BA Theology

What does the programme cover?

The themes of the Bible, and the ideas of great religious thinkers run through the degree as a whole. The core modules allow you to make connections between these themes, and in the final year to draw them together in a detailed study of some of the central issues of Christian belief. The degree also allows you – depending on the choices you make – to study an ancient language, to focus more on church history, or to explore religious diversity and the social and cultural interpretations of Christianity.

In the first year (or first two years for those studying part-time) all students take introductory modules in Theology and Religion, Biblical Studies and Church History. The fourth module in this year gives you an opportunity to begin to shape the degree you want to study. Choosing an ancient language - Greek, Hebrew or Latin - opens up the possibility of studying Biblical texts in their original languages in subsequent years. As an alternative, you can opt for Philosophy of Religion, a subject that many of our students have some knowledge of from A-level.

In your second year, two compulsory modules help to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and of the central teachings of  Christianity. The third year core module helps you to integrate the biblical, historical and systematic theological approaches of the first two years, in a way that draws these strands together into a closely interwoven whole. In the final year, you also research and write a dissertation on an agreed topic, supervised by a member of staff who has expertise in that area.

There are two options in each of these years, which allow you to shape your degree according to your interests. Because the College specialises in Theology, there is a very wide choice, including textual study of scripture either in English or in original languages, exploration of major religious and philosophical writers, or of issues such as religious language, experience or spirituality, aspects of interreligious relations, or ethical issues facing the twenty-first century world.

Importantly, throughout the degree, your studies will foster skills of analysis, communication of ideas, use of sources, and engagement with current issues. These skills are a sound foundation for employment in many fields.