Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion

The Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion program at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of some of the most profound questions concerning human life, faith, and the nature of existence. This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical development, textual analysis, and philosophical underpinnings of various religious traditions, as well as their cultural and societal impacts. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including biblical studies, philosophical theology, ethics, and the critical study of religious texts and practices. The program encourages analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a critical approach to understanding religious beliefs and their influence on human life and society. Throughout the course, students will benefit from rigorous academic inquiry led by expert faculty members renowned in their fields. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment that promotes critical discussion and individual scholarly development. Students will also have opportunities to participate in discussions about contemporary issues related to religion, such as religious tolerance, secularism, and the role of religion in public life. Graduates of this program gain valuable analytical, research, and communication skills that are highly applicable in careers across academia, public policy, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and further postgraduate study. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical engagement, preparing students to critically analyze religious phenomena and contribute thoughtfully to contemporary debates about religion and its societal role. With its combination of historical, philosophical, and textual analysis, the Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion program at Cambridge offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience that equips students with a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between faith, philosophy, and culture.

Year 1 (Part I)

You take five papers designed to give you a broad introduction to the concepts, knowledge and skills required in the main areas of study.

There are two compulsory subjects:

• one scriptural language (studied from scratch, no prior knowledge is expected) – Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Qur’anic Arabic or Sanskrit
• a paper in biblical studies, either David: Israel’s Greatest Hero? or Jesus and the Origins of the Gospel (you can take the other in place of one of the choices below)

Plus three other papers from a choice of five, currently:

• Christianity and the Transformation of Culture – a detailed investigation of Christianity in England before, during and after the Reformation
• Who is Jesus Christ? – exploring some of the major themes of Christian theology
• Understanding Contemporary Religion – an introduction to the sociological study of religion
• World Religions in Comparative Perspective – looking at the history, beliefs and practices of the main world religions and the problems of comparing them
• Philosophy of Religion and Ethics – introducing key questions in philosophy of religion and religion and ethics, ranging from antiquity to contemporary controversies

Year 2 (Part IIA)

This builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Part I. You may wish to continue to study any of the four scriptural languages at a higher level, or you can drop the study of languages at this stage.

A wide choice of options is available, enabling you to develop a course suited to your own interests. You choose four papers out of 17, currently including:

• Themes in World Christianities
• Philosophy of Religion: God, Freedom and the Soul
• Ethics and Faith
• Theology and the Natural Sciences
• Life and Thought of Religious Hinduism and of Buddhism
• Introduction to Islam
• Religious Themes in Literature

You can also choose to take the Part IA Logic paper from the Philosophy course.

Year 3 (Part IIB)

In your final year, you choose four from a wide range of Special Subjects and interdisciplinary papers (topics may vary), such as:

• Religious Experience: Mesmerism, Spiritualism and Psychical Research
• Christianity and Society in Africa and its Diaspora
• The Doctrine of God: Love and Desire
• Self and Salvation in Indian and Western Thought
• Metaphysics
• Imagination

You can choose to write a dissertation of 10,000 words in your third year instead of one paper.

• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• EU students – a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving examination (eg the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) may be acceptable.

Scholarships

• Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust awards

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous program in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion designed to provide students with a deep understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and philosophical reflections. The course explores a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other world faiths, emphasizing both historical development and contemporary issues. Students engage with essential themes such as the nature of faith, the concept of divine justice, morality, and existential questions, while also critically examining religious texts, doctrines, and theological arguments. The program encourages analytical thinking, critical analysis, and philosophical reasoning, equipping graduates to understand the complex relationship between religion and society, ethics, and culture.

Throughout the course, students have opportunities for original research and dialogue with experts in the field. They learn to interpret religious texts, understand theological doctrines, and analyze philosophical arguments through lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent study. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity and critical engagement, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, public service, journalism, or religious leadership. The faculty includes renowned scholars specializing in various religious traditions and philosophical disciplines, offering students personalized mentorship and guidance.

The university’s vibrant academic community provides a stimulating environment where students can participate in conferences, workshops, and discussion groups, further enriching their learning experience. Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, and research projects, all aimed at developing a comprehensive understanding and the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively. Cambridge’s historic libraries and resources support extensive research and provide access to a vast collection of texts and scholarly materials.

The program is suitable for students with a keen interest in religion, philosophy, history, and cultural studies, aiming to deepen their understanding of spiritual and philosophical questions that have shaped human history. Graduates leave with a nuanced perspective on global religious traditions and philosophical approaches, well-prepared to contribute thoughtfully to societal discussions on faith, ethics, and the role of religion in modern life. The program ultimately aims to cultivate intellectual rigor, moral responsibility, and an appreciation for diverse worldview perspectives.