Theology and Religion
Entry requirements
We ask for 2:1 Honours degree, preferably in a related subject. All applications are treated on their merits, and we're happy to consider applicants whose qualifications differ, but we'd encourage you to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Theology and Religion at Birmingham lays the foundation for deep exploration of religions and spirituality. You’ll gain the knowledge and critical skills to work across faiths to transform communities .Get ready for a career where empathising with different points of view is crucial.
Design your own degree pathway based on your interests and choose from a wide range of modules. This course offers teaching on a variety of religions based on the expertise of our staff, such as Jainism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity. At Birmingham, we provide focussed opportunities to study historical traditions, theologies, rituals and practices, contemporary spiritualities, world religions, religious texts, politics, histories and ethical issues.
You’ll benefit from our engaging, small-group teaching approach and you'll be encouraged to discuss, debate and analyse your viewpoints, preconceptions and theories. In your module assessments and dissertation you'll be guided by tutors and your dissertation supervisors to think critically about different theories and approaches to theology and religion.
- Learn from our experts - the Department is ranked in the top 50 Theology and Religion departments in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Attend research seminars and events like our speaker series, workshops, reading groups and academic conferences throughout the year.
- Immerse yourself in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe. Make the most of the Department's links with faith-based communities across the city.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Theology and Religion.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you can choose to undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you or you can undertake a placement-based dissertation.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service