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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.
CONTENTS
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What’s Theology & Religious Studies?
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What Theology & Religious Studies degrees can you study?
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What do you need to get onto a Theology & Religious Studies degree?
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What topics does a Theology & Religious Studies degree cover?
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How will you be assessed?
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Why study Theology & Religious Studies?
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What do Theology & Religious Studies graduates earn?
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What jobs can you get as a Theology & Religious Studies graduate?
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What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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Similar subjects to Theology & Religious Studies
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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!
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