BA Theology and Religion
About this course
BA (Hons) in Theology and Religion is an undergraduate theology and religion degree examining human belief through philosophy, history, literature, language and the social sciences. Core topics include research methods. The final year includes a dissertation on a topic of the student's choice, approved by an academic advisor. A placement year or a year abroad can be added, extending the degree from three to four years. The first year covers the foundations through the compulsory modules Introduction to Bible: Texts, History, Culture, Introduction to the History of Christianity, Introduction to Christian Theology and Research Workshop in Theology and Religion, where research training starts through two chosen specialist topics. Optional Year 1 modules have included New Testament Greek and Islam Observed: Ethnographic Accounts of Muslim Practice. The second year centres on Research Project and Colloquium, where students develop their own research project in a tutor-led small group. Four optional modules follow: two single-term exploration modules such as Reading Biblical Texts and Religion in the Modern World, plus two full-year options including Literature and Theology of the Old Testament, Decolonising the Bible and Atheism, Belief and the Edge of Reason. The final year pairs the compulsory Dissertation with four optional modules such as Advanced Greek Texts, Issues in Old Testament Studies, Religion and Film, Theology, Nature, Environment and The Reformation and its Legacy.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB IB: 35 to include 665 in higher level subjects.
See the highest paying History, Philosophy & Religion degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 91%: 160 offers from 175 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 29 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 20 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Welfare Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 11%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 42%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started
- A levels: 99%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Research Workshop in Theology and Religion
- Worldview, Faith and Identity
- Introduction to the History of Christianity
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- Introduction to Bible: Texts, History, Culture
- Example optional modules
- Research Project and Colloquium
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Theology and Religion at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £34,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £50,500. The £34,000 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Theology and religious studies.
What do graduates of BA Theology and Religion at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Theology and Religion at Durham University?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Theology and Religion at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Theology and Religion at Durham University?
91% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 160 offers from 175 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Theology and Religion at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Theology and Religion at Durham University?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.