| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Durham University's Theology and Religion program offers a comprehensive exploration of religious thought, practice, and scripture. Students develop a deep understanding of diverse religious traditions, critical thinking skills, and effective communication abilities. The program prepares graduates for careers in education, social work, politics, and other fields, as well as further academic studies in theology and religion.
Program Outline
Students embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring how belief shapes society and culture, critically examining and testing established views.
This program's key objectives include:
- Developing comprehensive knowledge and understanding of diverse religious and theological traditions.
- Learning effective methods for studying and researching religious thought and scriptures.
- Sharpening communication skills to engage in insightful dialogues surrounding religion and belief.
- Acquiring strong critical thinking skills to examine religious viewpoints and arguments thoughtfully.
- Deepening one's own spiritual awareness and understanding of personal beliefs.
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, and study skills classes encourage active learning and engagement with the subject matter.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Worldview, Faith and Identity
- Introduction to the History of Christianity
- Introduction to Christian Theology (philosophical studies)
- Introduction to Bible: Texts, History, Culture
Possible Optional Modules:
- New Testament Greek
- God and Evil
- God and the Good: Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
- Islam Observed: Ethnographic Accounts of Muslim Practice
Year 2:
- Possible Optional Modules:
- Literature and Theology of the Old Testament
- New Testament Theology
- Decolonising the Bible
- Death, Ritual and Belief
- Creation and New Creation: Imaging God
- Atheism, Belief and the Edge of Reason
- Topics in Christian Ethics
- Christ and the Human Mystery: Imaging God
- Sacred India: Land, Politics and Identity
- Jewish Religion in Antiquity: Belief Systems, Ethics, Political Conflicts
- Theology and Comedy
- Religion in Contemporary Britain
Year 3
- Dissertation on a topic of individual choice and interest
- Possible Optional Modules:
- Aramaic
- Advanced Greek Texts
- Issues in Old Testament Studies
- The New Testament and Christian Ethics
- Religion and Film
- Emotion and Identity in Religion
- Christian Fundamentalism and the Modern World
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary across modules, typically including a combination of essays and end-of-year examinations.
Teaching:
Durham University's approach to learning includes various teaching methods like interactive lectures, stimulating seminars, thought-provoking tutorials, and focused study Skills classes.
Careers:
Graduates of this program enter diverse and fulfilling careers including:
- Education
- Social Work
- Politics
- Journalism
- Business Management
- Banking
- Clergy
- Performing Arts
- Charity Sector Many graduates pursue further academic studies in Theology and Religion or professional qualifications in law or education.
Other:
- Optional placement year or year abroad can be added to extend the program to four years.
- The University boasts a rich research culture and encourages students to attend seminars, public lectures from renowned guest speakers, and visits by leading scholars.
- Extensive library resources are available within the Department and across the wider University, including specialized collections focused on Theology and Religion.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
