30171 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level A1 | CLAS30006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Greek Language Level B1 | CLAS30036 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level A1 | CLAS30008 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Latin Language Level B1 | CLAS30033 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 | |
Medieval Religion: Christianity and Islam | THRS30099 | 20 | Optional | A,B | TB-1 |
120 |
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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