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Why study religious studies (RS)?
Faith has played a major role in human life since the dawn of civilization, shaping human societies and culture.
Studying religion at school or college allows you to dive into the many belief systems that give people around the world meaning and purpose.
'Studying religious studies will help you see the world from a new perspective – and open up a whole host of career paths'
What is religious studies (RS)?
Religious studies, or religious education (RE), as you may know it, is the study of religions, cultures and beliefs. You will probably have studied this at school as a compulsory subject, but you can also study it at A-level.
Religious studies helps you to see the world from different perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of society as a whole. You’ll learn about different religions and their perspectives on weighty themes such as ethics, marriage, death and the afterlife.
Faith and culture influences the way societies are run, and studying RS can help you understand politics at a national, regional and global level.
If you are planning on going to university after your A-levels, religious studies is also useful if you want to go on to study subjects like philosophy or theology.
Teachers, bring RS careers into your classroom…
Our colourful guides and posters are a great way to make careers learning interactive while ticking off all eight Gatsby benchmarks!
- Gatsby Subject Guides – Explore how the skills and knowledge students develop in RS lead to real jobs – packed with case study interviews! All subjects available – buy individually or as a set. Browse in our shop now.
- Subject Posters – From the future of jobs in RS to top industries and key skills linked to your subject, choose the best careers poster to brighten up your classroom wall. All subjects available. Browse in our shop now.
What employability skills will I get?
RS helps you develop a rich variety of really useful skills. These are great transferable skills to have in the workplace, but can also contribute to careers which involve working with people – especially those from different backgrounds.
- Communication – you’ll practise expressing complex ideas clearly and respectfully, whether in essays, debates or discussions.
- Critical thinking – religious studies encourages you to question beliefs, arguments and evidence, weighing up different points of view.
- Cultural awareness – you’ll explore a range of beliefs, traditions and worldviews, helping you understand different ways of life.
- People skills – by studying diverse perspectives, you’ll build empathy, respect and the ability to connect with others.
- Presentation – you’ll learn to organise your ideas and present them confidently, whether speaking to a group or writing persuasively.
What subjects does RS go with?
Religious studies is a good match for many subjects. It goes well with subjects such as psychology and sociology, which help you understand human behaviour and motivation, as well as how people relate to each other in a community.
It can also lead into the study of philosophy or theology at A-level. Philosophy is your gateway to exploring some of the big questions which religion often seeks to answer. Theology on the other hand is a bit like RS – looking at the history of different faith traditions.
History and geography also fit in well with RS, as these also study human societies over space and time.
If you take RS at A-level, consider taking a facilitating subject alongside it, if you’re thinking of going to university. Facilitating subjects are those subjects which can help you get onto any university course – they’re a great way of keeping your options open.
What degrees do I need RS for?
You don’t need RS for any degrees – even theology, although it will certainly help with subjects like this, as well as philosophy.
However, with the diverse skills and deep cultural understanding you will develop, it can be of benefit if you want to go into a field which explores art and culture, human nature, motivation and belief systems.
Degrees it may be useful for – as well as philosophy and theology – include art, history, politics and psychology.
What apprenticeships is RS useful for?
RS provides many of the social skills you need in any workplace, but especially in public-facing roles. The more technical skills you’ll develop – such as critical thinking and research – can also be useful across a range of roles.
Here are a few examples of roles related to RS:
- Archaeological technician – Help uncover and preserve historical artefacts, supporting excavations and recording finds that reveal human history.
- Church minister – Train to lead religious services, offer spiritual guidance and support communities in a range of settings.
- Curator – Manage collections in museums or galleries, selecting and presenting artefacts to educate and inspire the public.
- Cultural heritage conservator – Protect and restore cultural artefacts, from ancient manuscripts to historical buildings, for future generations.
- Journalist – Research and report on news stories, using strong communication and critical thinking skills to share information accurately.
What careers can RS lead to?
Religious studies can be a useful subject for a wide range of jobs, especially those that require you to work with the public, or involve helping people. Some of these include:
- Advice centre worker
- Archivist
- Charity worker
- Community worker
- Counsellor
- International aid/development worker
- Journalist
- Religious leader
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Youth worker
Top five Career Zones:
