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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.

Theology and Religion ranked 4th in the QS World University Rankings by subject

Meet our staff
4th in the UK for Research Power REF 2021
4th
4th in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
1st
1st The Complete University Guide 2026
1st for Religious Studies and Theology in the Guardian University Guide 2026

 

 

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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.

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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.

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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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The story of Pope Leo’s ‘landmark’ text on AI technology – by a member of its launch panel

Professor Anna Rowlands, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, has helped Pope Leo XIV launch his first social encyclical focused on being human in a time of AI. Here she talks about the importance of Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity).

Global research
As seen from behind, Pope Leo waves to crowds while standing on the back of the Popemobile.

Durham theologian Christopher Insole explores the real questions behind talk of God in new book

Professor Christopher Insole from our Department of Theology and Religion is set to publish a new book, If God is the Answer, What is the Question?, offering a fresh way into one of the most enduring—and often frustrating—human debates: belief, unbelief, and what people actually mean when they argue about God.
Research news
Book cover If God Is the Answer, What Is the Question?

Durham and Southwestern sign new Master’s pathway agreement

Durham University has established a new partnership with Southwestern University (Georgetown, USA), creating a streamlined progression route for qualified Southwestern graduates onto a selection of Durham taught Master’s programmes, including many in Arts and Humanities.
Business and Partnerships
Durham and Southwestern sign new Master’s pathway agreement

New PhD success guide showcases Durham supervision expertise

A new book bringing together practical, wellbeing-focused advice for doctoral researchers includes contributions from three Durham University supervisors.
Research news
The Prosperous PhD: Secrets to Success from Top Supervisors book cover

Christianity in the UK is flourishing in immigrant communities – but a US style Christian nationalism is lurking elsewhere

Has Christianity become a nationalist weapon used to defend a particular form of British culture? Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at the shifts in society.
Research news
Two hands holding a Bible.

Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on display for the first time – here’s why it took 800 years

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the significance of display of the remains of St Francis of Assisi, for the first time in 800 years.
Global research
Image of a stained glass window depicting Saint Francis of Assisi

Rivers of Ink: A light and sound journey through the world’s oldest Bible

A striking new light and sound installation is touring North East England this February, telling the remarkable story of Codex Amiatinus, the oldest intact complete Bible in existence.
Durham news
Pages from the world's oldest bible showing a scribe writing and an ancient Egyptian illustration of an ox.
More news

Durham theologian Christopher Insole explores the real questions behind talk of God in new book

Professor Christopher Insole from our Department of Theology and Religion is set to publish a new book, If God is the Answer, What is the Question?, offering a fresh way into one of the most enduring—and often frustrating—human debates: belief, unbelief, and what people actually mean when they argue about God.

Book cover If God Is the Answer, What Is the Question?

New PhD success guide showcases Durham supervision expertise

A new book bringing together practical, wellbeing-focused advice for doctoral researchers includes contributions from three Durham University supervisors.
The Prosperous PhD: Secrets to Success from Top Supervisors book cover

Christianity in the UK is flourishing in immigrant communities – but a US style Christian nationalism is lurking elsewhere

Has Christianity become a nationalist weapon used to defend a particular form of British culture? Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at the shifts in society.
Two hands holding a Bible.

The story of Pope Leo’s ‘landmark’ text on AI technology – by a member of its launch panel

Professor Anna Rowlands, in our Department of Theology and Religion/Centre for Catholic Studies, has helped Pope Leo XIV launch his first social encyclical focused on being human in a time of AI. Here she talks about the importance of Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity).

As seen from behind, Pope Leo waves to crowds while standing on the back of the Popemobile.

Taking our Transformative Humanities approach around the world

Following a visit to Australia and New Zealand, Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, has laid the groundwork for new research collaborations under Durham University’s Transformative Humanities work.
Elderly couple on bench reading newspaper

Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on display for the first time – here’s why it took 800 years

Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the significance of display of the remains of St Francis of Assisi, for the first time in 800 years.
Image of a stained glass window depicting Saint Francis of Assisi

Theology and Religion ranked 4th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject

We have been ranked 4th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject.

A photograph of the QS Rankings by Subject for Theology & Religion

Rivers of Ink: A light and sound journey through the world’s oldest Bible

A striking new light and sound installation is touring North East England this February, telling the remarkable story of Codex Amiatinus, the oldest intact complete Bible in existence.
Pages from the world's oldest bible showing a scribe writing and an ancient Egyptian illustration of an ox.

Durham theologians reflect on faith, justice, and the cosmos on flagship radio show

Two of our leading theologians shared their insights on a flagship UK radio programme that broadcasts expert reflections on faith, ethics, and human experience
Anna Rowlands smiling at the camera wearing a dark top and David Wilkinson wearing a dark suit talking on a stage

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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