Department of Theology and Religion

Theology and Religion

Since the University's foundation in 1832, Durham has aimed to foster education and research in Theology and Religion which is second to none in the world.

Our success has been measured in recent league tables. We are listed as the UK’s number 1 department of Theology or Religious Studies in the 2013 Times Good University Guide. In the UK’s most recent Research Assessment Exercise we were rated as the top department in the field both by GPA and by proportion of world-leading research. We have routinely achieved 95% or greater student satisfaction ratings in the National Student Survey (96% in 2012). Our success is also measured in our recent expansion. We have 21 permanent academic staff, expected to rise to 25 by 2013-14. Our annual undergraduate intake rose to 71 in 2012, along with over 150 postgraduates.

Beyond the numbers, we nourish a vibrant community of all faiths and none, learning and researching Biblical studies, Christian theology and the sociological and anthropological study of religion. We aim to lead our students to think rigorously and independently both within and beyond their own traditions, and to train students at all levels to think as researchers. We also provide continuous pastoral and career-development care for all students. (In the 2013 Times Graduate Prospect table, our undergraduates secured 84%, the third best in the country.)

If you are looking for first-rank education and research in Theology and Religion which is authentic, rigorous, international in outlook, up-to-date in methods, and which draws on deep roots, you have come to the right place.

 


Forthcoming Seminars

Major Recent Publications

31 October 2012

  • Ryrie, Alec, and Jessica Martin, Private and Domestic Devotion in Early Modern Britain (Surrey: Ashgate, 2012)

(31 Oct 2012)

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News

Lord Glasman Lecture

Centre for Catholic Studies and University College Presents:
CCS Engagements Lecture

"Catholic Social Teaching as Political Economy" 

Speaker: Professor the Lord Maurice Glasman

 Friday 17th May, 5:30pm, Senate Suite, Castle

RSVP: ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk - only 50 places available, RSVP by Friday 10th May

Baron Dr Maurice Glasman is an English academic, social thinker and Labour life peer in the House of Lords. He is best known as the originator of Blue Labour, a term he coined in 2009. He is currently director of the Faith and Citizenship Programme and senior lecturer in political theory at London Metropolitan University. His research interests focus on the relationship between citizenship and faith and the limits of the market. He is an acknowledged international authority on the work of Karl Polanyi. 

 

(3 May 2013)

Another theology doctoral student appointed to lecturing post

The Department of Theology and Religion, in conjunction with Leeds Trinity University, is pleased to announce that one of our PhD students, Patricia Kelly, has just been appointed part-time Senior Lecturer in Catholic Studies at Leeds Trinity.

(30 Apr 2013) » More about Another theology doctoral student appointed to lecturing post

Historic theological training contract signed between Durham University and the Church of England

On 25 April a contract for Durham to validate and support theological training across England was signed, and the appointment of a new Professor of Theology and Ministry to support the contract announced. Please click here for more information. 
 

(29 Apr 2013)

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Awards and Distinctions

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Contact Details

Abbey House
Palace Green
Durham
DH1 3RS
0191 334 3293

'Durham University Sutton Trust Summer School 2013

students at Sutton Trust Summer School

This subject is available on Durham University's Sutton Trust Summer School 2013. The Summer School is designed to give bright students from non-privileged homes the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a student at a leading university. To find out more about the eligibility criteria, and to apply for the programme, visit our website.

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