China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Magical studies
The University of Exeter, UK, has announced its groundbreaking Master of Arts in Magic and Occult Science, which will start in September 2024. The new program has captured imaginations and sparked heated debates.
According to the university, the course brings together academics from diverse fields such as history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, sociology, psychology, drama, and religion. Together, they will examine the role of magic and the occult in both Western and Eastern cultures, challenging conventional perceptions, and encouraging a deeper understanding of the global influence of magic and the occult on society and science.
Professor Emily Selove, the course leader, emphasized the program’s relevance to contemporary society.
“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,” she said in an interview with the BBC. “Decolonization, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism and anti-racism are at the core of this program.”
Interestingly, the University of Exeter could boast a magical connection of its own, since the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, had also studied at this institution.
However, not everyone is enchanted by the idea. Critics on social media have mocked the degree, describing it as “insane” and a “waste of money”.
But the university stands firm in its commitment to offering a unique educational experience, saying on its official website that graduates of this MA program will be well-equipped for a multitude of careers, from teaching and counseling to heritage preservation, arts organizations, and even the publishing industry.