Religious Studies Mount Allison University

Overview

The Religious Studies programme at Mount Allison University provides a comprehensive academic framework for examining the world’s diverse religious traditions. Students explore how these spiritual systems influence historical contexts, modern cultural identities, and the fundamental values that authorise human action.

This curriculum addresses the most profound questions of human existence, including the search for meaning and the nature of the divine. By investigating interpersonal relations and ultimate destiny, the programme encourages students to engage with the complexities of the human experience across different eras.

The department adopts a deeply interdisciplinary approach, intersecting with fields such as philosophy, history, and environmental studies.

Why Religious Studies at Mount Allison University?

Mount Allison University is consistently recognised as a leading undergraduate institution in Canada, providing a high-standard academic environment. The department benefits from the Arthur J. Ebbutt Memorial Trust, which supports unique resources like the Ebbutt Reading Room and visiting lecturers.

Students gain access to distinctive teaching features, including experiential learning opportunities such as field trips to the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The programme also offers paid internships, research assistantships, and summer work to bridge the gap between theoretical study and practical application.

The faculty provides close mentorship, helping students from all backgrounds—secular or religious—to develop critical thinking skills. Facilities and scholarships dedicated to the department ensure that students are well-supported throughout their academic journey in New Brunswick.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 21800 per year
• National fee: CAD 10800 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is organised into three primary streams: Eastern traditions, Western traditions, and the intersection of religion and culture. Introductory courses establish a foundation in historical and philosophical perspectives before students progress to specialised upper-year modules.

Modules may include:

• Death and the Afterlife in Asian Religions
• Religion and Popular Culture
• Food Practice and East Asian Religions
• Apocalyptic Consciousness
• Religious and Spiritual Traditions in Canada
• Contemporary Ethical Issues in Western Religions
• Reinventing the Sacred: Christianity in the Post-Secular West
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• East Asian Religions
• Judaism
• Christianity
• Islam

Careers with Religious Studies

Graduates of the Religious Studies programme develop versatile skills in communication and analytical reasoning that are highly valued in the global workforce. Many alumni pursue advanced professional qualifications in law, education, or specialised graduate research at top-tier institutions.

The degree prepares students for diverse roles in the public and private sectors, focusing on community engagement and international relations. Graduates often find success in fields that require a deep understanding of cultural diversity and ethical frameworks.

Potential career paths include:

• Archivist
• Human Rights Advocate
• Community Development Officer
• Foreign Affairs Specialist
• Mediator
• International Development Worker
• Religious Education Administrator
• Human Resources Specialist
• Archaeologist
• Art Dealer