The University of Exeter has announced they are launching a master’s degree focusing on the history of magic and the occult. The University of Exeter says the degree, which is officially called ‘MA Magic and Occult Science’, will help students ‘Build interdisciplinary expertise whilst exploring your specific interests within the long and diverse history of esotericism, witchcraft, ritual magic, occult science, and related topics.’

The master’s course will not include any practical use of magic, but modules on the course include ‘Philosophy and Psychedelics,’ and ‘The Western Dragon in Lore, Literature and Art.’

The core module, ‘Esotericism and the Magical Tradition,’ will explore topics like ‘magic in Greece and Rome, occult texts in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the history of witchcraft, magic in literature and folklore, deception and illusion, and the history of science and medicine.’ Students will also be expected to complete a dissertation, which can be taken in the theatre department.

‘A recent surge in interest in magic and the occult inside and outside of academia lies at the heart of the most urgent questions of our society,’ Professor Emily Selove, course leader, told the BBC.

‘Decolonisation, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism and anti-racism are at the core of this programme.’

‘This MA will allow people to re-examine the assumption that the West is the place of rationalism and science, while the rest of the world is a place of magic and superstition.’

Decolonisation, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism and anti-racism are at the core of this programme

The programme will be taught within the University of Exeter’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, which the university explains places ‘place the Arabo-Islamic cultural heritage back where it belongs in the centre of these studies and in the history of the “West.” Decolonisation, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism, and anti-racism are at the core of this programme.’

The University of Exeter also says ‘This MA can lead you to a diverse range of careers, examples include: teaching, counselling, mentoring, heritage and museum work, work in libraries, tourism, arts organisations, the publishing industry, social justice and environmental think tanks, spiritual and wellbeing guidance, writing and media, the arts, and further research.’

This MA can lead you to a diverse range of careers

The degree will take one year to complete for full time students, or two years for those studying part time. The first cohort will begin in September 2024.

Students hoping to study Magic and Occult Sciences will need at least a 2:1 in a social science or humanities subject. Unfortunately, relevant professional experience will not be accepted as a substitute for these qualifications.

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