uniselectImage
uniselectLogo

The shortcut to your shortlist

Make your university search faster and less stressful.
Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you.

GET STARTED

Study Theology & Religious Studies, why & how to study

Religion has existed for as long as people have walked the Earth – so there's plenty to learn about.

Imam praying inside a mosque

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Theology & Religious Studies?

  2. What Theology & Religious Studies degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Theology & Religious Studies degree?

  4. What topics does a Theology & Religious Studies degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Theology & Religious Studies?

  7. What do Theology & Religious Studies graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a Theology & Religious Studies graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to Theology & Religious Studies

  11. Have any questions?

What’s Theology & Religious Studies?

Theology is the study of religion and the nature of religious ideas. It's the learned profession of training in religious studies at a university or school of divinity.

Religious Studies is the academic field of non-biased, analytical study into religious beliefs, behaviours and institutions. All major world religions are generally covered – and aspects of other subject areas such as philosophy and history are also included.

What Theology & Religious Studies degrees can you study?

Theology & Religious Studies undergraduate degrees on offer in the UK include:

  • Divinity BD
  • History & Religious Studies (with placement) BA
  • Philosophy & Theology BA
  • Religious Studies BA
  • Theology, Religion & Ethics BA

Options may include joint honours, integrated foundation year or placements.

What do you need to get onto a Theology & Religious Studies degree?

Most undergraduate Theology & Religious Studies courses ask for 96–168 UCAS points. Not all unis base their offer on UCAS points and some courses may have lower or higher requirements. Qualifications may include:

  • A Levels: AAA–CCC
  • BTECs: D*D*D*–MMM (or in combination with A Levels)
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAB–BBC (Advanced Highers: AAA)
  • International Baccalaureate: 38–24

Good subjects to have studied include:

  • Essay-based subjects at a higher or advanced level
  • General studies may be excluded

Experience that would look good on your application:

  • Independent reading into the subject

What topics does a Theology & Religious Studies degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Issues in contemporary ethics
  • Philosophy of science
  • God and the universe of faiths
  • Metaphysics
  • Death, ritual and belief
  • Philosophy of religion
  • Fundamentals of systematic theology
  • Medieval Islamic thought
  • God in Christ
  • Religion in contemporary society

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following and will vary from module to module.

  • Book/journal reviews
  • Commentaries
  • Dissertation or thesis
  • Document analysis
  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Film evaluations
  • Group and individual presentations
  • Reflective journal

Why study Theology & Religious Studies?

Theology & Religious Studies will give you insights into religions that have shaped culture and history around the world. Along the way, you’ll develop a range of transferable skills useful in any job.

Career-specific skills:

  • Diverse cultural understanding

Transferable skills:

  • Academic writing and note-taking
  • Communication
  • Conducting research
  • Critical thinking
  • Diplomacy and negotiation
  • IT skills
  • Project management
  • Research and analysis
  • Resilience and problem-solving
  • Self-reflection
  • Teamwork and delegation
  • Organisation and time management
  • Writing skills

Professional accreditation:

  • Some degrees are approved as a pathway towards religious ministry, and may be approved or accredited by the relevant body

What do Theology & Religious Studies graduates earn?

If you study a Theology & Religious Studies degree, your starting salary could be between £17,500–£24,000.

Earnings thereafter will depend very much on the career you enter. If you do become a minister of religion, you may be paid a stipend or allowance of around £25,000–£27,000 (Church of England or Church of Scotland). Full-time ministers are also provided with somewhere to live.

On the other hand, you could decide to serve people as a social worker, earning an average salary of £35,000.

What jobs can you get as a Theology & Religious Studies graduate?

As a Theology & Religious Studies graduate, you’ll be able to offer a broad skillset and an understanding of religious diversity. This could equip you for a wide range of careers, from the civil service to the third sector, journalism or health and social care – although many roles will require further training.

  • Archivist
  • Chaplain
  • Charity policy advisor
  • Counsellor
  • Editorial assistant
  • Human resources manager
  • Management consultant
  • MP
  • Social worker
  • Teacher or lecturer
  • Trainee solicitor
  • Volunteer co-ordinator

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Ethics & Practical Theology MPhil/PhD
  • Religion & Conflict MA
  • Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion MPhil
  • Classical Hebrew Studies MSt
  • Buddhist Studies MPhil

Similar subjects to Theology & Religious Studies

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Have any questions?

If you have questions about studying Theology & Religious Studies, you can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

Related articles

Belfast City Hall Northern Ireland

University tuition fees and financial support in...

An overview of undergraduate university tuition fees and student finance for students...

13 Mar 2024
Police car at junction

How safe is your city?

Feeling safe and secure is crucial for enjoying university. See how safe university towns...

12 Mar 2024
Two policeman overseeing students

Crime rates in university cities and towns

Student safety is important. Here are the rates for crimes most likely to affect students...

12 Mar 2024

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Sorry about that...

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT?

SUBMIT

Thanks for your feedback!