Certificate course
Foundation Certificate in the Major Faith Traditions of Europe
Develop a foundation in the major religious and non-religious traditions represented in Europe. Learn to recognise their histories, beliefs and practices and understand religious diversity through an academically neutral approach.
≈ 77 minutes total11 credits to earn the certificate
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Compulsory modules · all 11 required
Understanding Religion and Religious Studies
An academic introduction to religion, religious diversity and the methods used to understand major faith traditions without promoting or evaluating their beliefs.
Christianity
An academic introduction to Christianity, its origins, scriptures, central beliefs, principal traditions, forms of worship and historical significance across Europe.
Islam
An academic introduction to Islam, its origins, scriptures, central beliefs, principal traditions, religious practices and historical and contemporary presence in Europe.
Judaism
An academic introduction to Judaism, its ancient origins, sacred texts, central beliefs, religious practices, principal traditions and longstanding history in Europe.
Hinduism
An academic introduction to Hinduism, its diverse origins, major texts and concepts, forms of worship, principal traditions and contemporary presence in Europe.
Buddhism
An academic introduction to Buddhism, its origins, central teachings, major traditions, forms of practice and historical and contemporary presence in Europe.
Sikhism
An academic introduction to Sikhism, its origins, central teachings, scripture, religious practices, distinctive identity and historical and contemporary presence in Europe.
Other Faith Traditions in Europe
An introduction to several smaller faith traditions represented in Europe, including the Bahá'í Faith, Jainism and Zoroastrianism, with attention to their distinctive teachings and histories.
Humanism, Atheism and Agnosticism
An academic introduction to humanism, atheism and agnosticism, examining their meanings, differences, historical development and place within Europe's contemporary landscape of belief.
Religious Diversity in Contemporary Europe
An academic introduction to Europe's changing religious landscape, examining diversity, migration, secularisation, freedom of religion and the distinction between religious and cultural identity.
Religion, Festivals and Everyday Practice
An academic introduction to the ways religious beliefs are expressed through festivals, worship, food, clothing, pilgrimage and everyday practice across different faith traditions.