Theology

The Theology programme at the University of Birmingham offers students an comprehensive and in-depth exploration of religious traditions, theological thought, and the impact of faith on society. Designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of religious beliefs and practices, this course provides students with the tools to engage thoughtfully with complex questions about meaning, existence, and morality. Throughout the programme, students will examine a wide range of religious texts, doctrines, and historical developments across different faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other major world religions. The curriculum fosters interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from philosophy, history, anthropology, and literary studies to enrich students' understanding of religious phenomena.

Students will have opportunities to participate in stimulating discussions, research projects, and fieldwork, allowing for hands-on engagement with religious communities and practices. The programme emphasizes both academic rigor and personal reflection, encouraging students to consider their own beliefs and values in light of diverse religious perspectives. Advanced modules explore contemporary issues such as ethics, social justice, secularism, and interfaith dialogue, preparing graduates to work in various sectors including education, community work, policy making, or religious organizations. The University of Birmingham's vibrant academic community and access to extensive resources, including libraries, archives, and expert faculty, support students in becoming well-rounded scholars and informed citizens.

Graduates of the Theology programme will gain essential skills in critical analysis, effective communication, and cultural awareness. They will be equipped with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully to discussions on religion and society and to pursue further academic research or professional careers related to faith, ethics, and social issues. The programme's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests, encouraging both specialization and broad interdisciplinary learning. Overall, the Theology course at Birmingham is a rigorous and engaging programme that prepares students for diverse roles in a multicultural and interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

First year

Your first year involves studying introductory modules that provide you with the opportunity to explore a range of topics. As a Single Honours student, you will also take a module from another subject area (MOMD). Examples of modules include:

Core modules

• Introduction to Biblical Studies (20)
• Introduction to the History of Christianity (20)
• Introduction to Islam (20)
• Introduction to the Study of Religion (20)
• MOMD (20)

Optional modules

• Contemporary Christianity (10)
• Global Christianity (10)
• Introduction to Jewish Studies (10)
• Introduction to the Study of the Holocaust (10)

Second year

In your second year, you’ll be provided with a structured framework for gaining professional skills in presentation and teamwork, as well as identifying an appropriate dissertation area, research question and supervisor, and completing the initial planning and research for your final-year dissertation. You’ll have a wide choice of optional modules and you’ll also undertake a placement for around two weeks in a school, charity or other situation in the UK or abroad. You’ll be required to reflect critically on this placement in a written report in the light of your studies in Theology and Religion and your career aspirations

Core modules

• Methods and Dissertation Preparation (20)
• Placement (20)

Optional modules

• Arabic I (20)
• Beginners' Greek (20)
• Biblical Hebrew Language (20)
• The Holocaust in History and Memory (20)
• New Age and Alternative Spiritualities (20)
• Religion in Contemporary Society (20)
• Special Study (20)
• Themes in Christian Theology (20)
• Theological Ethics (20)
• Use and Interpretation of the Bible (20)
• Islam and the West (10)
• Women in Islam (10)
• Hinduism (10)
• Sikhism (10)

Final year

In your final year you have lot of freedom to choose the path your own degree will take, with optional modules ranging from Religion and the Arts, Islam in Britain, to Problems of Diversity, the Dead Sea Scrolls and Pentecostal/Charismatic Theology.

A large part of your final year is devoted to your dissertation; a major piece of independent work for which you identify your own topic and carry out research with supervisory help to produce a 12,000-word essay.

Core module

• Dissertation (40)

Optional modules

• Arabic II (20)
• Biblical Studies: Independent Study (20)
• Contemporary Christian Though (20)
• Hebrew Texts (20)
• Christian/Muslim Relations (20)
• Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology (20)
• Thealogy: Transgressive Travels with the Goddess (20)
• Believing in the City (10)
• Bible and Sacred Space (10)
• Contemporary Sufi Movements (10)
• Cyber Religion (10)
• Dead Sea Scrolls: Text and Context (10)
• Intercultural Theology (10)
• Islamic Philosophy (10)
• Islam in Britain (10)
• Jewish Religious Responses to the Holocaust (10)
• Problems of Religious Diversity (10)
• Queer Bibles and Theologies (10)
• Religion and the Arts (10)
• Set Texts A (10)
• Set Texts B (10)

Study Abroad Option

You'll have the option to study abroad in the second semester of your second year, so you'll still be able to complete your degree in three years. Credits are gained in your subject area at the institution you choose. There is a wide variety of universities across the world to pick from.

English Language Requirements

CAE score : 80(Grade A)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: ABB

International Baccalaureate: 34 points

Additional information:

Other qualifications are considered.

International students:

Standard English language requirements apply: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band; TOEFL IBT 93

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Birmingham.

The Theology program at the University of Birmingham offers an extensive and comprehensive study of religious beliefs, practices, and historical developments within Christianity and other world religions. This programme is designed to explore fundamental questions about human existence, the nature of the divine, morality, and the impact of religion on society and culture. Students will examine a wide range of topics, including biblical studies, ethics, philosophy of religion, comparative religion, and the history of Christianity. The curriculum integrates both traditional theological questions and contemporary issues, providing students with critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of religious phenomena.

The programme typically includes lectures, seminars, and workshops that foster interactive learning and scholarly debate. Students may have opportunities for fieldwork, such as visits to religious sites or engagement with local faith communities, to enhance practical understanding of religious practices. The programme also emphasizes skills development in research, academic writing, and presentation, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, journalism, public policy, or religious organizations.

Students can choose from various modules tailored to their interests, including topics like the New Testament, Old Testament, Christian ethics, world religions, religious philosophy, and theological methods. The programme encourages independent inquiry and critical analysis, supported by a faculty renowned for its expertise in theology, religious studies, and related disciplines.

The University of Birmingham's Department of Theology and Religion provides access to vast resources, including extensive libraries, digital archives, and research centers. Students are encouraged to participate in academic conferences, seminars, and outreach activities that enhance their learning experience and professional development. The programme typically offers opportunities for placements or internships that allow students to gain real-world experience in religious organizations, interfaith dialogue initiatives, or educational settings. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue further postgraduate study or enter fields where understanding of religion and ethical issues is essential. The profound academic environment and supportive community aim to foster intellectual growth, spiritual insight, and a commitment to social engagement.