Religions and Cultures
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Why study Religions and Cultures?
People’s religious beliefs and cultural orientations touch on the most fundamental aspects of human existence: health, illness and death; sexuality; gender roles; power dynamics; social relationships; and the search for meaning. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to fully respect and understand the religious and cultural realities of others is powerful indeed. By developing an informed appreciation of different cultures and values, you’ll position yourself to engage with the world as a truly global citizen – and gain insight into your own assumptions, as an individual and a member of a group. If you consider yourself a social activist, the programs in Religions and Cultures may be the place for you!
The study of religion at Concordia is characterized by a deep respect for diversity of culture, gender, and sexual orientation and by an emphasis on field work. You’ll have the opportunity to visit places of worship and meet people connected to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism in Montreal. You will have the opportunity to study languages spoken across the world.
Program Details
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options:
- Honours in Religions and Cultures (60 credits)*
- Major in Religions and Cultures (42 credits)
- Minor in Religions and Cultures (24 credits)
*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Course requirements for admission
None. You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
We encourage students to develop an understanding of multiple religious traditions in their regional and historical contexts. Whatever the student's special focus, the informed appreciation of the beliefs and values of multiple cultures is an essential dimension of education for today's world.
Our department is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach spanning multiple traditions; regions; themes in religions and cultures; and Women, Gender and Sexuality. Each area is supported by four or more members of the faculty:
Explore the variety of courses that our program has to offer.
Sample Classes
- Goddesses and Religious Images of Women
- Cults and Religious Controversy
- Religions of Tibet
- Food and Religion
- History of Satan
Consult the undergraduate calendar for a complete list of courses.
As a student of religion, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from:
- Our disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary breadth
- Faculty who have won national and university awards for research and teaching
- Connecting with academics who attend the international conferences we host
- The Centre for Iranian Studies and two endowed chairs, one in Canadian Jewish Studies and the other in Hindu Studies
- A world-class collection of libraries in Montreal
You’ll be well-positioned to become an effective, high-impact professional in fields including law, medicine, international development, international business, journalism and social work. Our graduates have found success in:
- Humanitarian work (NGOs)
- Teaching English as a second language
- Psychology
- Supporting the integration of refugees
- Public advocacy
Other Religions and Cultures students have also gone on to graduate studies in the field.