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University of Oxford: Theology and Religion
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | Theology and Religion |
| Web | http://www.ox.ac.uk/study |
| graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)1865 270059 |
DPhil
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.
This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology. You will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in your chosen field of research.
Students who have previously completed an MSt or MPhil degree in a relevant subject area at the University of Oxford, typically find that this aids preparedness and accelerates completion of this DPhil.
The Faculty of Theology and Religion may therefore advise applicants who hold or are predicted to achieve a master's degree from another institution, to consider making an initial application for one of the faculty's related MSt or MPhil courses.
As a DPhil student you will become part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. You will be encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division. You will also be encouraged to attend and participate in the faculty’s professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.
This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology. You will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in your chosen field of research.
Students who have previously completed an MSt or MPhil degree in a relevant subject area at the University of Oxford, typically find that this aids preparedness and accelerates completion of this DPhil.
The Faculty of Theology and Religion may therefore advise applicants who hold or are predicted to achieve a master's degree from another institution, to consider making an initial application for one of the faculty's related MSt or MPhil courses.
As a DPhil student you will become part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. You will be encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division. You will also be encouraged to attend and participate in the faculty’s professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.
This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology. You will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in your chosen field of research.
Students who have previously completed an MSt or MPhil degree in a relevant subject area at the University of Oxford, typically find that this aids preparedness and accelerates completion of this DPhil.
The Faculty of Theology and Religion may therefore advise applicants who hold or are predicted to achieve a master's degree from another institution, to consider making an initial application for one of the faculty's related MSt or MPhil courses.
As a DPhil student you will become part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. You will be encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division. You will also be encouraged to attend and participate in the faculty’s professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.
This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology. You will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in your chosen field of research.
Students who have previously completed an MSt or MPhil degree in a relevant subject area at the University of Oxford, typically find that this aids preparedness and accelerates completion of this DPhil.
The Faculty of Theology and Religion may therefore advise applicants who hold or are predicted to achieve a master's degree from another institution, to consider making an initial application for one of the faculty's related MSt or MPhil courses.
As a DPhil student you will become part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. You will be encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division. You will also be encouraged to attend and participate in the faculty’s professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion (PGDip) is a taught course offering intensive study in Christian theology with options to explore other world religions. It suits those without a prior degree in theology.
Please note, this course should not be confused with the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology, which has a separate focus and distinct entry requirements.
Course structure During the PGDip, you will take three or four option courses.
If studying part-time, you will enrol on two option papers in your first year of study, and a third paper (and fourth, if this option is chosen) in your second year.
PGDip students attend undergraduate-level lectures and classes, but they are full members of the graduate community and are expected to draw on all the graduate resources of the faculty and the University.
Please note that there is no graduation ceremony for the PGDip.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion (PGDip) is a taught course offering intensive study in Christian theology with options to explore other world religions. It suits those without a prior degree in theology.
Please note, this course should not be confused with the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology, which has a separate focus and distinct entry requirements.
Course structure During the PGDip, you will take three or four option courses.
If studying part-time, you will enrol on two option papers in your first year of study, and a third paper (and fourth, if this option is chosen) in your second year.
PGDip students attend undergraduate-level lectures and classes, but they are full members of the graduate community and are expected to draw on all the graduate resources of the faculty and the University.
Please note that there is no graduation ceremony for the PGDip.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion (PGDip) is aimed for those wishing to pursue graduate study in theology and religion but whose first degree is not in theology or religious studies. The course may also be suitable for those wishing to enhance their knowledge of theology and religion for the sake of professional development.
Please note, this course should not be confused with the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology, which has a separate focus and distinct entry requirements.
You will choose three papers from the Course Options for the Final Honour School and Postgraduate Diploma; a fourth paper may also be chosen if you wish to extend your studies.
There is a wide range of paper options available, but not all options are available every year. The Course Options webpage indicates which papers the faculty expects to run each year and which may not be available every year. Although PG Diploma students attend undergraduate-level lectures and classes, they are full members of the graduate community and are expected to draw on all the graduate resources of the faculty and the University.
Students are at liberty in their choice of paper topics from across different areas of interest or to take papers which focus on a single area. Applicants planning to progress to one of the master’s courses offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion would normally be expected to take at least one paper in the subject in which they would like to specialise.
For example, someone intending to apply for a master’s (MPhil or MSt) in theology specialising in the New Testament should take at least one New Testament paper in the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion.
If studying part-time, students will enrol on two papers in their first year of study, and the third paper (and fourth, if this option is chosen) in their second year.
Please note that there is no graduation ceremony for the PGDip.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion (PGDip) is aimed for those wishing to pursue graduate study in theology and religion but whose first degree is not in theology or religious studies. The course may also be suitable for those wishing to enhance their knowledge of theology and religion for the sake of professional development.
Please note, this course should not be confused with the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology, which has a separate focus and distinct entry requirements.
You will choose three papers from the Course Options for the Final Honour School and Postgraduate Diploma; a fourth paper may also be chosen if you wish to extend your studies.
There is a wide range of paper options available, but not all options are available every year. The Course Options webpage indicates which papers the faculty expects to run each year and which may not be available every year. Although PG Diploma students attend undergraduate-level lectures and classes, they are full members of the graduate community and are expected to draw on all the graduate resources of the faculty and the University.
Students are at liberty in their choice of paper topics from across different areas of interest or to take papers which focus on a single area. Applicants planning to progress to one of the master’s courses offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion would normally be expected to take at least one paper in the subject in which they would like to specialise.
For example, someone intending to apply for a master’s (MPhil or MSt) in theology specialising in the New Testament should take at least one New Testament paper in the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion.
If studying part-time, students will enrol on two papers in their first year of study, and the third paper (and fourth, if this option is chosen) in their second year.
Please note that there is no graduation ceremony for the PGDip.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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