Program Overview
The Religious Studies at McMaster University is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Religious Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Hamilton, Canada
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Religious Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Issues in the Study of Religion
- Academic Research Integrity and Ethics
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- The normal minimum requirement for admission to M.A. study is graduation with B+ standing (in the final two years) in an Honours programme or equivalent in Religious Studies, or in a related discipline with significant emphasis on the study of religion. Related disciplines include Anthropology, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Theology, Political Science, Classics, and Near Eastern, South Asian, and East Asian studies. Graduates with preparation in related fields may be required to take a certain amount of undergraduate work in Religious Studies.
- Admission is competitive; applicants who meet minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission.
- All applications for admission must be completed online.
The following items are required before your online application will be considered complete:
- Statement of Interest. Please include in your statement of interest (500-700 words) a description of your background and proficiency in foreign languages, detailing the courses you have taken, the levels, and the grades that you received for them.
- Two academic references
- Official Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency
- Writing Sample (an essay or thesis chapter)
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact McMaster University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About McMaster University
McMaster University
Hamilton, Canada
public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 24 months
