University of Roehampton, BA (Hons), Education and Theology and Religious Studies

Education Year 1: The student studies a number of compulsory courses introducing them to the main ideas in education; studying the history of the education system helps the student see why it is structured as it is, and a study of the philosophy of the system provokes them into questioning their educational values; the student tackles child and adolescent psychological development and investigates sociological influences such as race, gender and class; the student may also able to choose from a range of optional courses according to their particular interests. Year 2: in the 2nd year the student takes a compulsory course exploring controversial contemporary issues in education; the student may be able specialise by studying a particular age range if they wish, or they can focus on an area such as technology, values in education, or the spiritual and emotional aspects of learning and schooling; there is also an exciting opportunity to undertake an education placement providing opportunities to work with children on an informal basis; the student benefits from optional modules that cover a wide range of topics which may include: comparative studies (education in other countries); gender and race; education in museums; careers education and special educational needs; the student can study from a range of supported learning, building experience and confidence in various fields of employment; examples include: work with youth clubs; nurseries; behaviour units and youth offending teams; some other external certification and training with organisations such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children/National Pyramid Trust and the Communities Empowerment Network. Year 3: in the 3rd year the student can choose to undertake a special study in an area of personal interest with the support of a tutor. Theology and religious studies Year 1: The student is introduced to the multi-faceted nature of theological and religious studies and may also have the opportunity to study the languages in which the sacred texts were written or into which they were translated: Hebrew; Sanskrit; Greek; classical Arabic; Latin. Year 2: the programme covers the central themes of past and present theology, religion and culture; in theology, modules consider themes which may include: the historical Jesus; the early Church; Christian moral theology; the reformation; systematic theology; in religious studies, modules may allow the student to explore individual religious traditions such as Hinduism, Judaism and Islam in greater depth; other modules focus on specific topics which may include: religions in dialogue and conflict; philosophy of religion; mysticism, language and experience. Year 3: the student is able to select from a range of options in areas which may include: studies in mythology; text and interpretation in Judaism; Islam and women; theology, sexuality and gender; and 20th-Century Christian theologians; the student may also have the opportunity to pursue these interests in depth through guided research projects, dissertations and special studies.