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 allows you to select a number of elective modules in addition to working on a research dissertation of your choosing. 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. All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:
- a Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
- Core Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
- Elective Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.
Modules
No modules are defined as core for this programme, but it is recommended that candidates for the MA in Theology and Religion take at least one of the following elective modules: Classic Texts in Christian Theology (30 credits); Ritual, Symbolism and Belief in the Anthropology of Religion (30 credits); Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour (Distance Learning) (30 credits). In total, you will choose 120 credits of elective modules from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities (at least one of which should be from the modules listed above), so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180.
Assessment method
Assessment is conducted through coursework, the majority of which is 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 overseas equivalent) in Theology, Religious Studies or a related discipline. Or graduates from other related disciplines with training or experience in the study of religion or church ministry.
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 | £7200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £7200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15600 | Year 1 |
| International | £15600 | 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 and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing on the Durham University website.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE