These are diverse, exciting and stimulating programmes for students interested in religious studies, where they will learn about the beliefs of people of faith. On the courses there will be individuals from all faiths and this can lead to debates being stimulating, challenging and engaging. These discussions and studies can give students a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of any religious beliefs they have and of the belief of others.

It’s a fascinating subject to study as we should not underestimate the importance of religion and theology in the modern world. Nearly every area of human and cultural activity has been affected one way or another by contemporary expressions of religion.

Theology degree overview
Undergraduates will study the various diverse themes, key ethical issues and moral dilemmas that are influencing religious cultures in the contemporary world. Courses will focus on historical and contemporary issues such as different interpretations of the Bible i.e. from the feminist point of view. Almost all courses include trips to historical sites, museums, religious communities and locations like Jerusalem or Rome.

In the second or final year some courses will include work placements and also allow you to select specialized study in areas that are of special interest to you.

It is recommended that you choose at least one core module from outside Theology as this can greatly help you after you graduate and start looking for employment.

Theology degree assessment
The coursework of any core and optional modules that a student selects are assessed, as well as a examination and of course a dissertation.

  • Examinations
  • Coursework
  • Oral presentations

Theology degree structure and typical course content

Year 1 modules

  • Introduction to the Study of Religion
  • Discover the tools, techniques and methodologies commonly employed in the study of religion and theology.
  • Christian theology
  • biblical studies
  • Religious studies
  • biblical interpretation
  • the functions and dimensions of religion
  • Introduction to the worlds major religions
  • Introduction to ethics

Year 2 modules

  • You are able to continue your study of the major world religions, building on what you have learned in the previous first year.
  • World religions
  • Religion and violence
  • issues of identity
  • Developments in the Christian faith.
  • Western Classics
  • Eastern Christian Traditions
  • Religion and Gender
  • Ethics
  • Introduction to Spirituality
  • Major Ethical Thinkers
  • Field trips to places of religious significance.

Year 3 modules

  • Religious Studies: Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, atheism and non religion
  • Religion in Modern Britain
  • Religious Perspectives on Conflict
  • The Impact of Myth on Religion.
  • Bioethics
  • Renaissance and Reformation
  • Sacred space
  • Issues in Contemporary Religions.

Other areas of study

  • The languages in which the sacred texts of various religions are written i.e. Hebrew, Sanskrit, Greek, classical Arabic, and Latin.
  • The impact of philosophy on religion.
  • Natural theology
  • Biblical theology
  • Dogmatic theology
  • Women, Gender and Religion
  • Practical theology
  • An introduction to Christian doctrine.
  • Theology proper
  • Islam
  • Biblical Hebrew
  • Christianity and Politics
  • New Testament Greek
  • The Impact of Myth on Religion.
  • Early Christian Theology I
  • Interpreting the Bible
  • Hinduism
  • Sacred Space
  • Buddhism and Sikhism
  • Humans and nature
  • Theological Interpretation of Scripture

A theology degree will teach students

  • The reasons why most of the worlds populations believe in various faiths.
  • The relationship between theology and philosophy.
  • Clear and logical thinking.
  • Critical evaluation
  • The relationship between faith and reason.

Theology student personal profile
Below is a personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Example

“It was during my time at college that I was first introduced to theology and it was there that I developed a real yearning to learn more about this fascinating topic. It wasn’t that I had become more religiously minded instead it was more to do with the fact that I found it to be a very unique and interesting subject that helped me to get to grips with many unanswered question. My enthusiasm for it also increased with the knowledge that a theology degree course would teach me those transferable skills that were very highly valued by many employers and that on graduation I would gain a qualification that could open up quiet a few career opportunities.

At college my ability to engage with complicated texts and ideas improved considerably. It had to as I was learning so much so quickly there was a real danger of information overload. Whether this new skill of mine was divine intervention I don’t know, all I can say is that it came at the right time. I was also lucky to have superb tutors who gave me a comprehensive understanding of the New Testament, biblical languages, Christian theology and a introduction to the worlds major religions. The classroom interaction, active discussions and group work also did much to sharpen my communication and argumentative skills. I am able to look back with hindsight on my college education and honestly claim that it could not have been bettered.

I’m a very inquisitive person by nature and one who relishes being involved in deep philosophical debates regarding complex moral and religious issues. I have a habit of regularly questioning academic points and asking inquiring questions. Personally I feel that is a positive trait to have when studying an intense subject such as religion and philosophy, however others who know me better may disagree!

Such is my love of the subject that I may in the future consider a career as a Theology teacher myself. This would allow me to remain in touch with a subject matter that I am so enthusiastic about and also allow me to transfer my knowledge, interest and guidance to a whole new generation of students.

Whilst ‘shopping’ for a university I was looking for an institution that has a excellent academic reputation, superb facilities, exciting student social scene and friendly atmosphere. After much research and the visiting of many campuses around the country I am pleased to say that your university ticks all the boxes for me. I feel that your university will help me grow academically, intellectually and socially and it is for these reasons that I am submitting my application to you.”

More Theology personal statement examples

Typical university interview questions

Why do you want to enrol on a theology degree course?

Answers

  • I have a great love of history and a real thirst to learn about religion, I also want to study the past so as to gain a better understanding of the contemporary world. I believe that this subject will help me to find answers to the many unanswered questions that I have.
  • Theology is one of the oldest intellectual pursuits and this degree course is a superb way of learning about the world’s major religions.
  • The course will help me to develop those critical skills which are important to many employers and vocations.

Why made you apply to our university?

Answers

  • Your institution offers a diverse experience with excellent standards of teaching in every area.
  • Your universities academic prowess is evident from its high and competitive ranking as a top UK university.
  • The course at your university seems to be much more interesting and relevant than ones at other universities as it is not just focused on religious modules but contains many related to current affairs.
  • Your university campus is far more attractive than many others I have seen and the student accommodation is very close. This is ideal for me as I feel much more comfortable this way rather than having to travel long distances.
  • The long established tutors at your university have dedicated their lives to studying and teaching theology and to me they are the best people to learn from.

 

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