Theology

The DPhil in Theology is the Faculty of Theology and Religion’s research degree for graduate students in theology and religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level. 

Graduate destinations

Students with graduate qualifications in theology enter a variety of careers. The vast majority of Oxford DPhil students proceed to academic posts in major research universities, liberal arts colleges or church seminaries. Many go on to work for charities and for development, non-profit organisations and think tanks. Some, however, enter pastoral ministry, management consultancy, the media and archival work.

You will join the faculty as a Probationary Research Student (PRS) and apply for transfer of status usually within your first year. There is a further assessment of your work and progress in your third year. The degree is awarded on the successful completion of your research thesis and an oral examination.

A supervisor, or supervisors, will provide support and guidance and help you develop your ideas, direction and a programme of research. You will be part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

You will be encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division.

There are opportunities to attend and participate in the faculty’s professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.

The DPhil in Theology offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion. The course is designed to provide an extensive range of research skills, as well as in-depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen field of research.

Students admitted to the DPhil will most often have acquired one of the Faculty of Theology and Religion's MSt or MPhil degrees within their area of research, ie theology, religious studies or another closely-related field. It is customary for students to incorporate their master's dissertation into their doctoral thesis.

Students in possession of an equivalent master's degree from another institution may apply to have this requirement waived. The faculty considers such waivers on a case-by-case basis and may recommend applicants to consider an MSt or MPhil degree in their initial application to the University.

Part-time study

Part-time students are required to attend for a minimum of thirty days of university-based work each year. The DPhil in Theology is not available by online or distance learning.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in theology, religious studies or another closely-related field.

Students admitted to the DPhil will most often have acquired either the faculty's MSt or its MPhil degree within their area of research. It is customary for students to incorporate their master’s dissertation into their doctoral thesis. Students in possession of an equivalent master's degree from another institution may apply to have this requirement waived. The faculty considers such waivers on a case-by-case basis, and may recommend applicants to consider an MSt or MPhil degree in their initial application to the University.

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class undergraduate degree and a grade of 66% or above in a relevant master's degree.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Dependent on your chosen project, you may be required to have reached a sufficient level in a language or languages relevant to your study such as Hebrew, Greek, Latin or Arabic. 

Other examination results may be submitted alongside degree qualifications. If offered, the minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score sought is 160 and the minimum GMAT score sought is 600.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Around two pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme