Career opportunities
Religious Studies graduates can be found in many walks of life, including MP, UN adviser, lecturer, analyst, archivist, development organiser, and even a TV show host.
Our graduates have particular qualities valued by employers in many fields including:
- Excellent critical thinking and writing skills
- The ability to find information, analyse it in a logical and systematic manner, and communicate it clearly
- Wide-ranging knowledge of both human history, culture and contemporary affairs
- The ability to enter with empathy into the minds and hearts of others, to understand what motivates and shapes their behaviour.
Global perspectives on Religion
Otago students and staff explore how religion shapes identity, culture, and global understanding — offering diverse perspectives and real-world relevance, from ancient Egypt to international law.
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Rosa Flaherty:
Hi, my name is Rosa and I’m a third-year Otago student. I study a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Religious Studies.
I went to school here in Dunedin at a Catholic high school, which gave me an interest in religion—although I’m not religious. When I came to Otago, I knew I wanted to do law because it seemed like a somewhat certain choice, and then I figured, why not pick up a religious paper? I already know a bit about Catholicism—let’s go and learn about Hinduism and Buddhism. And then it became my other major.
So here I am in my third year, I’ve done a range of papers. I’ve got to look at how religion, law, and politics intertwine. I’ve got to look at how the West views the East, and most recently, I’ve got to look at how ancient Egypt worked. So there’s an entire range of papers you can do for whatever interest you want.
The thing I love about Religious Studies is that there are so many different approaches to it. So, for example, a paper I’m looking forward to doing is Religion and Identity, in which I get to examine how identity is formed—but it just happens to be through the lens of religious groups. And it’s something I can apply in every other area.
I’m really excited for when I graduate, and I’m going to have a religious background because I hope to work in international law. And so, having a religious background means I can go into areas where I might not be able to speak the language very well, I might not be able to know the place names, but if I know parts of the religion, then I’ll be able to interact with people on more of a fundamental level.
And one of the things I’ve loved in terms of learning about religion—and especially Otago—is the flexibility I have, because I’ve been able to add papers whenever I want, be able to switch things around, and just be able to find something that really suits for me.
Associate Professor Ben Schonthal:
My name’s Ben. I’m an Associate Professor in the Religion Programme. I teach classes on Asian religions and Buddhism, and Religion, Law and Politics.
Religion exists in all human societies and stretches deep into the archaeological record. This suggests that there’s something fundamental about religion to all human societies.
The Religion Programme at Otago is in the School of Social Sciences. We’re not religious. We’re not going to teach you to be religious. We analyse and think critically about religion and its effects on the world. We examine religion as a product of human societies and human minds.
We ask questions like: why does religion exist and what does it do for people? Why might religion lead to violence or promote peace? Why is religion declining in New Zealand but growing in the rest of the world? What are the differences between religions in Asia and those in the West?
In your first year, you’ll learn about the world religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. You’ll also learn about religion from a scientific perspective—looking at experiments and research that measure the effects of religion on people.
Religion is the consummate humanities discipline. If you study religion, you’re not just exposed to one approach to the human sciences, but to many. Our staff are experts in psychology and anthropology, history, law and politics, and we draw on methods and theories from all these disciplines. And our students often combine Religion with other majors, preparing them for many different kinds of careers.
Our graduates work in government and human rights, education and law, media and business. Most importantly, our topics are fascinating—from the effects of Buddhist meditation on the human brain, to the ways that laws governing religion can contribute to civil wars.
By studying religion, you come to understand human culture and human diversity in a deep way. And that’s really never been more important in the world today.
Religious Studies at Otago
There are two core first-year papers in Religion. The first introduces students to Hinduism and Buddhism. It examines Hindu mythology, the teachings of the Buddha, religious disciplines such as yoga and meditation, the expression of religious devotion in art and architecture, and the role of the two religions in contemporary political debates in Asia.
The second introduces students to the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It examines their origin in the land of Palestine, a cross-roads of ancient civilisation, and the way in which each tradition gradually took on its distinctive modern form. It discusses the ways in which all three faiths have responded to the challenges of modernity.
More advanced papers in Religion include Psychology of Religion, Zen Buddhism, Ancient Religion: Egypt to Mesopotamia as well as other courses which examine religion in connection with topic like science and magic, law and politics, or the human body.
How will I study?
Students enrolled in first-year courses in Religion attend two lectures each week as well as take part in small-group tutorial sessions. In addition to a final exam, there is internal assessment for each course. This normally involves one major assignment or essay, as well as other shorter assignments.
For those who cannot study on-campus, it is possible to take most Religion papers by distance study, regardless of where you live in New Zealand.
Study combinations
Since few areas of human life have remained untouched by religious influence, Religion combines well with many subjects in the Humanities. Human history has been profoundly shaped by religious beliefs and conflicts, while the study of literature and art is greatly enhanced by a knowledge of religious beliefs and symbols. Skills and insights are therefore readily transferable between Religious Studies and subjects such as Anthropology, History, Classics, Politics, and Philosophy.
While most Religion students take the subject as part of a general Arts degree, it is also very popular among students doing Commerce, Law, and the Sciences. Religion taken as a minor subject in another degree programme can add variety to that programme and broaden the range of subjects that can be included in your CV. It is also possible to take a minor in Buddhist Studies.
Further study
Postgraduate studies include master's degrees by research or by coursework (either in Religion or in Buddhist Studies) and a PhD. Graduates in Religion who choose to go overseas have been accepted for postgraduate study at some of the world's best universities.
Student exchange
You may be able to do part of your study overseas through the University's extensive student exchange programme or as a postgraduate student. In the exchange programme you pay only your New Zealand fees and complete your qualification within the same timeframe as if you'd never been away.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
Students of any religion, or none, are welcome. No previous qualifications are required, only a lively sense of curiosity and a willingness to grapple with important but difficult and contentious issues. It is possible to cross-credit previous study in Religion at another university.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Religious Studies
Explore postgraduate study in Religious Studies at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in...

Since religion and faith are practised in such wildly varying ways around the world, my background has helped me to adjust my viewpoint when working in a multicultural office, and also at competitions.
Miriam Jenkins
Religious Studies
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Level | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
100-level | Two 100-level RELS papers | 36 |
200-level | Three 200-level RELS papers | 54 |
One of ANTH 225, ANTH 228, DHUM 201, HIST 215, HIST 244, PHIL 229 or POLS 210 may be substituted for one 200-level RELS paper | ||
300-level | Four 300-level RELS papers | 72 |
One of ANTH 325, ANTH 328, CLAS 342, HIST 308, or PHIL 329, may be substituted for one 300-level RELS paper | ||
Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. | 198 |
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | ||
Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Level | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
100-level | Two 100-level RELS papers | 36 |
Above 100-level | At least three RELS papers, including at least one above 200-level One of ANTH 225, ANTH 228, ANTH 325, ANTH 328, CLAS 342, DHUM 201, HIST 215, HIST 244, HIST 308, or may be substituted for one RELS paper | 54 |
Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
RELS papers
Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
---|---|---|---|---|
RELS102 | 2025 | Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS110 | 2025 | Introduction to the Scientific Study of Religion | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS111 | 2025 | Māori Spirituality and the World’s Religions | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS202 | 2025 | The Religions of Southeast Asia | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS203 | 2025 | Ancient Religion: Egypt to Mesopotamia | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS209 | 2025 | The Body in Asian Religions | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS214 | 2025 | Cults, Prophets, Apocalypse: Understanding New Religious Movements | 18 points | Summer School |
RELS216 | 2025 | Zen Buddhism | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS217 | 2025 | Religion, Science, and Magic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS218 | 2025 | Yoga: Ancient and Modern | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS225 | 2025 | Science, Religion and Knowledge | 18 points | Summer School |
RELS226 | 2025 | Mahayana Buddhism | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS227 | 2025 | Buddhist Thought | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS230 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS231 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS232 | 2025 | Pursuing Happiness in the Buddhist Tradition | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS235 | 2025 | Religion, Law and Politics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS237 | 2025 | Psychology of Religion | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS238 | 2025 | Religion and Human Behaviour | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS239 | 2025 | Religion and Identity | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS240 | 2025 | The Cultural Evolution of Religious Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS241 | 2025 | Religion, Conflict and Conspiracy Theory | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS244 | 2025 | Ancient Egypt: Magic and Mystery | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 13 December 2025) |
RELS302 | 2025 | Religions of Southeast Asia (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS303 | 2025 | Ancient Religion: Egypt to Mesopotamia (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS306 | 2025 | Cults, Prophets, Apocalypse: Understanding New Religious Movements (Advanced) | 18 points | Summer School |
RELS309 | 2025 | The Body in Asian Religions | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS314 | 2025 | Religion and Identity (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS316 | 2025 | Zen Buddhism | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS317 | 2025 | Religion, Science, and Magic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS318 | 2025 | Yoga: Ancient and Modern | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS325 | 2025 | Science vs Religion? An Inquiry (Advanced) | 18 points | Summer School |
RELS326 | 2025 | Mahayana Buddhism | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS327 | 2025 | Buddhist Thought | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS330 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS331 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS332 | 2025 | Pursuing Happiness in the Buddhist Tradition (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS335 | 2025 | Religion, Law and Politics (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS337 | 2025 | Psychology of Religion (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
RELS338 | 2025 | Religion and Human Behaviour (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
RELS340 | 2025 | The Cultural Evolution of Religious Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS341 | 2025 | Religion, Conflict and Conspiracy Theory (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS344 | 2025 | Ancient Egypt: Magic and Mystery (Advanced) | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 13 December 2025) |
RELS490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS501 | 2025 | The Evolution of Religion | 30 points | Not offered in 2025 |
RELS521 | 2025 | Readings in Religious Texts | 30 points | Semester 1 |
RELS523 | 2025 | Key Debates in Religious Studies | 30 points | Semester 2 |
RELS531 | 2025 | Pali for Postgraduates | 30 points | Full Year |
RELS532 | 2025 | Sanskrit for Postgraduates | 30 points | Full Year |
RELS590 | 2025 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026) |
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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