Philosophy and Theology

The Philosophy and Theology programme at Durham University offers students a unique opportunity to explore some of the most profound questions concerning human existence, morality, religion, and the nature of reality. This interdisciplinary course combines rigorous philosophical analysis with the study of theological perspectives from diverse religious traditions, providing a comprehensive understanding of how belief systems influence individuals and societies. Throughout the programme, students engage with classical and contemporary texts, develop critical thinking skills, and examine key issues such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, ethics, and the role of religion in public life.

Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion is renowned for its vibrant academic community, extensive resources, and world-class research. The programme offers a flexible structure that allows students to tailor their studies according to personal interests, with options to focus more heavily on philosophical reasoning or theological doctrine. Throughout their studies, students participate in engaging seminars, lectures, and independent research projects, fostering analytical skills and encouraging the development of original ideas.

The course content includes modules on Ancient Philosophy, Religious Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Historical Theology, and Contemporary Philosophical Issues. Students also explore the relationship between philosophy and theology, examining how these disciplines complement and challenge each other. Emphasis is placed on critical debate, ethical reasoning, and understanding diverse religious beliefs, preparing graduates for careers in academia, public service, education, religious organizations, or further research.

Living and studying in Durham provides a stimulating environment, with access to historic libraries, vibrant student communities, and numerous extracurricular activities. The university’s supportive academic staff are committed to mentoring students, helping them develop clarity and confidence in their intellectual pursuits. Graduates of this programme leave equipped with analytical, communicative, and reflective skills, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully to discussions on morality, faith, and the human condition. Whether continuing to postgraduate study or entering the workforce, students gain a profound appreciation of the complex relationship between philosophy and theology, fostering a nuanced understanding of the ways religious ideas shape individual lives and societal structures.

Content

The study of philosophy at Durham does not follow one particular school. The Department is unique in the UK in its wide-ranging expertise in Anglo-American analytical philosophy and Continental philosophy. Each of these has its own distinctive set of issues and approaches to resolving them. We also have special expertise in the philosophy of science, and social science, and the history of science and medicine. So at Durham you will follow one of the widest-ranging philosophy degrees in the country.

At Durham, you will have the opportunity to study Philosophy as a Single Honours degree, or with another subject including: English, Music, Psychology, Politics or Theology. Philosophy can also be combined in a Joint Honours degree within the Natural Sciences programme or as part of a Combined Honours degree.

Philosophy is a new subject for many students, so in your first year you follow a range of introductory courses, introducing the fundamental philosophical subject areas.

Year 1

In their first year, all students take the core modules of Ethics and Values, Knowledge and Reality, and Reading Philosophy. The first two of these concern the two broad divisions of Philosophy, into Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge on the one hand, and Moral Philosophy on the other. Reading Philosophy is a text-based course which examines in depth classic works by writers such as Plato, Hume and Sartre.

Students take two compulsory modules in Theology and Religion:

• Introduction to the New Testament
• Introduction to Christian Theology.

In addition students are able to choose one further module from those offered by Theology and Religion.

Years 2 and 3

In the second year, all students take Philosophy of Religion.

In the second and third years, students also have a choice of a wide range of Philosophy topics. In previous years these have included:

• Moral Theory
• Philosophy of Mind
• Modern Philosophy I and II
• Theory, Literature and Society
• Gender, Film and Society
• Issues in Contemporary Ethics
• Political Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Language, Logic and Reality
• Twentieth Century European Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• The Philosophy of Economics and Politics: Theory, Methods and Values
• Applied Ethics
• Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science
• History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
• Biomedical Ethics Past and Present.

A similarly wide range of modules are available in Theology. In previous years these have included:

• Literature and Theology of the Old Testament
• New Testament Theology: Exploring Paul and John
• Death, Ritual and Belief
• Christian Theology: The Essential Questions
• The Making of Modern Christianity: Medieval and Reformation Europe
• Philosophy and the Christian Religion 100-1300
• God, Freedom and the Soul
• Topics in Christian Ethics
• Science and Theology: Exploring the Interface
• Religion in Contemporary Britain
• Judaism
• God and the Universe of Faiths
• Religion and Film
• The Postmodern God
• The Theology of Thomas Aquinas
• Landscapes of Worship in Contemporary South Asia
• Aramaic.

Students also have the opportunity to study a subject in depth, by writing a substantial Dissertation of your choice.

Study Abroad

We participate in exchange schemes through which you may spend a year of your studies abroad, either with universities in Europe – through the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme – or with the University of California.

Theology and Religion

We are part of the ERASMUS programme which encourages students to study for part of their course in a university of another EU country. We have exchange links with the following European universities where teaching is offered in the language of the country:

• Strasbourg (France)
• Tübingen, Kiel and Erfurt (Germany)
• Bern (Switzerland)
• Iasi (Romania)
• Athens and Thessaloniki (Greece).

ERASMUS students can follow courses in English at our partner universities in:

• Leuven (Belgium)
• Helsinki (Finland)
• Uppsala (Sweden)
• Oslo (Norway)
• Reykjavic (Iceland).

You can also benefit from the non-EU exchange schemes set up by Durham University which include:

• Boston College (USA)
• The University of British Columbia (Canada)
• McMaster University (Canada)
• Queens University (Canada)
• University of Calgary (Canada)
• The University of Hong Kong (China)
• The National University of Singapore (Singapore)
• University of Otago (New Zealand)
• University of Western Australia (Australia).
• More information on the Study Abroad option is available online atwww.durham.ac.uk/theology.religion/undergrad/abroad

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• To study Philosophy and Theology you must have AAA at A-level, or the equivalent, in arts or science subjects. Philosophy at AS or A level is not a requirement.
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
• We consider each application holistically. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference. 
• An interview may form part of the entry requirements for mature students with non-standard qualifications.
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
• Please note we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Tuition fees for the Philosophy and Theology program at Durham University vary depending on the mode of study and the student's residency status. For UK home students, the undergraduate fee is approximately £9,250 per year, which is in line with the standard tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Durham. International students are typically charged higher fees; for this programme, the fee may be around £20,500 per year. These figures are indicative and subject to change annually, so prospective students should consult the university's official website for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider additional costs such as accommodation, living expenses, books and study materials, and personal expenses. Durham provides a range of accommodation options for students, with costs varying from approximately £4,000 to £8,000 per year depending on the type of accommodation and location. Living expenses, including food, transportation, and personal costs, are estimated at about £9,000 to £11,000 per year, based on student expenditure data.

Financial support is available for eligible students. Durham University offers scholarships, bursaries, and grants to help mitigate the costs of studying. The Durham University Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, for example, provides a significant sum towards tuition fees for outstanding applicants. Additionally, students can apply for government-backed student loans, which cover tuition fees and provide maintenance loans to assist with living costs. The eligibility and application process for these loans are coordinated through the UK government Student Loans Company.

International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including scholarships from their home countries, private bursaries, and sponsorships. Durham University maintains partnerships with various organizations and foundations that offer financial assistance for international students.

Students are advised to budget carefully and consider all potential costs involved in their studies. The university's official financial aid advisors provide personalized guidance to help students plan their finances effectively. It is also recommended to apply early for financial aid and scholarships to maximize chances of receiving support.

Overall, studying Philosophy and Theology at Durham University requires careful financial planning, but a range of funding options and support programs are available to assist students in financing their education.

The Philosophy and Theology undergraduate programme at Durham University offers students a comprehensive exploration of two interconnected fields that have significantly shaped human thought and culture. This joint honours degree provides an in-depth analysis of philosophical ideas, arguments, and methodologies alongside the study of theological beliefs, doctrines, and historical developments within various religious traditions. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of complex ethical and metaphysical issues, preparing students for a wide range of careers or further academic pursuits.

Throughout the course, students engage with classical and contemporary philosophical texts, examining topics such as knowledge, reality, morality, and the nature of existence. In tandem, they study the central tenets, scriptures, and historical movements within Christianity and other world religions. The programme encourages students to approach theological questions from both faith-based and philosophical perspectives, facilitating a balanced and nuanced understanding of religious beliefs and practices.

The programme structure typically includes core modules covering essential philosophical and theological topics, alongside optional modules allowing students to specialise in areas such as ethics, philosophy of mind, biblical studies, or religious history. Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and debates that enhance their analytical and communication skills.

Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion is renowned for its research-led teaching and vibrant academic community, providing an enriching environment for students. The programme may include opportunities for placements, field trips, or engaging with religious communities, fostering practical understanding alongside academic learning.

Graduates of the Philosophy and Theology programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, education, public service, religious organisations, journalism, or sectors requiring strong analytical and ethical reasoning skills. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that students develop a broad worldview and the ability to evaluate complex issues thoughtfully and critically.

The course is typically completed over three or four years, depending on the mode of study (full-time or part-time). Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, and dissertations. The university’s excellent support services and resources, including libraries and online databases, underpin students’ learning experience. Overall, Durham University’s Philosophy and Theology degree aims to produce reflective, critical thinkers prepared to contribute meaningfully to intellectual and societal debates.