RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN SCOTLAND
Scotland has a long and deep spiritual heritage. Our spiritual and religious traditions have shaped Scotland’s cultural norms, defined identities, and influenced the nation’s legal and political institutions. Due to its fundamental role in forging Scottish culture, religion continues to affect the nation. Scottish religious traditions have been exported to almost every corner of the globe, while some of the world’s great religions have found their own distinct Scottish expressions.
This course explores the religious traditions and spirituality of Scotland as evidenced from prehistoric archaeology, the sacred sites and art of Celtic Scotland, the rich monastic and spiritual legacies of medieval Catholicism, Scotland’s rigorous and socially transformative Reformation, Scottish expressions of the world’s great religions, and the internationally recognised influences of the Iona and Findhorn Communities.
While the religious expressions have changed, spirituality has played a prominent part in shaping Scotland and its people. Even as Scotland experiences the forces of secularlisation, its religious diversity becomes ever more diverse. Explore our spiritual heritage and learn about its new and innovative expressions.
Field trip
The course includes a visit to the Isle of Iona, often described as ‘The Cradle of Christianity in Scotland.’
Entry requirements
- GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
If your first language is not English, you must meet our minimum proficiency level:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) overall score of 6.0, with no sub test less than 5.5
- we also accept equivalent scores in other recognised qualifications such as ibTOEFL, CAE, CPE and more
ELIGIBILITY
To attend the International Summer School you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be a current student enrolled at an international higher education institution
- If your first language is not English, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent)
- Most courses require a GPA of at least 3.0. Please refer to the individual courses for details.
Special circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that you should also refer to individual course descriptions as some courses may ask for additional requirements.
Religious history has been taught at Glasgow since the University’s foundation in 1451. Our academics have a rich knowledge of archaeology, art history, history, Scottish literature and theology.
Glasgow hosts a number of important sites, including its 12th century Cathedral, Govan Old Parish Church, as well as Scotland’s largest mosque, two grand gudwara and historically important synagogues.