Choose MA Theology and Religion and explore the ways in which human thought and deed has been influenced over time by religious and theological beliefs.
Our broad-based MA in Theology and Religion builds on the Department’s global academic reputation to provide you with an in-depth understanding of theology and religion and their impact on the world’s belief systems in the past, present and future.
You will benefit from the theological and religious expertise that exists among academic staff and in University-based institutions such as the Centre for Death and Life Studies, the Centre for Catholic Studies, the Michael Ramsey Centre for Anglican Studies and the International Centre for Moral Injury. You will also have access to the magnificent resource that is our theological and religious libraries.
Teaching and research in the Department is focused on three key areas; biblical studies, Christian theology and the study of religion. Reflecting the wide-ranging expertise in the Department, this course allows you to select a number of elective modules in addition to working on a research dissertation of your choosing.
Learning is delivered through small group seminars and tutorials that require substantial preparatory work and contributions during sessions in order to develop your skills in analysis, presentation and independence of thinking. We also adopt a lecture-style format in some classes which provides a firm basis for further research and study in a particular topic.
You will also benefit from our cross-departmental links with the University’s Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and the Institute for Medieval and Early Modern Studies on this fascinating and challenging course.
Course structure
All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:
a Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
Core Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
Elective Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.
For students studying the MA in Theology and Religion, the Dissertation (your Major Research Project, 60 credits)) consists of a 12,000-15,000-word piece of research that will boost your knowledge and understanding of a theological or religious subject of particular interest to you. It will also hugely enhance your abilities in the areas of research and analysis of texts, ideas and arguments.
No modules are defined as core for this programme, but it is recommended that candidates for the MA in Theology and Religion take at least one of the following elective modules:
Classic Texts in Christian Theology (30 credits)
Ritual, Symbolism and Belief in the Anthropology of Religion (30 credits)
Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour (DL) (30 credits)
In total, you will choose 120 credits of elective modules from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities (at least one of which should be from the modules listed above), so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180.
The course offers a flexible programme of learning which puts you in control. The dissertation is the only compulsory module, with the remainder of the course made up from a wide range of Theology & Religion and other Arts & Humanities elective modules.
The majority of teaching is delivered in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere through small group seminars and tutorial sessions, designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out independent academic research. Classes include a lecture-style delivery which will give you a clear understanding of a particular subject so that you will be able to properly analyse and interpret information.
As well as supporting your own independent research activities with the possibility of continuing to doctorate level, skills in analysis and presentation will help you in your search for professional employment.
Assessment
Assessment is conducted through coursework, the majority of which is essay based. Some modules include oral examinations and the delivery of presentations as well as written exams.
A significant contribution to the outcome of your study will be a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words, written on a subject of your own choice and approved by your supervisor.
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirement is a BA (Honours) degree (UK 2:1 or overseas equivalent) in Theology, Religious Studies or a related discipline.
Or graduates from other related disciplines with training or experience in the study of religion or church ministry.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
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