Theology and Religion

University of Oxford has opted into the TEF and received a Gold award.

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (October 2020). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucasThe DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level. This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology. Typically wide-ranging research topics include a study of devotion to the infant Jesus in early Christianity; an exploration of trauma in film and the theology of memory; an investigation into perception and perceptual illusion in early Yogācāra Buddhism; and a study of gender and the body in deliverance Pentecostalism. Students develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in their chosen field of research.Students admitted to the DPhil will most often have acquired one of the Faculty of Theology and Religion's MSt or MPhil degrees within their area of research, ie theology, religious studies or another closely-related field. Students in possession of an equivalent master's degree from another institution may apply to have this requirement waived. The faculty considers such waivers on a case-by-case basis and may recommend applicants to consider an MSt or MPhil degree in their initial application to the University.DPhil students become part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. DPhil students are encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division. They are also encouraged to attend and participate in the faculty's professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.Part-time studyPlease note that part-time study requires prior arrangement with a potential supervisor about time spent in Oxford. Part-time students are required to attend for a minimum of thirty days of university-based work each year. Some attendance in term-time is normally required. The DPhil in Theology and Religion is not available by online or distance learning.

Some 140 countries have attendees at Oxford and some 60% of the total student body is from outside the UK. There are various programs available for international students to help with orientation and integrating with life in Oxford as well as to help with legal matters such as immigration and visas. They can also help with practical matters such as dealing with finances and accessing health care with the National Health Service (NHS). Student life is filled with many traditions as befits a university of Oxford's age. One of these are the balls, held by the colleges with a formal dress code as well as smaller events regularly during the year. The Oxford University Student Union or OUSU, represents students and is their voice in debate about the university as well as organising student life organisations. There are a large number of sports available outside the classroom and many of these are of a high standard. The Boat Race is a famous example of a rowing race with nearby Cambridge University that is watched by up to 10 million TV viewers each year. There are also student newspapers and a radio station as well as performing arts groups. There are also student societies open to students who aren't studying the subject to learn something new and different.