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Studying theology & religious studies degree guide

Degrees in theology & religious studies look at the different religions found across the world and their places in history and modern society. Theology is the general study of the idea of God and faith, while religious studies tends to take a more critical and analytical look at the different religions.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

Religion has gone hand-in-hand with humanity for as long as people have walked the earth – so understanding it is important. During your degree, you’ll get a more in-depth grasp of the role religion plays within cultures and societies, as well as how different religions originally began and grew. Your degree will probably also touch on other subject areas, like history and philosophy. Read our guide on the subject area to see if you’re suited to studying theology & religious studies at uni.

Find theology & religious studies courses.

What do you need to get on a theology & religious studies degree?


The ranges of entry requirements for theology & religious studies are as follows:

  • UCAS points: 96 – 168
  • A-levels: AAA – CCC
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAB – BBC (Advanced Highers: AAA)
  • BTEC Nationals: D*D*D* – MMM (or in combination with A Levels)
  • International Baccalaureate: 38 – 24

Most theology & religious studies courses will ask that you’ve got A-levels (or equivalent) in essay-based subjects.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

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What theology & religious studies degrees can you study?


Degrees in theology & religious studies include:

  • BA Theology
  • BA Theology, Religion and Ethics
  • BA Education and Religion
  • BA History and Religious Studies

What topics does a theology & religious studies degree cover?


Common modules for theology & religious studies include:

  • Modern ethics
  • Introduction to religions
  • God and faith
  • Death, ritual and belief
  • Philosophy of religion
  • Religion in modern society
  • Sociology of religion

“In the first year, students are asked to undertake five compulsory modules which cover these areas: introduction to Christian theology, Christianity in context, the study of religion, introduction to the Old Testament and introduction to the New Testament.”  – Dr Marcus Pound, theology & religious studies lecturer at Durham University.

What do you learn studying a theology & religious studies degree?


Studying a theology & religious studies degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Understanding of different religions
  • Understanding of religion in the context of society
  • Knowledge of religious texts

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Working in groups
  • Independent thinking
  • Independent working
  • Presentation

“The course provides an excellent all-round training in many key skills: linguistic, textual, philosophical, historical and social scientific. Students will develop the ability to read texts closely and analyse them critically, to learn about the importance of historical and cultural context, to develop intellectual and conceptual clarity, to engage with alternative perspectives on the world and to articulate their thoughts with elegance and precision.” – Robert Song, theology & religious studies professor at Durham University.

What professional accreditations can you get with a theology & religious studies degree?


Some degrees are approved as a path to religious ministry and may be accredited by the relevant body.

What can you do with a theology & religious studies degree?


Studying theology & religious studies will give you lots of transferable skills, meaning you’ll be able to apply your degree to many different possible job opportunities, like:

Check out our careers guides here.

Where to study theology & religious studies?


Check the latest ranking of unis offering theology & religious studies courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long is a theology & religious studies degree?


A theology & religious studies degree usually takes three years to study. However, some unis will give the option of a foundation or placement year, which will increase the course to four years.

How will you be assessed?


Theology & religious studies courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams
  • Coursework
  • Presentations
  • Document analysis
  • Dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunitiess?


Your options for further study include:

  • MA Theology and Religious Studies
  • MA Religion and Conflict
  • MPhil Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion

What alternatives are there to a theology & religious studies degree?


Not sure if a theology & religious studies degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:

Philosophy

History

Classics