MA Social Scientific Biblical Studies

About the course

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

You'll be able to draw on the unique skills of our staff who combine expertise in biblical studies with training in social sciences. Researchers in biblical and religious studies are increasingly using social scientific methods to carry out comparative studies of ancient societies and their use of sacred texts.

These methods are also used in devising empirical studies on the contemporary use and significance of the Bible and other sacred texts in a variety of communities.

You'll learn how to apply and evaluate these techniques with input from experts from the Department of Sociology to give a firm grounding for further study.

In addition, you'll explore the role of the Bible in the development of classical sociological theory.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 degree in biblical studies, theology or religious studies or a related subject. A 2:1 degree in a social science subject will also be considered, especially if sociology of religion or related topics have been covered.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

Core modules

• Social Scientific Approaches to Ancient Biblical Worlds
• Sociological Analysis of the Bible in Contemporary Culture and Society
• Max Weber Studies
• Qualitative Methods

Optional modules

• Issues in Cultural Studies and the Bible
• The Bible and the Postcolonial World
• Issues in Archaeology and the Bible
• Issues in Cultural Studies and the Bible
• Bible and the Arts
• Religion in an Age of Terror
• Religion and Violence
• Mission and Local Context

Teaching

• Interactive lectures
• Seminars
• Supervised research

Assessment

• Coursework
• Dissertation

Fees and funding

There are some studentships available for home students through the AHRC Research Preparation Master's Scheme.

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Mrs Alison Bygrave
Secretary for Student Affairs
E: a.c.bygrave@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0508

Where your masters can take you

A masters in biblical studies from Sheffield can enrich your life and prepare you for even bigger challenges.

Our graduates go into a range of careers all over the world, including university lecturing, the creative industries, religious education and the pastoral ministry. All courses are good preparation for a PhD.

Staff and students work alongside each other. The atmosphere is personal, friendly and very lively.

Learn from world-class staff

There are more biblical studies researchers here than any other university in the UK. Our staff are internationally renowned for their work. The most recent Research Assessment Exercise rates us third in the UK for the quality of our publications. The quality and variety of our research feeds directly into our teaching, so you benefit from this unique range of perspectives and ideas.

Staff and students work alongside each other. The atmosphere is personal, friendly and very lively. Together, we've pioneered the use of literary, ideological and cultural approaches to the Bible. We've also created the first ever comprehensive dictionary of classical Hebrew.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form