The study of History at Degree level promotes the important abilities and qualities of mind. These abilities can only be acquired through the study of History. These abilities are particularly valuable for the graduate as citizen and are readily transferable to many occupations and careers.

History provides a distinctive education by providing a sense of the past, an awareness of the development of differing values, systems and societies and the inculcation of critical yet tolerant personal attitudes. History’s ability to promote understanding between cultures and between national traditions remains as important as ever.

The academic study of religion has a distinctive multidisciplinary character, drawing upon resources and approaches from archaeology, art, anthropology, history, literature, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. It also has a strong multicultural orientation, exploring a plurality of traditions and a wide range of behaviours and beliefs.

The study of religion leads in many directions, qualifying undergraduates for further study in graduate school or preparing them for entry to the job market. Religion departments train students in critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding. Such skills are in high demand in many professional fields. In addition, many religion majors or minors go on to study law, business, education, or medicine. Some students may choose to make religion the centre of a professional career, either as the leader of a religious community, or as an academic specialist in higher education. In short, the study of religion offers a wide array of opportunities and a firm foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.

A major in Religious Studies provides one path to a liberal education. Because religion is one of the most powerful forces in our world, the study of religion will improve understanding of the complex relationships between religion and politics, economics, and science. In a global community, an appreciation for the varieties of religious life and experience—through events, texts, rituals, theologies, and artefacts—will establish a foundation for a more informed analysis of contemporary issues, such as abortion, evolution, faith-based initiatives, gender issues, capital punishment, marriage, civil rights, and school prayer.