Religious Studies Bachelor
Mount Saint Vincent University Campus, Canada
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Mount Saint Vincent University
Religious Studies
Program Overview: BA in Religious Studies at MSVU
The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University offers a rich exploration of religious systems from around the world, covering topics such as food, sexuality, political rebellion, popular culture, and overarching themes like evil and the meaning of life. Undertaken from non-confessional comparative, historical, philosophical, and social scientific perspectives, this program equips you with the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to engage with some of humanity's most profound questions.
Religious Studies classes at MSVU are full of lively discussion and open-ended inquiry, attracting students from diverse academic backgrounds including historians, philosophers, social critics, and science students. You will examine the relationship between politics and religion, explore how rituals restore order, and investigate whether symbols can transcend reason as a vehicle for truth.
Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of Charity, MSVU has a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and the advancement of equity and inclusion. With class sizes averaging fewer than 25 students and a campus overlooking Halifax's Bedford Basin, you will benefit from a close-knit learning environment in one of Canada's most vibrant Atlantic cities.
Key Program Highlights
- Non-confessional, comparative approach studying Eastern and Western religious traditions from multiple academic perspectives
- Small class sizes averaging fewer than 25 students, ensuring personalized attention and lively seminar discussions
- Interdisciplinary study option combining Religious Studies with Philosophy for a customized degree focus
- Work placement eligibility including practicum, co-op, and internship opportunities as part of your degree
Curriculum and Course Modules
The BA in Religious Studies curriculum is designed to build your knowledge progressively from foundational surveys of world religions to advanced critical analysis. You will explore diverse religious traditions, engage with primary texts, and develop sophisticated interpretive skills through a combination of required core courses and elective specializations.
Eastern Religious Traditions (RELS 1020)
0.5 unitsAn introduction to the origins, development, beliefs, institutions, scriptures, and practices of religious traditions originating or primarily practised in the East, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
Western Religious Traditions (RELS 1030)
0.5 unitsAn introduction to the origins, development, beliefs, institutions, scriptures, and practices of traditions originating in the West, including Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Latter Day Saints.
Study of Religion (RELS 2010)
0.5 unitsAn introduction to the basic terms, concepts, and multi-disciplinary approach of religious studies, covering myths, questions of meaning, the arts, scriptures, ethics, rituals, and constructions of the Ultimate.
Evil (RELS 2201)
0.5 unitsAn exploration of sites, conceptions, and representations of evil from both Eastern and Western perspectives, examining how different cultures understand and respond to the concept of evil.
Reason and Religious Belief (RELS 2217)
0.5 unitsA study of topics in the philosophy of religion including the nature of religion, the existence of God, theism and alternatives, religion and science, miracles, and faith and rationality.
The Meaning(s) of Life (RELS 3319)
0.5 unitsA close look at problems about the meaning of life and meaning in life, with attention to associated questions involving death and whether death defeats meaning in human life.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Mount Saint Vincent University welcomes international applicants who have completed a preparatory program leading to university entrance in their home country. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your single point of contact for a smooth admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary School AverageMinimum 70% average in your five best academic subjects from your final year of schooling
- Transfer StudentsOverall GPA of 2.0 or higher from a recognized post-secondary institution
- IB DiplomaIB Diploma accepted; transfer credit for Higher Level courses with grades of 5, 6, or 7
- A-Levels (British System)Grades A, B, or C in five subjects including two A-Levels or four AS-Levels and three O-Levels
- Minimum Course GradeA minimum grade of C is required in all Religious Studies courses to complete the major
English Language Requirements
- IELTS6.5 overall (no individual band below 6.0)
- CAEL60 overall (no individual band below 60)
- Duolingo English Test115 overall (no sub-score below 95)
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Mount Saint Vincent University offers a range of merit-based scholarships and bursaries available to international students. Most financial aid options at MSVU, including awards based on merit, are open to international applicants. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding opportunities.
MSVU Entrance Scholarship
Merit-based entrance scholarships awarded to incoming students who demonstrate strong academic achievement in their secondary school studies. These are automatically considered upon admission.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Religious Studies Graduates
A degree in Religious Studies from MSVU develops strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills that are valued across a wide range of professional fields. Graduates are well prepared for careers that require the ability to write and express ideas clearly, engage with diverse cultural perspectives, and navigate complex ethical questions.
Potential Career Roles
Sectors and Employers Hiring Religious Studies Graduates
Rankings and Recognition
Mount Saint Vincent University is recognized nationally for its commitment to undergraduate education, social mobility, and student success. MSVU consistently appears in leading Canadian university rankings and is celebrated for its inclusive, student-centred approach to higher education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #54 in Canada |
| Arts and Design | EduRank | #488 in North America |
| Philosophy (Research Topic) | EduRank | Top 50% globally |
| Psychology | EduRank | #51 in Canada |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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