Philosophical Theology

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Philosophical Theology at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the profound relationship between philosophy and theology. This graduate program is designed for students who wish to engage deeply with classical and contemporary philosophical questions relating to religious beliefs, divine nature, and the role of faith in human life. Covering a wide range of topics from the nature of God, divine action, religious language, and moral philosophy to the intersection of philosophy with biblical studies, this course fosters critical thinking and analytical skills essential for academic and professional pursuits in theology, philosophy, religious studies, and related disciplines.

The curriculum combines advanced coursework, seminars, and independent research, allowing students to develop their own philosophical and theological perspectives under the guidance of distinguished faculty members. The program emphasizes rigorous argumentation, clarity of thought, and meticulous engagement with both primary texts and contemporary scholarly debates. Students will have access to the rich resources of the Bodleian Libraries and the University’s extensive theological collections, providing an excellent foundation for original research and thesis development.

The MSt in Philosophical Theology is suitable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of religious thought or preparing for doctoral studies. It also offers valuable training for careers in academia, religious institutions, writing, journalism, or public policy. The program typically spans one year for full-time students, with flexible options for part-time study, accommodating a diverse range of backgrounds and commitments. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong academic ability, a keen interest in philosophical and theological questions, and a capacity for independent scholarly work. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully and critically to discussions at the intersection of philosophy and theology, advancing both academic knowledge and practical understanding in these vital fields.

The course consists of a year of tutorials and a year writing a thesis. In the first year, you will work on philosophy of religion, history of philosophical theology and an area of either philosophy or theology. Topics available in philosophy of religion include such standards as arguments for and against the existence of God, but also subjects in the philosophical analysis of Christian doctrines. In the history of philosophical theology, you will select two periods from the options of patristic (Origen, Augustine), medieval (Anselm, Aquinas) and modern (Kant, Schleiermacher, Kierkegaard) philosophy. In the third subject, again, you will write on core topics and authors. 

Depending on the subject and supervisor there will be six or eight tutorials, each 75 minutes and each requiring the writing of a ten- to twelve-page paper. Instructors provide ‘starter’ reading lists; you will choose your own paper topics, but are advised to bear in mind the range of issues that have come up on past examinations. Tutorials consist of close discussion of the paper, issues it raises and/or issues related to these.

You will not be part of a formal research group, but there is lively informal interchange among students, including reading and work-in-progress groups.  In the second year, you will write a 30,000-word thesis.  You are assessed on this and on each of your first-year units, the latter by three-hour sit-down examinations at the end of the second year.

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 either philosophy, theology, religious studies or a closely related subject and should wish to do more advanced work in philosophical theology. Entrance is very competitive.

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).

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
• Statement of purpose: One page
• 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 

Philosophical Theology at the University of Oxford offers a rigorous and comprehensive exploration of foundational questions regarding the nature of God, religious language, divine attributes, and the relationship between faith and reason. This program is designed for students interested in engaging deeply with philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God, as well as examining the historical development of theological ideas through a philosophical lens. Participants will study key texts from historical figures such as Aquinas, Kant, and Wittgenstein, alongside contemporary philosophical debates concerning religious belief, secularism, and the interpretation of sacred texts.

The curriculum combines philosophical analysis with theological reflection, encouraging students to critically evaluate concepts like omnipotence, omniscience, divine justice, and the problem of evil. Courses typically cover topics such as the nature of religious language, religious epistemology, and the logical challenges posed by divine attributes. Students also have opportunities to explore related areas such as metaethics, the philosophy of religion, and the history of philosophical theology.

Supervision and tutorials are a hallmark of the program, providing personalized guidance tailored to each student’s research interests. The program often attracts students with backgrounds in philosophy, theology, or related disciplines and aims to develop their analytical reasoning, argumentation skills, and theological understanding. Candidates are expected to produce a substantial research project or thesis that contributes to scholarly conversations in philosophical theology.

Graduates of the program often go on to pursue academic careers, engage in religious or philosophical teaching, or work in fields that require critical thinking and ethical analysis. Regular seminars, workshops, and conferences facilitate engagement with leading scholars and foster a vibrant academic community. The University of Oxford’s resources, including access to extensive library collections and research centers, support advanced study and research in this specialized field. The program’s rigorous academic environment ensures that students develop both a broad understanding of philosophical and theological issues and specialized expertise in particular areas of interest.