Religious Studies

Undergraduate in Religious Studies in Malaysia

A Bachelor in Comparative Religious Studies examines religion as part of human culture, intellectual history, social behavior, and ethical systems. It is not a theological or doctrinal programme, and it does not train students to become religious leaders. Instead, it studies religion objectively, critically, and academically as a global phenomenon.

Students explore major world religions, indigenous belief systems, and new religious movements, focusing on how religion shapes human identity, art, ethics, law, politics, literature, philosophy, intergroup relations, and globalization. The coursework integrates concepts from history, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, psychology, literature, philosophy, and art history to understand religion’s role across civilizations and cultures.

Core subjects may include: Philosophy of Religion, Anthropology of Belief, Comparative Scriptures (in translation), Mythology & Ritual, Ethics & Morality, Religion & Modernity, Religion & Media, Religion & Politics, Religion & Gender, Interfaith Dialogue, and Cultural Diversity Studies. Students train in academic writing, symbolic analysis, ethnographic research, textual interpretation, and intercultural communication.

Internships may take place in cultural institutions, heritage departments, NGOs, media organizations, interfaith councils, or publishing industries. Students are encouraged to develop a neutral, analytical understanding of how religion influences global events, cultural values, conflict, community structures, and peacebuilding. This degree prepares graduates for careers in education, cultural analysis, creative industries, diplomacy, research, and public humanities.

Duration of Undergraduate in Religious Studies in Malaysia

Entry Requirements of Undergraduate in Religious Studies in Malaysia

• STPM / A-Level / Foundation in Arts / Diploma in Humanities or Social Sciences
• Minimum CGPA 2.00 – 2.50 (varies by institution)
• Basic proficiency in English or Bahasa Malaysia
• No religious requirement—open to all backgrounds

Tuition Fee of Undergraduate in Religious Studies in Malaysia

Top Universities for Undergraduate in Religious Studies in Malaysia

Programme names vary, such as Religious Studies, Comparative Religion, Islamic & Other Religions, Civilizational Studies, Intercultural Studies, Philosophy & Religion.

Public Universities

• Universiti Malaya (UM) – Bachelor of Arts (Religious Studies / Civilizational Studies)
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – World Religions & Civilization Studies
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Humanities with Religion electives
• Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/UIA) – Comparative Religion (Academic focus)
• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) – Cultural & Civilizational Studies

Private Universities

• UCSI University – Religion, Philosophy & Culture pathways
• SEGi University – Humanities & Social Sciences electives
• Nottingham Malaysia (UK branch) – Culture, Politics & Religion modules
• New Era University College – Chinese Religion, Culture, & Society

Career Opportunities of Undergraduate in Religious Studies in Malaysia

Cultural & Education Roles

• Cultural Researcher
• Humanities Lecturer (with master’s)
• Museum or Heritage Specialist
• Educational Content Developer
• Intercultural Education Officer

Media, Creative & NGO Fields

• Journalist / Cultural Writer
• Scriptwriter / Cultural Consultant for Media
• NGO Social Engagement Specialist
• Interfaith Dialogue Coordinator
• Community Outreach Coordinator

Government, Diplomacy & Policy

• Multicultural Affairs Officer
• Religious Affairs Policy Analyst
• Diplomatic & Cultural Relations Officer
• Human Rights & Peacebuilding Support

Further Study Options

• Master in Religious Studies
• Master in Anthropology/Sociology
• Master in Theology (optional, if pursuing faith-based career)
• Master in Peace & Conflict Studies
• Master in Philosophy or Cultural Studies