Religions and Cultures (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Religions and Cultures, Faculty of Arts & Science
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 religious traditions and emerging subfields based on your research interests. The research expertise of our faculty spans multiple traditions, including Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The program is particularly relevant at a time when Quebec is having intense discussions related to its religious past and the meaning of diversity in a province with a unique identity and political history. The Department of Religions and Cultures is an exemplary place to study such developments, as well as to attain skills that will aid students find meaningful involvement in wider society.
Program Details
- 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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
MA (Religions and Cultures) with Guided Research Project Option
3 credits – Core Course
RELI 6001 - Method and Theory in the Study of Religion (3 credits).
15 credits – Elective Courses
RELI 6012-6018 Topics in Judaic Studies
RELI 6002-6008 Topics in Religions and Cultures
Selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. Normally students may not take more than two 3-credit courses outside the Department. With the permission of the Graduate Program Director, up to six credits may be taken from courses offered by other departments or other universities.
3 credits – Guided Research Project Proposal
RELI 6020 - Guided Research Project Proposal (Religions and Cultures) (3 credits)
24 credits – Guided Research Project
RELI 6021 - Guided Research Project (Religions and Cultures) (24 credits)
MA (Religions and Cultures) with Thesis Option
3 credits – Core Course
RELI 6001 - Method and Theory in the Study of Religion (3 credits).
9 credits – Elective Courses
RELI 6012-6018 Topics in Judaic Studies
RELI 6002-6008 Topics in Religions and Cultures
Selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director. Normally students may not take more than one 3-credit course outside the Department. With the permission of the Graduate Program Director, up to three credits may be taken from courses offered by other departments or other universities.
3 credits – Thesis Proposal
RELI 6030 - Thesis Proposal (Religions and Cultures) (3 credits)
30 credits – Thesis
RELI 6031 - Thesis (Religions and Cultures) (30 credits)
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form. Letters of reference should be of an academic nature (and not from employment unrelated to University studies)
- Statement of purpose (1-2 pages) should describe your particular academic interests, the pertinence of your educational background to those interests, and how this degree program would support them. The statement should clearly outline what it is you wish to study, why you would like to study it, and what your interests are in pursuing this graduate degree. Please also include your competence in languages relevant to your study
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please review the department application check list before applying online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Religions and Cultures | MA | Feb. 1* | Oct. 1 | n/a |
*Fall: Late applications will be considered until May 1, without funding.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
