Theology and Religious Studies

Overview

A relentless pursuit

Theology and Religious Studies is ever relevant in a world where religious belief is a driving force behind world events. Anyone operating internationally requires some understanding of the importance of religion and its cultural contexts. The course engages with a wide variety of disciplines from the perspectives of history, practice and thought of the major world religions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Theology and Religious studies course at Cambridge involves the study of sacred texts (including biblical studies), philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, language, literary criticism, and the construction of ideas. Given this breadth, students can create for themselves a varied programme of study. However, those who prefer to specialise in one area are equally able to follow a particular pathway.

The Cambridge course is a diverse and demanding degree that addresses fundamental questions through a range of religious traditions and philosophical standpoints from a global perspective.

Ancient and modern resources

The award-winning Faculty building is fully equipped with lecture and seminar rooms, a multimedia library, and audiovisual facilities. Other resources include the manuscripts held in the University Library, such as the Codex Bezae (an important early version of the Gospel) and the Genizah collection (a globally significant source for medieval Judaism).

The international teaching staff includes specialists in a variety of faith traditions. In addition, you're taught about a wide range of cultures by experts in different fields from other faculties: archaeologists, historians, philosophers and theologians.

Changing course

As well as the full three-year course, it's possible to study one or two years of Theology and Religious Studies, either before or after one or two years of another subject, such as English; Philosophy; Classics; History; Human, Social, and Political Sciences; Law; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; History of Art; Natural Sciences; and Medicine.

Careers

The Theology and Religious Studies course equips students with varied and significant transferable skills that are applicable to and valuable in a wide range of professions.

It isn't surprising, then, that our graduates go on to a variety of careers, including journalism, the Civil Service, law, charities and NGOs, teaching, business, and social services, as well as some who go on to work for religious institutions and agencies.

Advanced Diploma

The Faculty offers a one-year Advanced Diploma for those who haven't studied Theology and Religious Studies at undergraduate level, but already have a degree in another subject. Contact the Faculty Office for more information.