Get degree ideas using our A level explorer tool

studentstudents, parents, grandparentsgb, united kingdomtheology and religious studies

Theology and religious studies courses

Theology is a broad and varied subject; you could be analysing ancient religious texts or discussing contemporary global politics. You’ll learn how religion has shaped the world we live in and the impact it has on society today. Courses include study of different faiths, such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism and cover topics such as religious diversity and the Holocaust. Theology graduates find employment in lots of job sectors - from the clergy, charity and youth organisations through to traditional graduate jobs, including teaching, law and management.

Studying theology and religious studies at university

Example course modules

  • Symposium in religion and theology
  • Living religions
  • Approaches to the study of religion
  • Introduction to biblical studies
  • Introduction to the history of Christianity
  • Introduction to Islam
  • Global Christianity
  • The Holocaust in history and memory
  • Women in Islam
  • Hinduism

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

9
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 62%
    Male : 38%
  • Mature : 33%
    School leaver : 67%
  • Full-time : 84%
    Part-time : 16%

What students say about theology and religious studies

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

  • history
  • English literature
  • Religious studies
  • Philosophy

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Theology is actually a very vocational subject – by far the most common move for theology graduates is to go into the clergy. If you want to study theology but don't want to follow a religious career, then there are plenty of options available. 2012 graduates went into all sorts of jobs requiring a degree, from education and community work, to marketing, HR and financial analysis – even sports coaching. Postgraduate study is also popular – a lot of theology graduates train as teachers, or go into Masters or even doctoral study, so bear that in mind as you make your choice.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Welfare professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Teacher
  • Clergy
  • Community worker

Other real-life job examples

  • Financial analyst
  • Civil Service fast streamer
  • Housing and homelessness officer

What employers like about this subject

A theology degree will help you to develop subject-specific skills including an understanding of religions and the way that they have influenced society in the past and present and a familiarity with current religious and ethical debates. Transferable skills you can develop on a theology degree include excellent communication and negotiating skills, the ability to understand and articulate complex information and good time management. Theology is the original vocational degree and so religious organisations are much the most common employers of graduates, but they also get jobs in a variety of industries including schools, social care, recruitment, banking, the Civil Service, the law, publishing and health.