Religions and Cultures (MA)

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Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Religions and Cultures

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

Program type

Thesis, Course-based

Primary campus

Sir George Williams (SGW)

Duration

2 years

Credits

45 credits

Start term

Fall, Winter

Program overview

The Master of Religions and Cultures examines how religion interacts with today’s globalized world. Our seminars and courses allow you to explore a variety of religions and cultures based on your research interests and future career. The research expertise of our faculty spans multiple traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
Students may focus in their studies and research paper or thesis on intersecting fields such as politics, the arts, media, NGO studies, and women’s and gender studies.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.

Please see the Religions and Cultures Courses page for course descriptions.

Religions and Cultures MA (45 credits)

credits Core Course:

• RELI 6001 Method and Theory in the Study of Religion (3.00)

credits chosen from:

MA (Religions and Cultures) with Guided Research Paper Option

MA (Religions and Cultures) with Thesis Option

MA (Religions and Cultures) with Thesis Option (42 credits)

9	credits of Elective Courses chosen from:‌ Topics in Judaic Studies (MA)‌ Topics in Religions and Cultures (MA)‌ Normally students may not take more than one 3-credit course outside the Department or University.
6	credits: • RELI 6022 Research Preparation I (Religions and Cultures) (3.00) ‌ • RELI 6023 Research Preparation II (Religions and Cultures) (3.00) ‌
3	credits: • RELI 6030 Thesis Proposal (Religions and Cultures) (3.00) ‌
24	credits: • RELI 6032 Thesis (Religions and Cultures) (24.00) ‌

MA (Religions and Cultures) with Guided Research Paper Option (42 credits)

15	credits of Elective Courses chosen from:‌ Topics in Judaic Studies (MA)‌ Topics in Religions and Cultures (MA)‌ Normally students may not take more than two 3-credit courses outside the Department or University.
6	credits: • RELI 6022 Research Preparation I (Religions and Cultures) (3.00) ‌ • RELI 6023 Research Preparation II (Religions and Cultures) (3.00) ‌
3	credits: • RELI 6024 Guided Research Paper Proposal (Religions and Cultures) (3.00) ‌
18	credits: • RELI 6025 Guided Research Paper I (9.00) ‌ • RELI 6026 Guided Research Paper II (Religions and Cultures) (9.00) ‌

Consult the Graduate Calendar for the complete list of courses

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

BA or equivalent with high standing in Religious Studies, Judaic Studies or a discipline in the Social Sciences, Humanities, or Fine Arts.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Review these four steps before applying

Application deadlines

FALL

February 1

WINTER

December 1

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Use the tuition & fee estimator

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

Learn more about entrance awards

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

Consult the list of awards available

Other programs of interest

Conduct research into a wide array of topics including gender, colonialism, media and technology, language, environmental politics and the senses.

Department

Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

View program details

Study alongside expert faculty in combining elements of anthropology, rabbinics, gender and literary studies in developing critical research from the latest materials in Judaic Studies.

Department

Department of Religions and Cultures

Faculty

Faculty of Arts & Science

View program details

Religions and Cultures (MA)

Program overview