Why study religion at university?

Study tips

Published 29 Sep, 2022 · 4-minute read

Whether you’ve never set foot in a church, mosque or temple, or you attend religious services regularly, the Studies in Religion major provides fascinating course material and excellent opportunities.

If you already have a deep interest in religions and how they impact society, the benefits of studying religion at university are obvious. But even if it’s not a subject you’ve considered before, Studies in Religion can provide you with a rich knowledge base and flexible skill set. Religious studies graduates are equipped to enter all sorts of jobs and industries with an empathetic and well-informed perspective.

We spoke with Dr Adam Bowles, convenor of UQ’s Studies in Religion major, to find out what this line of study can provide students and where it can take them after graduation.

So, why study religion as part of your Bachelor of Arts? Let’s find out.

Is Studies in Religion a good major?

Adam believes this major can be both enjoyable and enriching for any student. He considers understanding how religions impact individuals and communities to be incredibly valuable for modern professionals.

“Religions are complex and historically rich – they are exciting to learn about,” he says.

Adam also sees religion as an insightful lens for viewing history, observing the current day, and looking towards tomorrow.

“Understanding religion is crucial to understand our past and present,” he says.

“They play, and have played, pivotal roles in social, political and economic issues, and they are important to how many people make meaning of their lives.”

To be a positive contributor to any workplace or community, you need to know how to treat others with respect. A degree in religious studies provides a framework for understanding the spiritual needs and values of those around you. This makes it easier to relate to and interact appropriately with people from all walks of life.

As our communities become increasingly diverse, religious literacy is increasingly important.

Dr Adam Bowles

Major Convener, Studies in Religion

Skills you get when you study religion

This major has a multidisciplinary approach covering many faiths and spiritualities, including both Western and Eastern philosophies. The courses will guide you to reflect and understand many traditions, values and questions. This means you’ll graduate with an excellent grasp and appreciation of how religions of the world have shaped and continue to shape societies.

In additional to expanding your worldview, this religious studies major will also equip you with a range of valuable and transferrable skills. Graduates who complete Studies in Religion are adept at:

considering and understanding multiple points of view
conducting insightful research
critical thinking and problem solving
evaluating the quality of information
synthesising and making connections across complex ideas
listening and communicating (including written communication).

These are all universally applicable skills that can serve you well in any profession you pursue.

Remember, you won’t just study religions in this major. You’ll also learn about the relationships between religions and politics, history, social sciences, philosophies, literature and psychology.

Studies of religion careers

What are the possible jobs for religion majors? Well, the sky’s the limit, based on where our alumni are now.

“Studies in Religion Bachelor of Arts graduates are employed in a large variety of roles,” says Adam.

Depending on your other major (and your other program for dual degrees), the Studies in Religion major is the perfect complement to lead you to a career in:

journalism
education
medicine and health care
social work
foreign affairs
pastoral care
NGOs
public service
law
overseas aid
academia.

You’ve probably noticed a lot of the fields above are international in nature. This is because studying religion uniquely equips you to compassionately deal with people from different faiths – including faiths you don’t encounter so frequently in Australia.

Similarly, if you’re in an industry that involves people from all sections of the population (like public service, education or medicine), a knowledge of many religions can make it easier to empathise and engage meaningfully with everyone you meet.

Alumni spotlight: Julia Clyne

Dow Jones Vice President, Head of B2C, Asia-Pacific
Bachelor of Arts (Studies in Religion, French)

Julia’s love of ideas, language and literature helped plot her unusual career path. Although she really enjoyed her studies at school, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do.

"Someone in my family told me that if I wasn’t sure what to do, I should study to develop my understanding of the world and study what I loved," she says.

Julia took this advice to heart, choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts majoring in French and Studies in Religion. As a BA graduate, Julia says her education gave her the skills to approach and address complex issues in any industry.

"The most powerful thing I learnt at university was the ability to think critically," she says.

"We cannot approach the world from one perspective – the more you learn, the greater your ability to empathise and generate solutions that bridge many divides."

Before joining the world of international news advertising and sales, Julia’s career spanned a number of fields and countries.