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Theology and Religion

Theology and Religion explores the intellectual underpinning of religious traditions, and the social and cultural contexts for religious belief.

Below you will find information about the specific degree courses offered by Cambridge and Oxford universities to study Theology and Religion, how to prepare, and how Oxbridge Interviews can help you with your application.

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Cambridge offers a degree course in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion, and is ranked top in the UK to study Theology according to the Complete University Guide.

The application process is competitive with 3 applications per place. To be successful, you generally need to get A*AA at A Level (or equivalent) and there are no A-level subject requirements.

Oxford University offers a course in Theology and Religion and is ranked second to study Theology in the UK according to the Complete University Guide.

The application process is highly competitive with only 34% of applications successful. To be offered a place, you generally need to get AAA at A Level (or equivalent).

To prepare for your Theology and Religion application, you must demonstrate your motivation for the subject and specific interests. You can do this by reading beyond your school curriculum. Our interviewers recommend:

‘Is There a God?’ by Richard Swinburne
‘Seven Theories of Religion’ by Daniel Pals

Practice interviews for Theology and Religion applications are critical. You wouldn’t sit an exam without doing a mock, so don’t place yourself in an interview without having experienced a practice interview first.

Katie (Theology and Religion, Oxford)

Katie completed her undergraduate degree in Theology and Religion at Worcester College, Oxford. Since graduating, she has joined the graduate programme, Think Ahead, that culminates in a Master's in social work.

Q&A

Katie, why did you choose Theology and Religion?

"I think that studying Theology and Religious studies can give a good insight into humanity, and what has been important to people and societies over time. It's also quite broad, giving the opportunity to study textual interpretation, history, languages, sociology, philosophy and more."

What’s your advice to students applying to Theology and Religion?

"Try not to stress too much and definitely take a practice interview if possible!"

Applicants to Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge are required to take an at-interview Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion Admissions Test, if invited to interview.

Applicants to Theology and Religion at Oxford are not required to sit a written admissions test.

Learn more about the Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion Admissions Test