Study of Religion

The Study of Religion at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of religious beliefs, practices, texts, and traditions from around the world. This interdisciplinary programme provides students with the opportunity to examine the historical development, philosophical underpinnings, and cultural significance of various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and indigenous spiritualities. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of materials such as sacred texts, archaeological findings, art, and contemporary religious expressions, fostering a deep understanding of religion as a vital aspect of human life and society.

The programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and scholarly research techniques, enabling students to explore complex religious phenomena contextually and analytically. Students are encouraged to consider questions related to the nature of religious experience, the role of religion in shaping societies, and contemporary issues surrounding religious identities and conflicts. The curriculum often includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, providing a dynamic learning environment that supports intellectual independence and academic excellence.

Students admitted to the Study of Religion at Oxford benefit from access to world-class resources, including extensive libraries and archives, as well as opportunities to engage with leading academics and religious practitioners. The programme is suitable for those with a keen interest in understanding the diverse ways in which religions influence human behavior, ethics, and culture. Graduates of the course often pursue careers in academia, education, public policy, religious organizations, journalism, or related fields where a nuanced understanding of religion is essential.

The course typically spans three to four years for undergraduate students and one year for taught postgraduate students, with options for specialization in specific religious traditions or thematic areas such as ethics, philosophy, or history of religion. With its rigorous academic framework and global perspectives, the Study of Religion at Oxford aims to prepare students to become informed and thoughtful leaders in discussions about religion’s role in the modern world.

In many cases, you will study the early doctrines and practices of religious traditions in their historical contexts, engaging with primary source texts in English translation, but you may also opt to study the modern variations of a particular religion, or a set of religious practices or institutions in the contemporary world. The Oxford tutorial system applies to post-graduate study in this course, so you are encouraged to develop your particular interests in conversation with your tutors.

Each of these traditions has an internationally-recognised research centre, institute, or outstanding cluster of scholars in Oxford. This typically means that you are not only taught by specialists in your chosen tradition, but also have access to a variety of specialist libraries and collections.

Assessment typically consists of:

• a single three-hour exam on the core course Methods and Study of Religion/Themes in the Interaction Between Religions;
• two essays of up to 5,000 words, between them covering two religious traditions either on their own or in comparison/connection with another;
• a dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words on a topic relating to either one religious tradition on its own or two or more religious traditions in comparison/connection with each other - if you are intending to proceed to doctoral study this is normally used as a foundation for future research); and
• an oral examination (viva voce) on your dissertation and essay research topics and wider knowledge of the study of religion unless individually dispensed by the examiners.

The choice of essay and dissertation topics is decided by the student, subject to advice from the supervisor and final approval. Students would be encouraged to use the work on their essays as building blocks towards their dissertation.  

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 a related field. 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 

The Study of Religion at the University of Oxford is a distinguished interdisciplinary programme that explores the complex and diverse ways in which religion shapes human societies, cultures, and individual experiences. This programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of religious beliefs, practices, histories, and texts across a wide range of traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and indigenous religions. Through rigorous academic training, students engage with primary sources, theological analyses, philosophical debates, and anthropological perspectives. The course encourages critical thinking and allows for specialization in particular religious traditions or thematic areas such as ethics, ritual, sacred texts, or religious minorities. The programme is designed for students interested in understanding the role of religion in contemporary society and its historical development. Students benefit from Oxford's renowned tutorial system, which offers personalized supervision and intensive research opportunities. The faculty involved in the programme are leading scholars in the fields of religious studies, theology, and related disciplines, providing mentorship and fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry. Graduates of the programme have gone on to careers in academia, journalism, public policy, interfaith dialogue, and various roles within religious organizations. The programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary methodologies, including historical analysis, hermeneutics, sociology, and anthropology, equipping students with versatile research skills. It prepares students to critically analyze religious phenomena and to understand their significance in a global context. Located in Oxford, a city with a rich religious heritage and historical significance, the programme offers students access to numerous religious sites, archives, and libraries, enriching their learning experience. Overall, the Study of Religion at Oxford is an intellectually challenging and rewarding programme that aims to foster informed and reflective engagement with the world's religious traditions and contemporary issues surrounding religion.