Department of Theology & Religion | BA Theology and Religion

BA Theology & Religion at Durham University

[email protected]

Come and join us on a journey of self-discovery and explore a multidisciplinary approach to religious thought, practice and scripture.

What do people believe about the world and their place in it? How do those beliefs shape society and culture? Can those beliefs be critically examined, scrutinised and tested?

BA Theology & Religion will teach you how to use the tools of Philosophy, Social Science, History, Literature and Language to understand human beliefs and world views, past and present. We do this both from within, seeking to test our own beliefs and from without, as critical observers. We have a historic strength in the study of Christian Thought, History, Theology, Practice & Texts, while offering strong provision in Politics, Ethics, Non-Christian Faith Traditions, Humanism and Atheism.

In addition to academic learning, we have an extensive series of research-related activities which you are warmly encouraged to attend. These include several research seminars and public lectures from high-profile guest speakers and visiting scholars; the University also frequently hosts eminent and well-known visiting speakers. You also have the choice of applying to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

In the first year, modules are intended to provide the foundational understanding and skills necessary for work in Theology and the Study of Religion.

In the second year, there is a much greater choice of modules to allow you to pursue your own interests within Theology & Religion by building on the understanding and abilities you have begun to develop in the first year.

The third year includes a dissertation that allows a deep, independently driven, exploration of a topic of your choice.

Our degrees are designed to give you a strong and broad foundation of subject-specific knowledge as well as transferable skills and personal qualities developed during your studies: thinking clearly, writing well, presenting arguments, analysing texts, assessing evidence, solving problems, pursuing and organising research. These skills are highly valued across many sectors.

Our graduates readily find employment in fields such as education, social work, politics, journalism, business management, banking, the clergy, the performing arts and the charity sector. A significant number also progress onto higher-level study, such as postgraduate study in Theology & Religion or professional qualifications in Law and Education.

Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!