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Undergraduate Study

BA Theology and Religion - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code V615
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Theology and Religion
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: 0300 555 6060 (UK callers) 
+44 (0)1392 723044 (EU/International callers)

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB
IB: 34/665
BTEC: DDD

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Overview

  • Explore the origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and discover how thinkers, artists and activists across time have drawn on their religious traditions to tackle the challenges they faced.
  • Study ethics and the philosophy of religion, including the exploration of philosophical approaches to the incarnation.
  • Undertake in-depth, critical study of the Bible, including in its original languages (Hebrew and Greek), and explore the continuing impact of the Bible in the modern world.
  • Take modules in postcolonial and/or queer theologies in addition to the study of Spirituality.
  • Investigate the relationship between religion and science, including climate change and space travel.

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Number One icon

No. 1 in the UK for our world-leading research in Theology and Religious Studies

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Rosette icon

Top 10 for Theology and Religious Studies in UK subject rankings

6th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Top 100 icon

Top 100 in the world for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad

Number One icon

No. 1 in the UK for our world-leading research in Theology and Religious Studies

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Rosette icon

Top 10 for Theology and Religious Studies in UK subject rankings

6th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Top 100 icon

Top 100 in the world for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad

I have thoroughly enjoyed studying at Exeter. One of the best things about Theology and Religion is that all the modules in your second and third year are optional so it is possible to tailor your degree to your own specific interests. 

This has been amazing because not only has this meant that I have had an interest in all my modules but it has also allowed me the opportunity to select the modules which favour my strongest forms of assessment.

Along with this flexibility, Theology and Religion has transformed the way that I have learnt to independently research, interpret and construct reasoned arguments. As such, I would definitely encourage anyone looking to study Theology and Religion to choose Exeter. Outside of academic work, I am a member of Exeter University Hockey Club and represent the 1st team in the National Premier League on the weekends and the BUCS South A League on Wednesdays. Having the opportunity to play this standard of hockey, coach other teams and just be part of such a great club has certainly been the highlight of my University Experience.

Read more from Ben

Ben

BA Theology and Religion

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB n/a
IB 34/665 n/a
BTEC DDD n/a
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade N/A
T-Level Distinction N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBB
IB: 30/555
BTEC: DDM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content

Why do people believe in God or gods? How have these beliefs changed through time? How has religion shaped the cultures in which we live? How can an understanding of religion help us to tackle the global challenges facing us today? Our degree programme will help you to answer these questions.

The Theology and Religion degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.

Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Stage 1: 75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
THE1120 What is Religion? 30
THE1101 The Bible: Past and Present 15
THE1123 Reform, Retreat, and Reinvention: A History of Christianity 15
THE1124 God and the World: Constructive Christian Theology 15

Optional modules

THE1072 and THE1070 run in alternate years.

CodeModule Credits
TandR stage 1 options 25.26
THE1076 Religion in the Modern World 15
THE1125 Religion, Philosophy and Ethics 15
THE1122 Introducing Social-Scientific Approaches to Religion 15
THE1121 Religion and Material Culture 15
THE1072 Introducing Biblical Hebrew 15
THE1070 Elements of New Testament Greek 15

Stage 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.

Modules at stages 2 and 3 are taught together, so will not run in consecutive years. The list below is indicative.

Compulsory modules

Students will select 60 credits from the compulsory module group. Modules in this group will change each year.

CodeModule Credits
THE2147 Early Christian Women: Eve, Mary, Thecla 30
THE2226 The Transformation of Modern Orthodox Christianity 30
THE2185 Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology 30
THE2173 Life and Death in Israel and Judah 30

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
TandR stage 2 options 25.26
THE2224 Modern Jewish History and Thought 30
THE2221 God, Food, and Alcohol in Israelite Cultures 30
THE2225 Trans Studies in Christianity and Judaism 30
THE2227 Military Ethics in Religious and Philosophical Perspectives 30
THE2152 Evolution, God and Gaia 30

Find out more about study abroad or employment experience under Course variants.

With Study Abroad

Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules

For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
HAS3999 Study Abroad (HASS) 120

With Employment Experience

 Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
HUM3998 Employment Experience UK 120

With Employment Experience Abroad

Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
HUM3997 Employment Experience Abroad 120

Stage 3: 30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
THE3030 Theology and Religion Dissertation 30

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
TandR final stage options 25.26
THE3026 Postcolonial Theology 30
THE3210 Encounters between Religions 30
THE3196 Encounters in Philosophy and Theology 30
THE3199 Theology and Criminal Justice 30
THE3219 Religion and Holocaust Memory in Public Life 30
THE3218 The Invention of God 30

Course variants

UCAS code: V616

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why Study Abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I Study Abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.

UCAS code: V613

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities. 

UCAS code: V614

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?

Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fee?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Is the placement paid?

You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.

Find out more

Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities. 

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is closely linked to our innovative research, giving you the opportunity to explore many diverse topics from the philosophy of religion, theology, biblical studies, and ethics:

How will I learn?

The nature of university learning, especially in the humanities, involves a lot of self-directed study and research. As well as traditional lectures, seminars, and small group tutorials, led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research, you’ll be encouraged to take the initiative by organising study groups, taking advantage of online and traditional learning resources, and managing your own workload and time. Strong emphasis is placed on acquiring a variety of skills that will be attractive to employers in your future working life.

Class sizes and contact time

Class sizes are on average 25-35 students for lectures and 10-15 students for seminar. You’ll have 10 hours of contact time with staff per week in your first year, alongside additional hours of private study you should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.

Modules are specially designed to help you develop a range of intellectual, transferable and personal skills throughout your degree. Our Staff-Student Liaison Committee meets once a term to review existing modules, consider new ones and discuss ways the department can be improved.

Innovative teaching

Our approach to theology and religion is interdisciplinary and relates the broad areas studied to politics, social sciences, the arts, literary studies and more. We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes, and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.

Other opportunities

Each year we arrange various guest lectures and study days led by visiting speakers, including the series of Prideaux Lectures hosted every other year. Past lecturers have included Tom Wright, Sarah Coakley, Nicholas Lash, Robin Gill, James Dunn, John Rogerson and Christopher Rowland.

Research-inspired teaching

We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and where modules are taught by experts. Your lecturers will be contributing to the latest developments in their field and their teaching will be highly relevant to contemporary issues. We have a vigorous research culture spanning a wide range of subject areas with strengths in theology, ethics, social contexts, and public issues.

Academic support

All students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also several services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.

Assessment

Assessment is based on essays, seminar presentations and exams. In the second and final years, coursework (including assessed seminar presentations and essays) can account for well over half of your assessment depending on which modules you choose. You must pass your first-year modules in order to proceed: this level does not count towards your final degree classification. To be eligible for ‘Study Abroad’ you will need to attain an average of 60% or more in your first year. The assessments in the second year, year abroad (if applicable) and final year will contribute to your final degree classification.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Studying Theology and Religion will provide you with valuable skills and abilities which are attractive to employers and relevant for a wide range of careers, such as:

  • An understanding of other people’s points of view
  • An in-depth knowledge of different cultures
  • The ability to communicate your position clearly
  • Effective debating skills
  • Interpretation and analysis of sources
  • Interpersonal skills
  • The ability to use your initiative and be open-minded

Career support

We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. The Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates.

Career paths

Recent graduates from Theology and Religion at the University of Exeter have progressed to careers in a broad range of sectors, including:

  • Associate Consultant
  • Business Analyst
  • Church Intern
  • Community Projects Officer
  • Events Coordinator
  • Editorial and Research Intern
  • Ministry Assistant
  • Visitor Experience Officer
  • Worship Pastor
  • Writer

Further study

A degree in Theology and Religion will also put you in an excellent position to pursue postgraduate study after you have graduated. Our recent graduates have since enrolled on courses such as:

  • MA Social Work
  • MA Theology
  • Graduate Diploma in Law
  • MTS (Master of Theology Studies) in Religion, Literature and Culture

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