Program Overview

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Introduction to the DPhil in Theology and Religion

The DPhil in Theology and Religion is a research degree offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. This degree involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.

About the Course

The DPhil in Theology and Religion offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion. Students will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in their chosen field of research. The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford.

Attendance

Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements, while part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. The full-time course is studied over three years, and the part-time course has the same requirements but is studied over six to eight years.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, with over 13 million printed items and access to e-journals.

Supervision

You will be assigned a supervisor or supervisors who will provide support and guidance to help you develop your ideas, direction, and a programme of research. A supervisor is expected to meet with a research student for a detailed discussion of the student's progress at least twice a term during the period of study.

Assessment

DPhil students join the faculty as a Probationary Research Student (PRS) and apply for 'Transfer of Status' usually within their first year (if full-time) or their second year (if part-time). The Transfer of Status process involves the submission of a 5,000-word writing sample and an interview with two specialist assessors. There is a further assessment of candidates' work and progress at a more advanced stage of their research, known as 'Confirmation of Status', which requires submission of a 10,000-word extract from the thesis, abstracts, and a further interview with assessors.

Graduate Destinations

Students with graduate qualifications in theology and religion enter a variety of careers. Many Oxford DPhil students proceed to academic posts in major research universities, liberal arts colleges, or church seminaries. Some go on to work for charities and development, non-profit organisations, and think tanks, or in faith-based work.

Research Areas

You will have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialised themes of this course, which include:

• The study of the world religions
• Biblical studies
• Science and religion
• Ecclesiastical history
• Systematic theology
• Ethics
• Patristics
• Philosophical theology

Entry Requirements

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

• A master's degree in a relevant subject
• A first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honours in theology, religious studies, or another closely-related field

Degree-Level Qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent.

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

References

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.

Supporting Documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including a research proposal and written work.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

Costs

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Full-time study:
  • Home: ｣14,180
  • Overseas: ｣37,080
• Part-time study:
  • Home: ｣7,090
  • Overseas: ｣18,540

Additional Costs

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of the course requirements, students may need to choose a dissertation, a project, or a thesis topic, and there may be additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Blackfriars
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• Ripon College Cuddesdon
• St Antony's College
• St Cross College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• St Stephen's House
• Trinity College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline, we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance.