10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
Our broad-based MA in Theology and Religion builds on the Department’s global academic reputation to provide you with an in-depth understanding of theology and religion and their impact on the world’s belief systems in the past, present and future. You will benefit from the theological and religious expertise that exists among academic staff and in University-based institutions such as the Centre for Death and Life Studies, the Centre for Catholic Studies, the Michael Ramsey Centre for Anglican Studies and the International Centre for Moral Injury. You will also have access to the magnificent resource that is our theological and religious libraries. Teaching and research in the Department is focused on three key areas; biblical studies, Christian theology and the study of religion. Reflecting the wide-ranging expertise in the Department, this course requires you to choose your areas of study from an extensive selection of modules, from classic texts in Christian theology to the principles of ethics to the Gospels and Canon. Learning is delivered through small group seminars and tutorials that require substantial preparatory work and contributions during sessions in order to develop your skills in analysis, presentation and independence of thinking. We also adopt a lecture-style format in some classes which provides a firm basis for further research and study in a particular topic. You will also benefit from our cross-departmental links with the University’s Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and the Institute for Medieval and Early Modern Studies on this fascinating and challenging course.
Modules
Core module: The Dissertation consists of a 12,000-15,000-word piece of research that will boost your knowledge and understanding of a theological or religious subject of particular interest to you. It will also hugely enhance your abilities in the areas of research and analysis of texts, ideas and arguments. Examples of optional modules: Social Scientific Methods in the Study of Religion; Gospels and Canon; Classic Texts in Christian Theology; Paul and His Interpreters; Conceiving Change in Contemporary Catholicism; Liturgy and Sacramentality; Christian Gender; Principles of Theological Ethics; Anglican Theology in Context; Social Scientific Methods in the Study of Religion; Gospels and Canon; Middle Egyptian; Classic Texts in Christian Theology; The Bible and Hermeneutics; Ecclesiology and Ethnography; Catholic Social Thought; Doctrine of Creation; Religion in the Neo-Liberal Age; Faith and Reason; Theology and Ministry; Biblical language studies, including a choice of Aramaic, Greek and Hebrew.
Assessment method
The course offers a flexible programme of learning which puts you in control. The dissertation is the only compulsory module, with the remainder of the course made up of a wide range of theology and religion optional modules. The majority of teaching is delivered in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere through small group seminars and tutorial sessions, designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out independent academic research. Classes include a lecture-style delivery which will give you a clear understanding of a particular subject so that you will be able to properly analyse and interpret information. As well as supporting your own independent research activities with the possibility of continuing to doctorate level, skills in analysis and presentation will help you in your search for professional employment. Assessment is conducted through coursework, the majority of which are essay based. Some modules include oral examinations and the delivery of presentations as well as written exams. A significant contribution to the outcome of your study will be a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words, written on a subject of your own choice and approved by your supervisor.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirement is a BA (Honours) degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent, for example, a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale) in Theology, Religious Studies or a related discipline. The two principal exceptions to this rule are as follows: Graduates of other disciplines who have studied at undergraduate or equivalent level in one or more of the areas in which they hope to work, through their first degrees, through training for the ministry of the churches, and so on. Students from overseas universities who have successfully reached a point in their theological studies comparable with completion of a British BA at the standard noted above - for example, on the German model, passing the Zwischenprüfung or Kolloquium and two semesters at the Hauptseminar level.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12600 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26750 | Year 1 |
| International | £26750 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £26750 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE