Program Overview

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Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion (PGDip) is a taught course offering intensive study in Christian theology with options to explore other world religions. It suits those without a prior degree in theology.

About the Course

The PGDip is a taught course that can be studied full-time or part-time. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements, while part-time students are required to attend in-person for all teaching for each term that they are enrolled. The full-time course is studied over nine months, and the part-time course is taught over 21 months.

Course Structure

During the PGDip, students will take three or four option courses. If studying part-time, students will enroll on two option papers in their first year of study, and a third paper (and fourth, if this option is chosen) in their second year. PGDip students attend undergraduate-level lectures and classes, but they are full members of the graduate community and are expected to draw on all the graduate resources of the faculty and the University.

Attendance

The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. Part-time students are required to attend in-person for all teaching for each term that they are enrolled.

Resources to Support 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 more than 13 million printed items, providing access to e-journals, and containing outstanding special collections, including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art, and printed ephemera.

Supervision

Tutorials are typically weekly, but supervisions for longer essay projects will be less frequent. The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

Assessment

Most papers are examined by a written examination, while others are assessed by one or more submitted essays. Depending on the combination of papers you choose, you may write either two short essays or one long essay in place of one written examination.

Graduate Destinations

Students who earn a graduate qualification with the University of Oxford often progress to further academic study within the Faculty or in other universities. Other graduates secure employment as teachers, civil servants, lawyers, clergy, or parliamentary research assistants.

Course Components

You will take three option papers, and a fourth paper may also be chosen if you wish to extend your studies. You are at liberty to choose topics from across different areas of interest or to take papers that focus on a single area.

Options

There is a wide range of paper options available, but not all options are available every year. The faculty expects the following options to run each year:

• The Narrative World of the Hebrew Bible
• The Poetic World of the Hebrew Bible
• Hebrew of the Hebrew Bible
• The Gospels Paul and the Pauline Tradition
• Ethics I: Christian Moral Reasoning
• Theology and its Discontents from the Revolutionary Era to the First World War
• Key Themes in Systematic Theology: God, Creation, Christ and Church
• Philosophical Theology
• Studies in a Special Theologian
• History and Theology of the Early Church (64-337 AD)
• From Nicaea to Chalcedon: Trinity, Christology and Grace
• Medieval Religions
• Early Modern Christianity
• Modern Judaism / Modern Judaism: In the shadow of anti-Judaism and antisemitism
• Islam in the Classical Period
• Islam in Contemporary Society
• Early Buddhism
• Mahyna Buddhism
• Hinduism: Sources and Formations
• Hinduism: Theology and Traditions
• Science and Religion
• The Nature of Religion: Symbol, Ritual, Culture
• Thesis
• Further Studies in a Special Topic: Extended Essay
• Philosophy of Religion

Entry Requirements

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

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

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

• A first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honors in a degree that is not in theology, religious studies, or a related subject.

Degree-Level Qualifications

Entrance is very competitive. For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have achieved GPA scores of 3.8 or higher.

GRE General Test Scores

Other examination results may be submitted alongside degree qualifications. If offered, the minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores normally sought are 160 in verbal reasoning, 5.0 in analytical writing, and 150 in quantitative reasoning.

Other Qualifications, Evidence of Excellence, and Relevant Experience

• Voluntary work experience in areas of theology and/or religions may be an advantage where it demonstrates that you have transferable skills which may be of use during your studies.
• No knowledge of ancient languages is required.
• Publications are not required.

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.

Funding

For this course, we recommend that you visit our dedicated funding pages, which include details of a range of external funding and loan schemes for postgraduate study. Some scholarships may also be available through our fees, funding, and scholarship search tool.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

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

Full-time Study

• Home: ｣17,910
• Overseas: ｣43,730

Part-time Study

• Home: ｣8,955
• Overseas: ｣21,865

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. Please note that, depending on the choice of topic and the research required to complete it, 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 this course:

• Blackfriars
• Harris Manchester College
• Regent's Park College
• Ripon College Cuddesdon
• St Stephen's House
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

Referees

Three overall, at least two of which should be academic.

Official Transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.

Statement of Purpose

A maximum of 500 words, explaining your motivation and suitability for graduate study at Oxford.

Written Work

Two essays of a maximum of 2,000 words each, or one essay of a maximum of 4,000 words.

Admission Status

Open to applications for entry in the upcoming academic year.

Deadlines

The latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships is 12:00 midday UK time on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available.