Arts and Science courses

About Religions And Global Diversity - Arts (ba (hons)) in University College Cork

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 "alternative" spiritualities in quest of personal fulfilment, while others seek to strengthen "traditional" 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. 

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.

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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