Do You Have A Degree In Magic And Witchcraft?

It seems like people will soon be asked that question (if they have a degree in Magic and Witchcraft) during an interview. It might also become a required criterion to have a degree in Magic and Witchcraft to be employed in a certain field. Some topics that used to be discussed in hushed tones are about to be taught in the classroom, in ‘broad daylight.’

Now You Can Be A Student Of Magic And Witchcraft!

From September 2024, the University of Exeter in South West England will be the first university to offer a taught postgraduate degree in Magic and Occult Science. According to the course outline, the primary goal is to cultivate interdisciplinary expertise, allowing students to explore their specific interests within the extensive and diverse history of esotericism, witchcraft, ritual magic, occult science, and related subjects.

Is It Going To Be An All-Comers’ Af fair?

I don’t think so. This is the first university to offer such a postgraduate degree course. Students from different backgrounds and with a variety of interests will be attracted to apply for the course. However, the factors that will determine who gets in and who doesn’t include the following:

Entry Requirement. This is not a case of waving the magic wand or being born by a wizard - a la Harry Porter. Students must have a 2:1 ‘honours degree’ (or its international equivalent) in a social sciences or humanities discipline. They may also consider the following: Those with a high 2:2 or equivalent, candidates from different academic backgrounds at degree level, and people with relevant work experience.

English Language Proficiency. International candidates will have to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language to enroll in the course. This will involve the submission of their test scores in IELTS, or other exams that assessed their English language proficiency.

The Course Curriculum. As a multidisciplinary degree, the course curriculum will be drawn from History, Literature, Archeology, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Drama, and Religion. So, it is not all about wands and spells. The course objective is to portray the impact of magic on the West and the East.

The Course Fee. Full-time students will have to ‘conjure up’ £12,000 to pay for the course. The cost of living allowance and study materials are not included. This means that, in addition to being serious and ready to study, the students must also be able to afford the cost of the degree course.

How Relevant Is This Course Now?

Social media, especially Tiktok, has become the hub of content creators who claim to be witches and they carry out all manner of rituals and practices from crystal healing, and tarot card reading, to concocting potions for various spells. Prof. Emily Selove the director of this course at Exeter University, believes that this is the right time for the course. She said there has been a recent surge in interest in magic and the occult inside and outside the academia. She stated that magic is a part of our everyday life which cannot be dismissed as not important to ‘modern people.’

Add the fact that there has been an increase in the number of people who identify as Pagans and Wiccans, according to a 2022 census. Then it goes to show that the old assumption that the West is a place of science and rationalism while the rest of the world is a place of magic and superstitions may not be true. In other words, the course was borne out of the need to harness the growing interest of those who are curious about dark practices.

What Are The Implications?

The legitimisation and normalisation of magic and witcraft in the eyes of the public. You can start to imagine people saying stuff like: ‘I am a student of Magic and Witchcraft in Exeter uni.’ Or, ‘ I hold a master’s degree in Magic and Witchcraft so I deserve the XYZ position.’

The traditional misconceptions and stereotypes about these practices may be exposed. For example, there is the stereotypical assumption that black magic is evil while white magic is good. How true is it?

The myth that magic and witchcraft are superstitious nonsense may be dispelled. First of all, life is spiritual. And if a reputable university offers this course, how can anyone deny that witches and wizards do exist?

An increase in the number of people who will desire to practise magic and witchcraft. And don’t tell me that this course will only be a theory without practicals.

Students will be attracted from all over the world to the UK which has gained the reputation as the centre for learning magic and witchcraft.

Overall, the implications of a UK university offering a master’s degree course in magic and witchcraft are unpredictable and complex. The course is still in the early developmental stages and how it will be implemented and received remains to be seen.

However, one thing is clear, this course will have a significant impact on the public perceptions about magic and witchcraft (whether negative or positive). Again, it will influence the field of research and scholarship in this area.