Theology and Religion

While Theology is an ancient intellectual discipline, no one can doubt the continuing and momentous social significance of theology and religion around the world today. Study of the subject provides both an understanding of the intellectual underpinning of religious traditions, and of the social and cultural contexts for religious belief and practice. In order to engage fully with the questions raised by the critical study of Theology and Religion you will be required to become something of a historian and a philosopher, a textual and literary critic, and a linguist. To be able to employ these disciplines effectively will not only make you a scholar of religion but equip you to embark on a wide range of careers.

Oxford has been at the very heart of religious debate, reform and turmoil in the British Isles for eight centuries so that the faculty here wears a mantle of history not available in most other universities. At the same time Theology and Religion at Oxford is embracing wholeheartedly the challenges of the 21st century with the opportunity to study all the major world religions and their primary languages. Students can also explore the relationship between religion and science, and the place of religious ethics in public life.

The Faculty of Theology and Religion has more than 100 members ranging from experts in the ancient languages and literature of the world’s religions to church historians and systematic theologians. Its reputation and excellent library facilities attract scholars from all over the world as visiting lecturers.

Theology Careers

While some Theology and Religion graduates go on to further academic study, other recent graduates have pursued careers in law, the Civil Service, social work, education, the media, publishing, banking, management consultancy, accountancy, personnel management, teaching, the police force and the churches.

Rob says of his work as a manager in Accenture: ‘People are always surprised when I tell them what my degree was! However, it really helped shape my analytical skills through the tutorial system. The breadth of subject matter in Theology prepared me for the different subjects I encounter each day as a management consultant.’

Work is divided between tutorials (at least one a week), lectures (up to six a week), and language classes (at least three a week in the first year). A large part of your week will be spent in private study to prepare for tutorials.

The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. 

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan.