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. 

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.

Refer to CK101 and CK108

Refer to CK101 and CK108. Students choose Arts subjects when registering for first year.

There are no written exams.  All our modules use other forms of assessment.

In Year 1, assessment is by coursework only (two essays, a learning journal and an independent team presentation project). There is no unseen exam.

In Years 2 and 3, assessment of modules is by varied methods including essays, presentations, in-class tests, learning journals and fieldwork research reports.  

Lecturers in UCC’s Study of Religions Department, which hosts the Religions and Global Diversity course, are experts in the study of different religions worldwide. Each lecturer typically specialises in both a religion and a region, has lived and researched there and can use the relevant language(s). Teaching and research profiles of the lecturers can be found on the department’s website.