Religions and Cultures
Master of Arts (MA)
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
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.
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)
| 3 | credits Core Course: |
| 42 | 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)
| 12 | 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:
|
| 3 | credits: |
| 21 | credits: |
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:
|
| 3 | credits: |
| 18 | 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 | Sept. 1 | n/a |
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of courses.
Funding opportunities include a variety of entrance scholarships and fellowships, which are available on a competitive basis. Consideration for entrance awards is given to applicants applying for fall admission, and is automatically part of the admission process.
Teaching assistantships are available and awarded to students on a competitive basis. Faculty members offer research assistant positions based on their own research grants.
Many of our students are also funded through provincial (FRQSC) and Federal (SSHRC) grants. Other funding opportunities are available through The Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies and The Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies.
For additional information, please consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
The Department of Religions and Cultures currently offers MA level internships at The Canadian Jewish Archives, The Multi-faith and Spirituality Center and The Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies. In each of these internships the candidate has the opportunity to work in a community or professional environment advancing their career and academic skills while earning three credits.
The intern is an MA level candidate in excellent standing. They will be supervised by the local administrator or site supervisor and will be graded by a faculty member of this department. Students will be chosen on academic criteria of excellence and proven ability to work independently.
Faculty members are internationally renowned for their work in a variety of historical and geographical areas (including Europe, North America, the Middle East, South and East Asia) and spanning multiple traditions (including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism). Faculty are well-represented in numerous publications.
The Department has unique strengths in the areas of:
- Canadian Jewish Studies
- Roman Late Antiquity
- Iranian Studies
- Women, Gender and Sexuality (WGS)
Amongst other department activities, our faculty hosts a monthly Women, Gender and Sexuality Seminar.
Read about some of our exceptional graduate students. Check out more information about our vibrant graduate student community, including the Graduate Religion Students Association (GRSA), Journal of Religion and Culture (JRC), and the Annual Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference (AGIC), now in its 22nd year.
Graduates of our program go on to careers in academia, government and non-profit agencies, as well as positions in religious or community organizations. Read more here.