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Department of Theology and Religion

We are recognised internationally as a leading Department in the field of Theology and Religion, uniquely situated on a World Heritage Site and right next to Durham Cathedral. We are proud of our cutting-edge research, our high-quality teaching, and our vibrant community of academics and students.
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Welcome to the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham

Our Durham Department of Theology and Religion is one of the largest in the UK, a diverse intellectual community of 50 academics, over 150 postgraduate students, and more than 70 undergraduates in each year.  We use a variety of perspectives and methods to explore the ways that human beings have had, and continue to have, fundamental beliefs or worldviews concerning the world and our role within it. In our Department all beliefs and worldviews are taken seriously, respected, and studied, across the range of religious and non-religious perspectives.

We consistently rank among the very top Departments of Theology and Religion in the UK, and in the world.  Our range of degree programmes enables students to explore their interests in the fields of theology, philosophy, religious studies, biblical studies, and ethics.  Taught by researchers at the cutting-edge of their disciplines, our alumni are heavily in demand in a very wide range of jobs and professions.

Meet our staff
4th in the UK for Research Power REF 2021
6th
6th in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
6th
6th Complete University Guide 2024
4th for Religious Studies and Theology in the Guardian University Guide 2024
A rosary with a cross hanging with light in the background.

New MA in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning)

This is an exciting new programme which is led by Durham University's Centre for Catholic Studies and the Department of Theology and Religion.

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Theology and Religion: What is it like?

Find out more about studying Theology and Religion at Durham University.

Watch full Theology and Religion playlist

Study with us

With 32 academic staff, some 150 postgraduates and an annual undergraduate intake of 71 makes us one of the most varied and dynamic departments in the UK. Together, we form a lively and welcoming community to those of all faiths and to those of none.

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QS World University Rankings 2024

World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2024

Durham is now ranked 78th in the world top 100 universities. We are also ranked joint 30th in a new category of Sustainability, and 50th in the Employer Reputation category.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings

What's new?

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  • Durham's Department of Theology and Religion ranked 6th in prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

    We are ranked 6th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 and have topped our subjects ranking again up from 7th rank last year. Theology and Religion has received a very high academic reputation score, which showcases the global prominence of our researchers, and a respectable 3rd position in the UK.
    Research news
    A groups of students chatting on benches outside the library

  • Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church

    A leading Durham University theologian is to help shape the Catholic Church for years to come.
    Global research
    Professor Anna Rowlands

  • The Extinction and Survival of Religious Belief in a Science Dominated World

    Reverend Professor David Wilkinson from our Department of Theology and Religion and Principal of St John’s College recently gave a lecture discussing the interplay between religious belief and science, as part of our Global Lecture Series. Here he gives us an insight into this debate and how the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
    Research news
    Collage showing Rev Professor David Wilkinson, an astronomy image and an image of a stained glass window

  • From Constantine to Covid: A Durham Theology graduate shares his experiences

    Dan Northam Jones now works as Director of Strategy at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and is a Visiting Fellow at the University’s Engineering Department. He studied Theology and Religion at Durham, where he focused on the Old Testament and Study of Religion. He also completed a Harkness Fellowship at the health policy research department at Harvard Medical School, looking at how parts of the ‘Obamacare’ reforms were being implemented and what the NHS could learn.
    Alumni news
    Daniel Northam Jones

  • The Undercover Elf

    Lucinda Murphy, a PhD student in the Department of Theology and Religion, tells us about her research in which she has explored Christmas magic in all its varieties.
    Research news
    Working as an elf in Santa's grotto

  • Understanding Moral Injury

    As we launch the International Centre for Moral Injury (ICMI), we talk to Revd Dr Brian Powers, former US Air Force Special Operations Weather Team officer, a veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, about his research and how understanding Moral Injury can help people heal.
    Research news
    A lit white candle against a dark blue background

  • How Brazilian politicians use religion to help them win

    Professor Mathew Guest, from our Department of Theology and Religion, looks ahead to this autumn's Presidential Election in Brazil and considers how candidates court religious support.
    Research news
    Christ the Redeemer statue, Brazil

Durham's Department of Theology and Religion ranked 6th in prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

We are ranked 6th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 and have topped our subjects ranking again up from 7th rank last year. Theology and Religion has received a very high academic reputation score, which showcases the global prominence of our researchers, and a respectable 3rd position in the UK.

Research news
A groups of students chatting on benches outside the library

Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church

A leading Durham University theologian is to help shape the Catholic Church for years to come.
Global research
Professor Anna Rowlands

The Extinction and Survival of Religious Belief in a Science Dominated World

Reverend Professor David Wilkinson from our Department of Theology and Religion and Principal of St John’s College recently gave a lecture discussing the interplay between religious belief and science, as part of our Global Lecture Series. Here he gives us an insight into this debate and how the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Research news
Collage showing Rev Professor David Wilkinson, an astronomy image and an image of a stained glass window

From Constantine to Covid: A Durham Theology graduate shares his experiences

Dan Northam Jones now works as Director of Strategy at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and is a Visiting Fellow at the University’s Engineering Department. He studied Theology and Religion at Durham, where he focused on the Old Testament and Study of Religion. He also completed a Harkness Fellowship at the health policy research department at Harvard Medical School, looking at how parts of the ‘Obamacare’ reforms were being implemented and what the NHS could learn.
Alumni news
Daniel Northam Jones

The Undercover Elf

Lucinda Murphy, a PhD student in the Department of Theology and Religion, tells us about her research in which she has explored Christmas magic in all its varieties.
Research news
Working as an elf in Santa's grotto

Understanding Moral Injury

As we launch the International Centre for Moral Injury (ICMI), we talk to Revd Dr Brian Powers, former US Air Force Special Operations Weather Team officer, a veteran of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, about his research and how understanding Moral Injury can help people heal.
Research news
A lit white candle against a dark blue background

How Brazilian politicians use religion to help them win

Professor Mathew Guest, from our Department of Theology and Religion, looks ahead to this autumn's Presidential Election in Brazil and considers how candidates court religious support.
Research news
Christ the Redeemer statue, Brazil
More news

Durham's Department of Theology and Religion ranked 6th in prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

We are ranked 6th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 and have topped our subjects ranking again up from 7th rank last year. Theology and Religion has received a very high academic reputation score, which showcases the global prominence of our researchers, and a respectable 3rd position in the UK.

A groups of students chatting on benches outside the library

Durham University theologian seconded to process that will shape future of Catholic Church

A leading Durham University theologian is to help shape the Catholic Church for years to come.
Professor Anna Rowlands

The Extinction and Survival of Religious Belief in a Science Dominated World

Reverend Professor David Wilkinson from our Department of Theology and Religion and Principal of St John’s College recently gave a lecture discussing the interplay between religious belief and science, as part of our Global Lecture Series. Here he gives us an insight into this debate and how the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Collage showing Rev Professor David Wilkinson, an astronomy image and an image of a stained glass window

Our location

We are located in the beautiful city of Durham with its home in Abbey House, right next to Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO world Heritage site.

A beautiful and immensely exciting place to study and to research Theology and Religion.
Our Facilities
Autumn leaves outside Abbey House in Durham

Student updates

Hear from our students in the Department of Theology and Religion.

Highlights

Day in the Life of a Theology Postgraduate

Find out from Postgraduate student, Hanna, what a day in our Department is like.
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What’s it like studying Theology and Religion?

Would you like to study Theology and Religion? Find out about Dylan's experience.
View over Palace Green and Abbey House

Get in touch

Find out more about our department, courses and support.

Department of Theology and Religion

Durham University
Abbey House
Palace Green
Durham
DH1 3RS

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