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Department of Religion Studies

Study Religion in a Changing World

The Department of Religion Studies at the University of the Free State equips students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and research expertise to understand religion within diverse social, cultural and global contexts.

Our undergraduate programmes introduce students to the theories, concepts and methodologies used in the academic study of religion. Foundational modules such as World Religions and Comparative Study of Religions explore the diversity of religious traditions, while modules including Religiosity and African Spirituality, Feminism, Gender and Sexuality, and Religion and Psychology provide contemporary and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Students also engage with important societal issues through modules such as Religion and Disability, Religion, Law and Human Rights, and New Religious Movements in South Africa, developing the analytical skills needed to understand religion's influence on society, culture and public life.

Postgraduate study

Our postgraduate programmes encourage advanced interdisciplinary research informed by postcolonial, decolonial and Afrocentric perspectives, ritual theory, religion and conflict studies, and the neuroscience of religion. Students investigate complex relationships between religion, politics, economics, gender, ecology and society while developing independent research capacity.

Why study Religion Studies?

  • Understand religion in local and global contexts
  • Explore African and international perspectives
  • Develop research and analytical skills
  • Learn from internationally recognised scholars
  • Prepare for diverse professional careers
  • Progress to honours, master's and doctoral studies
  • Contribute to social transformation and public dialogue

Research expertise

Our academics contribute to internationally recognised research across a broad range of disciplines.

Prof Z Dube

Head of Department and Faculty Postgraduate Coordinator

Research interests
  • Religion, politics, economy, gender and ecology
  • Pan-Africanism
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems and healing
  • Global health inequalities
  • Reception history of illness and healing
dubez@ufs.ac.za

Dr YM Shunmugam

Research interests
  • Religion, politics and social justice
  • Belief systems and leadership
  • Spirituality, wellbeing and human behaviour
  • African and Eastern religions
ShunmugamMS@ufs.ac.za

Dr BB Ngesi

Research interests
  • Human rights and poverty
  • Pentecostalism
  • Religion and the state
  • Interreligious dialogue
  • Democracy, health, identity and ecology
NgesiBB@ufs.ac.za

Dr JC Sigauke

Postdoctoral Fellow

Research interests
  • Witchcraft and society
  • Religious freedom and human rights
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Gender and women's rights
2021531724@ufs.ac.za

Dr BP Humbe

Postdoctoral Fellow

Research interests
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Interreligious dialogue
  • Gender
  • Ecology
  • Pilgrimage and sacred sites
  • Sexual and reproductive health
humbebp@ufs.ac.za

Department Administration

Ronel Ellis
Department Administrator

EllisPJ@ufs.ac.za

Begin Your Journey in Religion Studies

Whether you are interested in religion, society, culture, leadership, human rights or global issues, the Department of Religion Studies offers an academically rigorous environment where you can develop the knowledge and research skills to make a meaningful contribution to society. Join a community of scholars committed to critical inquiry, innovation and transformative research.

Apply to the University of the Free State

FACULTY CONTACT

Academic Adviser
T: +27 51 401 2786
E: theology@ufs.ac.za

Teologie foto vir langs contact

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