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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 around 50 academics, over 150 postgraduate students and around 100 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 are by some distance the UK's largest department of Theology and Religion, and we are consistently ranked as one of the very best, both 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 2025
1st
1st The Complete University Guide 2026
2nd for Religious Studies and Theology in the Guardian University Guide 2025
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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.

Find out more from our students

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Study with us

With around 50 academics in many different fields, over 150 postgraduate students and around 100 undergraduates in each year, we are the largest department in the UK, and one of the most varied and dynamic. Together, we form a lively and welcoming community to those of all faiths and to those of none.

Find out more

QS World University Rankings 2024

World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2026

Durham University has been named in the QS World University Rankings world top 100, a position it has achieved every year since 2010. The rankings have confirmed the University’s strong global reputation for employability (64th) and it is also 22nd in the world for sustainability.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings
A shrine dedicated to Carlo Acutis, a London-born, Italian-raised candidate for sainthood. Inside St Peter's, a Catholic church in Hove, England.

Carlo Acutis: what the first ‘millennial saint’ says about the Catholic church’s future

With Pope Francis reportedly clearing the way for Carlo Acutis to become the Catholic church's first millennial saint, Dr Liam Temple from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at what the significance of bestowing such an honour will mean for the church's future.

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What's new?

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  • Exploring the Upside Down: New book examines religious themes in hit Netflix show Stranger Things

    A new book co-edited by Dr Adam Powell, of our Department of Theology and Religion, takes an unexpected look at one of Netflix’s most popular series. ‘Religion and Theology in Stranger Things’ explores how themes of faith, spirituality, and meaning emerge from the hit show’s supernatural storylines. We caught up with Dr Powell to find out more. 
    Research news
    The front cover of the book which is blue and red along with a headshot of Dr Adam Powell smiling wearing a blue shirt

  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities Earns Prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award

    The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a highly regarded Athena Swan Silver Award, becoming only the second faculty of its kind in the UK to receive this distinction. This milestone acknowledges the significant progress made in advancing gender equality across all departments and highlights a firm commitment to continued improvement through to 2030.
    Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
    Group picture with Executive Dean Janet Stewart and Deputy Executive Dean (People and Workplace Culture) Alexandra Harrington.

  • Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect

    A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.
    Global research
    The dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome against an orange and blue dusk sky

  • Pope Leo XIV appointment – “a truly historic moment”

    Following the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, our Theology and Religion experts have been commenting on the new Pope and head of the Catholic Church.
    Global research
    A selfie showing the new Pope Leo XIV with three women including Professor Anna Rowlands

  • King Charles III to uphold tradition of Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral

    Professor Michael Snape from our department of Theology and Religion explores the history, symbolism, and contemporary significance of the Royal Maundy Service, which King Charles III will continue this Thursday at Durham Cathedral.
    Research news
    King Charles at the Durham Cathedral

  • Conference on Closure in Durham April 9-10, 2025

    The Centre for Death and Life Studies organises a two-day conference on 'closure' on Wed 9 and Thu 10 April 2025.
    Research news
    Conference logo April 2025

  • British Academy/Leverhulme Trust Funding Success

    A team of researchers in the Department of Theology and Religion has been successful in securing a British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant for a project entitled "Religious History and Catholic Archives: Towards an Interdisciplinary Approach", with a major international two-day workshop and archival showcase to take place at Durham in September 2025.
    Research news
    British Academy/Leverhulme Trust funding success

Exploring the Upside Down: New book examines religious themes in hit Netflix show Stranger Things

A new book co-edited by Dr Adam Powell, of our Department of Theology and Religion, takes an unexpected look at one of Netflix’s most popular series. ‘Religion and Theology in Stranger Things’ explores how themes of faith, spirituality, and meaning emerge from the hit show’s supernatural storylines. We caught up with Dr Powell to find out more. 

Research news
The front cover of the book which is blue and red along with a headshot of Dr Adam Powell smiling wearing a blue shirt

Faculty of Arts and Humanities Earns Prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a highly regarded Athena Swan Silver Award, becoming only the second faculty of its kind in the UK to receive this distinction. This milestone acknowledges the significant progress made in advancing gender equality across all departments and highlights a firm commitment to continued improvement through to 2030.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Group picture with Executive Dean Janet Stewart and Deputy Executive Dean (People and Workplace Culture) Alexandra Harrington.

Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect

A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.
Global research
The dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome against an orange and blue dusk sky

Pope Leo XIV appointment – “a truly historic moment”

Following the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, our Theology and Religion experts have been commenting on the new Pope and head of the Catholic Church.
Global research
A selfie showing the new Pope Leo XIV with three women including Professor Anna Rowlands

King Charles III to uphold tradition of Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral

Professor Michael Snape from our department of Theology and Religion explores the history, symbolism, and contemporary significance of the Royal Maundy Service, which King Charles III will continue this Thursday at Durham Cathedral.
Research news
King Charles at the Durham Cathedral

Conference on Closure in Durham April 9-10, 2025

The Centre for Death and Life Studies organises a two-day conference on 'closure' on Wed 9 and Thu 10 April 2025.
Research news
Conference logo April 2025

British Academy/Leverhulme Trust Funding Success

A team of researchers in the Department of Theology and Religion has been successful in securing a British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant for a project entitled "Religious History and Catholic Archives: Towards an Interdisciplinary Approach", with a major international two-day workshop and archival showcase to take place at Durham in September 2025.
Research news
British Academy/Leverhulme Trust funding success
More news

Exploring the Upside Down: New book examines religious themes in hit Netflix show Stranger Things

A new book co-edited by Dr Adam Powell, of our Department of Theology and Religion, takes an unexpected look at one of Netflix’s most popular series. ‘Religion and Theology in Stranger Things’ explores how themes of faith, spirituality, and meaning emerge from the hit show’s supernatural storylines. We caught up with Dr Powell to find out more. 

The front cover of the book which is blue and red along with a headshot of Dr Adam Powell smiling wearing a blue shirt

Call for papers for the 3rd International Franciscan Studies Conference

The Centre for Catholic Studies has opened a call for papers and workshop proposals for the third International Franciscan Studies Conference.
Painting of Francis of Assisi feeding birds

King Charles III to uphold tradition of Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral

Professor Michael Snape from our department of Theology and Religion explores the history, symbolism, and contemporary significance of the Royal Maundy Service, which King Charles III will continue this Thursday at Durham Cathedral.
King Charles at the Durham Cathedral

  • Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect

    A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.
    Global research
    The dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome against an orange and blue dusk sky

  • Pope Leo XIV appointment – “a truly historic moment”

    Following the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, our Theology and Religion experts have been commenting on the new Pope and head of the Catholic Church.
    Global research
    A selfie showing the new Pope Leo XIV with three women including Professor Anna Rowlands

  • Remembering Pope Francis and reflecting on his legacy

    As a University community we are deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. During Pope Francis’ papacy, researchers from our Department of Theology and Religion have followed his work closely and participated in his initiatives to help shape the future of the Catholic Church.
    Global research
    Pope Francis is pictured greeting crowds of people

Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect

A service rich in symbolism, Leo XIV’s inauguration mass this Sunday (18 May) will mark the start of what is likely to be a highly consequential papacy. Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, tells us more.

The dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome against an orange and blue dusk sky

Pope Leo XIV appointment – “a truly historic moment”

Following the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, our Theology and Religion experts have been commenting on the new Pope and head of the Catholic Church.
A selfie showing the new Pope Leo XIV with three women including Professor Anna Rowlands

Remembering Pope Francis and reflecting on his legacy

As a University community we are deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. During Pope Francis’ papacy, researchers from our Department of Theology and Religion have followed his work closely and participated in his initiatives to help shape the future of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis is pictured greeting crowds of people

Professor Grant Macaskill appointed as new Lightfoot Professor of Divinity

We welcome Professor Grant Macaskill to our University as our new Lightfoot Professor of Divinity. He will join our leading Department of Theology and Religion in September.

Professor Grant Macaskill is pictured against a background of books

Landmark Syriac Studies conference brings international research excellence to UK

A landmark conference about Syriac Studies brought more than 70 researchers from 20 countries to Durham last month. The event was a hub for academic collaboration and knowledge sharing. It was also a formative experience for early-career scholars. Here, the organisers reflect on the key highlights of the conference and why there has recently been a major revival of academic interest in Syriac Studies.
A group photo taken at the Syriac Studies in the UK conference

The diversity of the university experience helps students become good citizens

How do universities produce good citizens? For Mathew Guest, Professor of the Sociology of Religion, research on interfaith relations may have the answer.
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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

What’s it like studying Theology and Religion? (BA Religion, Society and Culture edition)

Religion, Society and Culture student Sophie explains what the course is like, why she chose it, and what she loves about Durham.
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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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