Welcome to the Department for the Study of Religions
The Department for the Study of Religions is committed to the study of religions which will contribute to public life in our local, regional, national and continental contexts.
We are dedicated to:
- the open, plural, intercultural, and interdisciplinary study of religion in all its forms;
- the in-depth study of African religious traditions;
- the creative and critical analysis of religion as a force in personal, social, economic and political life;
- the promotion of quality education and research in the study of religion as a vital contribution to the transformation and development of South Africa.
This is implemented through degree specialisations that focus on the broad themes of religion, culture, identity and ethics. The Department offers a systematic study of religion in public life, its meaning and significance in South Africa in particular and Africa in general. These themes are explored in core courses team-taught by faculty members and also reflected in various research projects and institutes presently housed in the Department.
Our core courses provide the thematic, methodological and theoretical foundations for all students who choose to pursue degrees in this department. Additional courses continue this focus within the established areas of specialisation: African Studies, Christian Studies, Comparative Studies, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Buddhism and Japanese Religions, and Critical Theory.
For Undergrad Degree Requirements: REL Undergrad Studies
For Postgrad Degree Requirements: REL Postgrad Studies
Undergraduate Courses
Postgraduate Courses
Events and News
[Seminar] - “A Cup of Wine – and a Mysterious Frenchman – at the Mughal Court” by Dr Stephanie H. Smith
Opportunities and Notices
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Explore Postgraduate Study in Religions at UCT – 2027
-Interested in deepening your understanding of religion, culture and society?
The Department for the Study of Religions at the University of Cape Town is offering a diverse range of Honours and Master’s courses in 2027, covering areas including Islamic Studies, Religion and Culture in Africa, Buddhism, African Religious Movements, Embodiment, Religion and Ethics, Spirituality and Ethics in Islam, and Methods and Theory in the Study of Religions.
Our postgraduate courses offer an opportunity to engage critically with religion and its relationship to contemporary society, culture, ethics and lived experience.
Why study with us?
📚 Honours & Master’s level courses
🗓️ One lecture per week on Wednesdays
✍️ Coursework-based assessment
🚫 No examinations
🎓 Courses offered across Semesters 1 and 2For more information or enquiries:
Department for the Study of Religions
https://humanities.uct.ac.za/department-study-religions
📧 religions@uct.ac.za | Tasneem.Wise@uct.ac.zaExplore the 2027 postgraduate course offerings and take the next step in your academic journey.
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REL2048P Psychology of Religion – Summer Term Course 2026
-Interested in exploring the relationship between religion and psychology?
The Department for the Study of Religions is offering REL2048P: Psychology of Religion as a 4-week Summer Term Course, taking place from 23 November to 18 December 2026.
This is an opportunity to engage with fascinating questions at the intersection of religion, psychology and human wellbeing. The course will explore questions such as:
- How does modern psychology understand religion?
- How do religious traditions address psychological wellbeing?
- Are Western psychological theories sufficient for understanding religious experiences?
Course Details:
📍 In-person | Upper Campus
📅 23 November – 18 December 2026
📝 Assessments include class tests and an essay – NO EXAMS
For more information and details for registration contact:- Megan Moen (Megan.Moen@uct.ac.za)
- Dr Fungai Chirongoma (fungaichirongoma@gmail.com)
See the attached poster for more information and we encourage interested students to register.
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Upcoming Events in the Department for the Study of Religions
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