Program Overview

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Theology and Religious Studies BA (Hons)

Overview

The Theology and Religious Studies BA (Hons) course at the University of Chester is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the ongoing significance and meaning of religious perspectives in the contemporary world. The course welcomes and supports students from a variety of faiths, beliefs, and non-belief backgrounds.

Study Options

• Full-Time, Part-Time (BA) at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BA) at Exton Park, Chester

Level and UCAS Code

• Level: Undergraduate
• UCAS Code: V601 (3 years full-time), V615 (4 years with Foundation Year)

UCAS Points and Start Date

• UCAS Points: 112 (3 years full-time), 72 (4 years with Foundation Year)
• Start Date: Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration and Location

• Duration: 3 years full-time, up to 7 years part-time
• Location: Exton Park, Chester

UK and International Fees

• UK Fees: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Fees: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Course Leader

• Dr Steve Knowles

Course Summary

The course introduces the core areas of the study of religions and theology, enabling students to develop existing or new interests through a range of specialist topics. Students will explore the ongoing significance and meaning of religious perspectives in the contemporary world, as well as inviting them to think critically and constructively about beliefs, practices, and ethical concerns in traditions such as Christianity, Islam, and Asian religions.

Why You'll Love It

• Our courses are nationally recognised for their excellence
• Flexible opportunities to pursue your own interests
• UK top ten for world-leading and internationally-excellent research

What You'll Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Foundation Year

• The Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation Year route offers an important preparation year as part of your four-year degree.
• For Law and Criminal Justice subjects, you will explore legal frameworks, criminal justice systems, wider social contexts and issues, as well as case scenarios, and research and problem solving in law and criminology.
• For Humanities and Social Science subjects, you will explore people and societies and their beliefs, cultures, power structures, stories and narratives, as well as critical inquiry into societal issues and global affairs with contemporary and historical perspectives.

Year 1

• Studying Religion (20 Credits)
• Introduction to Christian Theology (20 Credits)
• The Bible: Contents and Contexts (20 Credits)
• Introduction to Ethics (20 Credits)
• Islam and Christianity (20 Credits)
• Buddhism and Judaism (20 Credits)
• Language Module (20 Credits)

Year 2

• Religion, Culture and Society (40 Credits)
• Bodies, Gender and God (40 Credits)
• Religion in the City (40 Credits)
• Work Placement (40 Credits)

Year 3

• Religion, Violence and Power (40 Credits)
• Religion, Narratives and Imagination (40 Credits)
• Dissertation (Philosophy, Ethics, Religion and Theology) (40 Credits)

How You'll Learn

• The majority of teaching takes place in small groups, seminars, and tutorials
• You will be assessed in a variety of ways
• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: UCAS points, GCE A Level, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, Irish/Scottish Highers, Access requirements, T Level, OCR Cambridge Technicals
• International Students: English Language Requirements, IELTS Academic

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Foundation Year: £5,760 for the first foundation year, then £9,535 per annum for the following years (2025/26)

Who You'll Learn From

• Professor Hannah Bacon
• Professor Caroline Tee
• Dr Ben Fulford
• Professor Paul Middleton
• Dr Steve Knowles
• Dr Matthew Collins
• Dr Dawn Llewellyn
• Dr Deborah Casewell

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester
• Modern learning resources and library
• Fitness facilities
• Student Services
• Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces
• Accommodation
• Catering

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: charity work, law, education, government, health and social care, youthwork, publishing, ministry, finance and other forms of business and industry
• Careers Service: award-winning Careers and Employability service, providing a variety of employability-enhancing experiences

Related Courses

• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion BA (Hons)