Department of Theology & Religion | MA by Research Theology and Religion

MA by Research Theology & Religion at Durham University

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The Department of Theology & Religion is a world-leading centre for research, scholarship and postgraduate development within the cross-disciplinary field of Theology & Religion. Because this field is broad and complex – comprising the pervasive human tendency to form fundamental beliefs about divinity, the Universe and the human good – the Department regards interdisciplinary method as essential and maintains a collegial, collaborative research culture.  It has a distinctive ethos, characterised by open, critical but sympathetic attention to multiple religious traditions. Its research includes critical textual, historical, theological and social scientific methods, applied within the three fields of Biblical Studies, Christian Theology and the Study of Religion.

Research Areas

Biblical Studies includes critical, historical, textual and theological study of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, incorporating wider literary, cultural and religious contexts of interpretation, and including early Christianity and Judaism.

Christian Theology includes constructive and systematic theology, the study of Christian doctrine and ethics, philosophical theology and the history of Christianity.

Study of Religion includes religion as a focus of social scientific enquiry, the empirical study of contemporary religion and its contexts of practice. A principal focus on contemporary Christianities across the globe is supplemented by research into Islam, Hinduism and African religions.

Our postgraduate programmes are very international in focus and more than half of our postgraduate students are from overseas. The international outlook of the department is a vital element of our work and success. As well as increasingly recruiting international staff, our academics are members of global networks, regularly participate at international conferences and many are instantly recognised throughout the world for their publications and academic leadership.

Doctoral studies here are not purely centred on the writing of the thesis but include practical preparation for the academic job market, providing students with access to world-class study facilities and to a range of training and professional-development opportunities. This may include work as a teaching assistant or research assistant, or participation in the exchange or study abroad schemes.

Durham graduates are in demand across many sectors. The world-class study facilities, combined with a research-led approach to learning and the Department’s international outlook mean our postgraduate taught courses and research degrees provide the fundamental skills and personal qualities needed to succeed in the workplace.

Our Theology & Religion graduates are equipped to follow a wide range of careers, including law, politics and government, marketing, business and finance, industry, charity work, the media, journalism and the clergy. Many progress into careers with religious institutions across the world, while others work in schools, colleges and universities. Our taught MAs also offer a pathway into research and many graduates take the step into higher-level studies.

Previous employers have included Linklaters, Kirkland and Ellis, Coltraco Ultrasonics, the Home Office, Durham Police and Jaguar Land Rover.

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