Postgraduate Study
University of Oxford's Theology and Religious subject area is ranked No. 3 globally and No. 1 in the UK and Europe in the QS World University Rankings by Subject — reflecting the Faculty’s international reputation for research excellence, scholarly depth, and intellectual leadership.
A Centre of Excellence
Postgraduate study at University of Oxford places you within an internationally recognised centre for the study of theology and religion. Our academic staff consists of more than 80 scholars and nine senior professors who are leading figures in their fields and are committed to advancing understanding across biblical studies, historical and systematic theology, philosophy of religion, ethics, science and religion and the study of religions globally. Find out more about our research areas.
Supervision is rigorous and attentive. Students work closely with supervisors while participating actively in seminars, research colloquia, and lecture series that sustain a lively and demanding intellectual culture.
The Faculty’s work is further enriched by Oxford’s wider theological and religious landscape. The city’s churches, religious centres, societies, and academic networks regularly host distinguished scholars and public thinkers from around the world, offering exceptional opportunities to engage with contemporary debates at the highest level.
Taught Courses
The Faculty also participates in an interdisciplinary Masters programme managed by the Humanities Division: MSt in Medieval Studies
Research Degrees
Why Study Theology and Religion at University of Oxford?
Sociable and Supportive Community
We are particularly proud of the Faculty’s strong graduate community. While advanced research demands independence, it is sustained within a supportive and sociable environment.
Seminar groups allow students to share their work in progress and engage in sustained intellectual exchange. Weekly graduate café gatherings, regular social events, and termly lunches bring together students, faculty, and families in a more informal setting, strengthening both scholarly collaboration and personal connection.
In addition to membership of the Faculty, every graduate student belongs to one of Oxford’s colleges or halls. This dual affiliation fosters interdisciplinary conversation and provides a rich collegiate academic experience, alongside additional networks of support and community.
Resources
Our commitment to our students encourages productivity and leads to some quite incredible achievements. We actively seek out opportunities for our graduates and have funding available for travel and research as well as for scholarships.
The Faculty’s research environment is further strengthened by Oxford’s wider academic ecosystem and the unparalleled resources of the Bodleian Libraries, which provide access to exceptional manuscripts, archives, and digital collections essential for advanced scholarship.
Alongside the incredible resources and libraries available at Oxford, the Faculty provides a dedicated graduate common room and workspace. There are also increasing graduate teaching opportunities. Find out more about our graduate resources.
Careers and Professional Pathways
A graduate degree in theology and religion from Oxford cultivates highly transferable skills, including analytical precision, advanced research capability, intellectual independence, and the ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and authority. These qualities are valued across professions worldwide.
Our graduates pursue careers in academia, humanitarian activism, law, politics, public service, NGOs, business consulting, accounting, higher education management, teaching, the charity sector and local community engagement among many other fields. The University’s Careers Service provides tailored guidance and professional development support for both academic and non-academic pathways.
Training for Ministry
Oxford has been a place of training for the Christian ministry since the origins of the University. Today, the Faculty of Theology and Religion continues this long tradition by offering two degrees in partnership with the nine Colleges and Halls in Oxford which currently offer training for ordination and wider ministry in one of the denominations of the Christian Church.
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