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RELIGIOUS STUDIES CAREER GUIDE 2020/2021 Religious studies2 Success at School is a national careers website for students aged 11-19, as well as their teachers, careers advisors, parents and other influencers. Young people can learn about their future career options through no-nonsense careers advice related to their own experiences. As well as covering topics such as career paths, industries, apprenticeships, university and employability skills, we connect schools and students to employers and universities through opportunities on our site and our interactive forums. Millions of young people and their influencers have visited our site for advice and information to help them plan for the future. Go to successatschool.org for more information. Copyright Success at School Ltd 2020 AboutSuccess at School3 RELIGIOUS STUDIES CAREER GUIDE 05 What is religious studies? 06 How will religious studies prepare me for work? 10 Should I choose religious studies? Contents 12 T-levels 15 Why work experience matters 18 How to future-proof your career 14 Job roles 30 Everything you need to know about gap years 20 Spotlight job 32 University 22 Interviews 26 Apprenticeships 34 Your action plan4 Foreword What do human beings care about and why? What is evil – and does it even exist? How can people with clashing beliefs reason with one another? Studying religion involves wrestling with the enduring questions of humanity. Ideas of the sacred are at the heart of how people worldwide understand themselves. Even in largely secular societies, many of the values widely held on issues like human rights, equality, and beauty can arguably be traced to theological thinking. At the same time, by understanding the roots of religious conflict we can gain insight into many of our world’s social and political divisions. No matter who you are, religious believer or sceptic, studying religion will involve considering the world from your own perspective as well as from perspectives that are starkly different from your own. In a globalised world, this kind of cross-cultural understanding will be highly valued by your neighbours and employers alike. Every religion is complex. Religious studies equips students with versatility and problem-solving skills. Studying RS will teach you in the close-reading of texts, in weighing ethical arguments and in expressing ideas persuasively. If you study theology at degree level, you will be well-prepared for careers in journalism, law, the charity sector, policymaking, and international business, while some graduates go on to teach or pursue further academic study. Dr Daniel Nilsson DeHanas Senior lecturer in political science and religion King’s College London Dr Susannah Ticciati Reader in Christian theology King’s College London5 Are you interested in the concept of karma? Have you ever thought about where the Christian period of Lent comes from? Do you know what Sharia law is? There are many religions and belief systems around the world, which have informed our laws and how our societies are governed over many years. Even if you aren’t religious yourself, there’s a lot to be gained from understanding different faiths. Religious studies (RS) explores some of the world’s major religions, allowing you to develop your knowledge of different belief systems. You’ll also explore philosophical and ethical themes through your studies. RS is designed to be thought-provoking. Debating and evaluating different perspectives is an important part of your lessons. Having a solid understanding of different cultures and beliefs is important in today’s global world. If you follow a particular faith, you may decide to become a faith leader. The skills and knowledge you gain from studying RS will help you in a variety of jobs. Diplomats need an excellent understanding of different cultures and the ability to communicate clearly. If you become a social worker, you’ll interact with people from different backgrounds. Being empathetic and understanding their beliefs will help you build relationships and provide the help they need. What is religious studies?6 5 workplace skills you’ll learn in religious studies (RS) Analysis In class: You’ll explore the philosophy behind different religious beliefs and analyse the issues that you identify from the different topics. You’ll analyse religious texts, as well as the various scholarly arguments surrounding issues such as the existence of God, arguments regarding evil and suffering, and the afterlife. At work: Being able to analyse information from different sources, and in different forms, is useful in many roles. Financial analysts use this skill to analyse data from various places to inform investment decisions. A social media marketing manager analyses different types of content to decide on the most appropriate content to use for different marketing campaigns. How will religious studies prepare me for work? Debating In class: There are many perspectives of religion and even alternate viewpoints within religions. You’ll learn how to construct well-informed and reasoned arguments to support your point of view when debating with your classmates. It’s also important to recognise that others have the right to have a different point of view to you. At work: Constructing logical and compelling arguments is essential for a barrister when they’re presenting a case in court. Politicians need to be able to debate with people from other political parties or who hold different beliefs to them. It’s important that they acknowledge other arguments while making their own points. Empathy In class: By learning about different religions and religious practices, you’ll gain a new perspective of different societies. You’ll be encouraged to think about how religious beliefs influence individuals, communities and societies. At work: Being able to connect with and relate to people from different backgrounds is important in many jobs. If you’re a careers advisor, you need to understand different people’s preferences, skills and interests to help them find work that suits their situation. As a community outreach worker, you’ll interact with lots of people in your local community to raise awareness of an issue or cause. Evaluation In class: You’ll evaluate religious texts, as well as the views and arguments of scholars and academics. You’ll learn how to evaluate information with a view to using it to support your own arguments. You’ll also evaluate the reliability and validity of different sources. At work: Evaluating information from different sources is essential for a journalist to report accurately on events or situations. As a police officer, you’ll need to evaluate and assess situations you come across before you decide on the best course of action. Research In class: You’ll be encouraged to explore different sources when examining ethical or philosophical views surrounding different religions. You’ll need to research other viewpoints, as well as carefully read selected religious texts, to help you support your assertions. At work: Being able to carry out research is a useful skill. A genealogist researches family trees and helps people to uncover their family’s heritage. Paralegals need to carry out research into relevant case law to support cases they’re working on.7 RELIGIOUS STUDIES CAREER GUIDE 7 ...and 2 you may not have thought of Decision making In class: By studying the ethics behind different issues, you’ll learn how to consider problems from an ethical standpoint and how to incorporate this knowledge into your decision-making process. You’ll also learn how to explain the decisions you take. At work: You’ll need to make decisions in any management role. If you work as a PR crisis communications manager, you’ll have to decide how best to address difficult issues for your clients in the media. If you’re a doctor, you need to be able to explain the decisions you make about treatment to your patients and their families. Self-reflection In class: Throughout your studies, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own values, opinions and attitudes based on what you learn and discuss in the classroom. You’ll also be encouraged to question your viewpoints and reflect in a constructive way. At work: Being able to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses and any problems you’re facing is useful in any job. As a team leader it can be useful to reflect to make sure you’re managing your team in the most effective way. Those in technical roles, like software developers, need to reflect on their skills to make sure they’re keeping up with new technological developments. S ponsored ad8 Develop an understanding of different religious language and how it’s used. Explore different views of religious language, including how it can be symbolic and how it can be analogical. You’ll also find out about the strengths and weaknesses of the differing understandings of religious language. Language is a powerful tool for persuasion, and religions offer a good example of how language can be used for different purposes and to share different ideas. A copywriter needs a good grasp of persuasive language to write compelling marketing content. Religious language can also be used by song writers to convey emotions. KnowledgeHow will it help me at work? Gain knowledge of sources of wisdom and authority in a religious context. This can include scriptures and sacred texts. Learn about key religious figures, as well as key religious teachers and their teachings. You’ll also explore how these sources of wisdom and authority are used and treated. Knowledge of religious scriptures and texts is essential for any historians who specialise in different religious groups. Museum curators may also need this kind of knowledge if they are exhibiting religious artefacts or setting up exhibitions that focus on specific religious groups or events. Line managers also need to understand why their colleagues hold certain beliefs or need to take leave for rites of passage. Develop knowledge of religious practices that shape and express religious identity. These can be practices within Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism. Learn about the diversity of practice within a tradition. Learn how these practices have been influenced by the interpretation of religious texts, or by ethical or philosophical developments in religious study. Understanding the practices and belief systems behind different religions can be useful in any job that sees you working with people of another faith. If you’re an immigration officer, you need to be mindful of cultural differences when meeting with people of different faiths. Bankers may need to understand Sharia law and how this is applied in financial institutions with Muslim customers. 5 ways your religious studies know-how will help you at work9 RELIGIOUS STUDIES CAREER GUIDE Learn about the different normative ethical theories, specifically deontological, teleological and character-based ethics. Explore how these ethical theories can be applied to personal, societal or global issues. Gain an understanding of how religious ethical perspectives fit into this debate. Being able to explore the ethics behind different problems is a useful skill. If you’re an entrepreneur that wants to set up a social enterprise, you’ll need to consider the ethics of every stage of your supply chain, particularly when sourcing raw materials or manufacturing goods. Large companies often employ lawyers as ethics and compliance managers to ensure their business meets certain ethical standards. KnowledgeHow will it help me at work? Develop your understanding of expressions of religious identity within Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. This can include how places of worship are used within the community, as well as specific customs, festivals and dress codes. If you work as an event manager and will be organising events around religious festivals or holidays, you need to be sensitive to different cultures and their customs. A tour guide who leads groups on trips overseas may need to explain different religious practices, particularly when visiting places of worship in other countries.Next >