Religious Studies Programme
Why Religion Matters
Religions are among the most influential forces shaping the human experience, both in the past and in the present. Without some insight into diverse religious traditions, it is not possible to understand today’s world or to prepare adequately for tomorrow’s. Even in a relatively secular society like contemporary New Zealand, politics, education, and the arts continue to be influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition. At the same time, our society is increasingly being affected from within and beyond by other traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. 
In the world at large, religion often functions as the principal source of individual and communal identity, answering questions about meaning and purpose, morality and freedom, responsibility and happiness. It underpins the lives of anonymous millions and - for good or ill - motivates some to spectacular deeds.
Career Opportunities
Religious Studies will not give you the answers to life’s mysteries, but it will stimulate and inform your own reflection. Like other humanities subjects, Religious Studies is primarily concerned with investigating what it means to be human while developing academic skills that are useful for personal and professional life. It is therefore valuable for graduates in a wide variety of occupations, including politics and government, administration and social services, the media and the arts, tourism and travel, counselling and education, business and trade, and publishing and librarianship.
Programme Structure
Religious Studies draws on a range of academic disciplines to investigate religions critically but with empathy, seeking to appreciate the role of religion in society as well as the perspectives of religious believers. It differs from theology in that it is not grounded in any particular religious tradition but deals even-handedly with religions found throughout the world. Religious Studies therefore complements other subjects such as history, philosophy, classics, politics, anthropology, and literature.
The Religious Studies programme at Massey University offers students an introduction to each of the larger world religions in two core 100-level papers. There is also a new 100-level paper on Magic and Witchcraft taught by staff specializing in selected historical contexts. At the 200- and 300-levels, there are papers on Ancient Religions, Scriptures, and Religion and Current Issues as well as courses on Islam, on Theories of Religion, and on Sex, Gender, and Religion.
Location
Students can enrol in Religious Studies either at Palmerston North or distance learning.
