Department of Theology and Religion

We are recognised internationally as a leading Department in the field of Theology and Religion, uniquely situated on a World Heritage Site and right next to Durham Cathedral. We are proud of our cutting-edge research, our high-quality teaching, and our vibrant community of academics and students.

Welcome to the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham

Our Durham Department of Theology and Religion is one of the largest in the UK, a diverse intellectual community of 50 academics, over 150 postgraduate students, and more than 70 undergraduates in each year. We use a variety of perspectives and methods to explore the ways that human beings have had, and continue to have, fundamental beliefs or worldviews concerning the world and our role within it. In our Department all beliefs and worldviews are taken seriously, respected, and studied, across the range of religious and non-religious perspectives.

We consistently rank among the very top Departments of Theology and Religion in the UK, and in the world. Our range of degree programmes enables students to explore their interests in the fields of theology, philosophy, religious studies, biblical studies, and ethics. Taught by researchers at the cutting-edge of their disciplines, our alumni are heavily in demand in a very wide range of jobs and professions.

Meet our staff

4th in the UK for Research Power REF 2021

7th in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

4th The Complete University Guide 2025

2nd for Religious Studies and Theology in the Guardian University Guide 2025

A rosary with a cross hanging with light in the background.

New MA in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning)

This is an exciting new programme which is led by Durham University's Centre for Catholic Studies and the Department of Theology and Religion.

Find out more

Theology and Religion: What is it like?

Find out more about studying Theology and Religion at Durham University.

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Study with us

With 32 academic staff, some 150 postgraduates and an annual undergraduate intake of 71 makes us one of the most varied and dynamic departments in the UK. Together, we form a lively and welcoming community to those of all faiths and to those of none.

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Undergraduate Study

Students sitting in the library, listening to a talk

Postgraduate Study

Student working on a laptop, with support from tutor

Our Staff

Tutor reading through book with students

Diversity Initiatives

Students having a hot drink and chatting round a table

Find out more About Us

World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2025

Durham is now ranked 89th in the world top 100 universities. Our top performance came in the Sustainability category, where we ranked 19th in the world. We also have a world-class reputation with employers, being ranked 65th.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings

A shrine dedicated to Carlo Acutis, a London-born, Italian-raised candidate for sainthood. Inside St Peter's, a Catholic church in Hove, England.

Carlo Acutis: what the first ‘millennial saint’ says about the Catholic church’s future

With Pope Francis reportedly clearing the way for Carlo Acutis to become the Catholic church's first millennial saint, Dr Liam Temple from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at what the significance of bestowing such an honour will mean for the church's future.

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Durham Professors elected to prestigious British Academy

Congratulations to Canon Professor Michael Snape and Professor Janet Montgomery who have been recognised for their contribution to the humanities and social sciences.

Global research
Transformative Humanities framework launched

Durham University's Transformative Humanities launched yesterday and gathered more than 130 researchers, colleagues, students, and partners from across the region and beyond to celebrate this new interdisciplinary framework.

Research news
Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.

Durham news
Vatican ceremony honour for Durham theologian

One of our leading theologians has been honoured in a ceremony at the Vatican.

Global research
Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church

A leading Durham University theologian is to help shape the Catholic Church for years to come.

Global research

Durham Professors elected to prestigious British Academy

Congratulations to Canon Professor Michael Snape and Professor Janet Montgomery who have been recognised for their contribution to the humanities and social sciences.

Global research

Canon Professor Michael Snape (left) and Professor Janet Montgomery (right)

Transformative Humanities framework launched

Durham University's Transformative Humanities launched yesterday and gathered more than 130 researchers, colleagues, students, and partners from across the region and beyond to celebrate this new interdisciplinary framework.

Research news

Transformative Humanities launch news banner

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.

Durham news

A group photo taken at the Syriac Studies in the UK conference

Vatican ceremony honour for Durham theologian

One of our leading theologians has been honoured in a ceremony at the Vatican.

Global research

Professor Anna Rowlands receives her Expanded Reason award at the Vatican

Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church

A leading Durham University theologian is to help shape the Catholic Church for years to come.

Global research

More news

Psychic nights can help with grief, study finds

Attending psychic nights can help ease a person’s grief, according to the initial findings of a research study.

Research news
Abuse crisis in Catholic Church has led to drop in Mass attendance

A third of Catholics who previously went to Mass have reduced their attendance or stopped going altogether as a result of the child sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.

Research news
The unique history of the only person who can preach to the pope

Dr Liam Temple, from our Department of Theology and Religion, tells how he worked with the only man who can preach to the Pope.

Research news

Psychic nights can help with grief, study finds

Attending psychic nights can help ease a person’s grief, according to the initial findings of a research study.

Red neon with the words psychic readings, on a black background

Abuse crisis in Catholic Church has led to drop in Mass attendance

A third of Catholics who previously went to Mass have reduced their attendance or stopped going altogether as a result of the child sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.

The unique history of the only person who can preach to the pope

Dr Liam Temple, from our Department of Theology and Religion, tells how he worked with the only man who can preach to the Pope.

Pope standing at microphone with a cardinal standing on either side

Firebrand finally tells Katherine Parr’s story – and Jude Law is grippingly grotesque as Henry VIII

Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander tells the story of Katherine Parr and explores how she outlived her murderous husband, Henry VIII. But is it worth a watch? Professor Alec Ryrie, from our Department of Theology and Religion, gives his views on the new cinema release.

Global research
Durham Professors elected to prestigious British Academy

Congratulations to Canon Professor Michael Snape and Professor Janet Montgomery who have been recognised for their contribution to the humanities and social sciences.

Global research
Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.

Global research

Firebrand finally tells Katherine Parr’s story – and Jude Law is grippingly grotesque as Henry VIII

Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander tells the story of Katherine Parr and explores how she outlived her murderous husband, Henry VIII. But is it worth a watch? Professor Alec Ryrie, from our Department of Theology and Religion, gives his views on the new cinema release.

Henry and Katherine Parr. Illustration by John Leech (1817-1864)

Durham Professors elected to prestigious British Academy

Congratulations to Canon Professor Michael Snape and Professor Janet Montgomery who have been recognised for their contribution to the humanities and social sciences.

Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.

A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.

Durham news
The diversity of the university experience helps students become good citizens

How do universities produce good citizens? For Mathew Guest, Professor of the Sociology of Religion, research on interfaith relations may have the answer.

Durham news
Britain’s new Faith Museum is the ideal place to set aside your preconceptions about religion

Professor Alec Ryrie from our Department of Theology and Religion visits the new Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland and explains how it provides a rare opportunity to set aside preconceptions about religion and faith.

Durham news

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

The diversity of the university experience helps students become good citizens

How do universities produce good citizens? For Mathew Guest, Professor of the Sociology of Religion, research on interfaith relations may have the answer.

An image of a crowd or people icons on a white background

Britain’s new Faith Museum is the ideal place to set aside your preconceptions about religion

Professor Alec Ryrie from our Department of Theology and Religion visits the new Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland and explains how it provides a rare opportunity to set aside preconceptions about religion and faith.

Our location

We are located in the beautiful city of Durham with its home in Abbey House, right next to Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO world Heritage site.

A beautiful and immensely exciting place to study and to research Theology and Religion.

Our Facilities

Autumn leaves outside Abbey House in Durham

Student updates

Hear from our students in the Department of Theology and Religion.

Highlights

What’s it like studying Theology and Religion? (BA Religion, Society and Culture edition)

Religion, Society and Culture student Sophie explains what the course is like, why she chose it, and what she loves about Durham.
What’s it like studying Theology and Religion?

Would you like to study Theology and Religion? Find out about Dylan's experience.