Theology and Religion

{ "Programme name": "BA Theology and Religion", "Degree designation": "Bachelor of Arts (BA)", "Subject area": "Theology and Religion", "Qualification level": "Undergraduate", "Mode of study": "Full-Time, Part-Time", "Duration": "3 or 4 years", "Start date": "September 2024", "Academic requirements": "A-levels or equivalent qualifications, typically AAA or AAB; IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 in each component) or equivalent for non-native English speakers", "Programme overview": "The BA Theology and Religion programme at Durham University offers students a comprehensive exploration of religious beliefs, practices, texts, and histories from a global perspective. The programme is designed to foster critical thinking, interpretative skills, and intellectual engagement with major religious traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others. Students will examine contemporary religious issues, religious ethics, and the role religion plays in shaping societies and individual lives. The course combines theoretical approaches with practical insights, encouraging students to evaluate religious claims, understand religious diversity, and consider the relevance of religion in modern contexts. Students will benefit from Durham’s renowned academic staff and vibrant research community, engaging in detailed textual analysis, historical studies, philosophical inquiry, and contemporary case studies. The programme also provides opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in interfaith initiatives, preparing graduates for diverse careers in education, community work, media, public policy, and further academic research. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their study pathways, with options for optional modules covering areas such as Christian Theology, Islamic Studies, Religious Ethics, and New Religious Movements. The programme aims to produce graduates who are empathetic, informed, and capable of engaging with complex religious issues critically and compassionately, equipped with skills valuable in a range of professional settings.", "Admission requirements": "A-levels: typical offers are AAA or AAB; International Baccalaureate: 34-36 points; Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 in each component; Other qualifications: equivalent international qualifications considered", "Modules": "Introduction to Religious Studies; Texts and Traditions; Religions of the World; Ethical Perspectives; Religion, Society and Politics; Christianity: History and Theology; Judaism: History and Practice; Islam: Beliefs and Practices; Hinduism and Buddhism; Contemporary Religious Issues; Optional modules include: Christianity in the Modern World; Islam and Politics; Religion and Media; Religious Ethics; Religion and Science.", "Career opportunities": "Graduates of the programme often pursue careers in education, community and youth work, religious organizations, media and journalism, public policy and administration, international development, or undertake postgraduate study and research in theology, religious studies, or related disciplines.", "Key features": "Academic excellence from Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion; opportunities for interdisciplinary and applied learning; close engagement with religious communities; focus on critical, analytical, and intercultural skills; preparation for diverse professional pathways.", "Special features": "Access to Durham’s global religious and interfaith networks; involvement in community engagement projects; visiting speakers from religious communities and academia; access to extensive library and research resources; opportunities for study abroad or placement year." }

Content

The Durham degree course incorporates a variety of ways of interacting with theology and religion, and equips you with the knowledge and skills to engage with detailed study of Old and New Testaments; the study of religion (which brings to bear the methods of social sciences such as anthropology and sociology upon religious practices and addresses issues of religion in contemporary society); the historical and contemporary study of the Christian tradition; and the insights and challenges of theology, philosophy and ethics.

The flexible structure of the degree allows you to pursue either a broadly based, diverse programme of study, or to specialise in an area of your choice.

Theology also features as part of the Joint Honours Theology and Philosophy degree, in which students take modules run by the Theology and Philosophy Departments.

Year 1

Four compulsory modules are taken in the first year, as follows:

• Introduction to Biblical Studies
• Study of Religion
• Christianity in Context 
• Introduction to Christian Theology

and two optional modules from a list which in the past has included:

• Biblical Hebrew
• New Testament Greek
• God and Evil
• God and the Good
• Reading Biblical Texts
• Introduction to Economic Ethics
• Mediaeval Latin
• A module from another department

One of these optional modules may be taken in your second year. 

Year 2

Beyond the first year, you have the opportunity to either develop your expertise in all of these areas, or to specialise in one or more according to your interests. Here are some examples of modules that have previously been offered in the second year:

• Literature and Theology of the Old Testament
• New Testament Theology: Exploring Paul and John
• Philosophy and the Christian Tradition 100-1300
• Death, Ritual and Belief
• The Making of Modern Christianity: Medieval and Reformation Europe  
• God, Freedom and the Soul
• Topics in Christian Ethics
• Christian Theology: The Essential Questions.

In your second year you may also take up to two modules in other departments.

Year 3

In your final year, you will submit a double dissertation which allows you to explore in depth a topic of your choice which is of special interest to you. Students in the third year also take optional modules, selecting from a list which in the past has included :

• Issues in Old Testament Studies
• Aramaic
• Biblical Theology
• The First Urban Churches
• Religion and Film
• Emotion, Religion and Identity
• The Postmodern God
• Christian Tradition and the Practice of Politics

If not taken in the second year (see above), you may also take up to two Finals modules (in total) in another department.

Subject requirements, level and grade

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

• 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. Please contact our Admissions Selectors
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry
• There is no need to make separate applications for both V614 and V615: you can switch between the two at any time up until Christmas of your second year.

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

The Theology and Religion undergraduate program at Durham University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for UK students are set annually by the university and are subject to change; as of the latest academic year, the fees are approximately £9,250 per year. International students should consult the university’s official website for specific fee details, which tend to be higher. Students are advised to explore various funding opportunities, including government-backed student loans for domestic students, scholarships, and bursaries granted by Durham University. The university provides various scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as course specialization or demographic background. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of securing financial aid. In addition to university-specific funding, students may be eligible for external grants, charitable bursaries, or sponsorships relevant to their area of study or nationality. For international students, visa regulations often require proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses; Durham University offers guidance on acceptable proof of financial resources. Student loans may cover tuition fees and living costs, with repayment terms depending on the student’s country of residence and income level post-graduation. The university also promotes part-time work opportunities during term time, enabling students to supplement their income while balancing academic commitments. The cost of living in Durham is relatively moderate compared to larger cities, but students should budget for accommodation, transportation, books, and personal expenses. Durham University’s Career & Wellbeing Support services can provide advice on financial planning and managing university expenses effectively. Overall, the financing of the Theology and Religion program combines university scholarships, government loans, external funding sources, and personal budgeting strategies to ensure students can access and complete their degree with adequate financial support.

The Theology and Religion program at Durham University offers students an in-depth exploration of religious beliefs, practices, and the historical development of various faiths. This undergraduate course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Christianity, as well as other major world religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. The program combines historical, textual, philosophical, and contemporary perspectives to give students a holistic view of religious phenomena and their influence on cultures and societies.

Students engaged in the Theology and Religion course benefit from Durham's renowned Department of Theology and Religion, which has a strong academic reputation and a diverse faculty with expertise spanning biblical studies, church history, ethics, philosophy of religion, and interfaith dialogue. The curriculum typically involves core modules that cover biblical studies, religious ethics, and the history of Christianity, alongside optional modules allowing students to tailor their learning towards specific interests like religious identity, modern religious movements, or theology.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, academic research skills, and reflective discussion, preparing graduates for careers across education, religious leadership, community development, journalism, or further academic research. Durham University encourages students to participate in internships, study abroad opportunities, and interfaith projects to enrich their learning experience and foster intercultural understanding.

Assessment methods generally include essays, presentations, exams, and research projects, fostering both individual and collaborative skills. The course is suitable for students who are curious about faith and its role in the modern world, as well as those interested in historical and cultural studies related to religion. Throughout the program, students are supported by a vibrant academic community, engaging in seminars, workshops, and conferences that deepen their understanding of religious phenomena.

Graduates of Durham's Theology and Religion program are well-equipped with analytical, communication, and intercultural skills, enabling them to pursue careers in education, religious practice, public policy, or further academic study. The program’s strong interdisciplinary approach ensures that students not only learn about religious traditions but also engage critically with contemporary issues such as secularism, religious pluralism, and ethical debates. Overall, the course aims to foster thoughtful, informed, and empathetic individuals capable of engaging thoughtfully with religious diversity and complex societal challenges.