MA in Biblical Studies
This course focuses on the context and interpretation of biblical and pseudapigraphal texts, along with the study of biblical languages. Durham has a long tradition of outstanding biblical scholarship, providing a wide range of distinctive approaches to biblical studies, including historical, critical and theological.
Optional modules in the MA in Biblical Studies include
- Advanced Hebrew Texts
- Advanced Aramaic and Syriac
- The Septuagint
- The Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament
- The New Testament and the Social Sciences
- The Gospel of Mark (in Greek)
- Paul and His Interpreters
- Theological Interpretation of Scripture
- The Bible in the Cinema
For a complete list of optional modules and their descriptions, please consult the Taught MAs Handbook (PDF).
Application Process
- Check that you meet the department's entry requirements
- Consult the Fees and Finance website for current tuition fees and funding information
- Assemble your supporting documentation. You will need to submit:
- academic transcripts
- two references (using the reference form [Word]); it is your responsibility to ensure that reference forms are sent to your two referees, each with a first class stamped addressed envelope; please note that open letters supplied by the applicant are not acceptable
- evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)
- a sample of academic work
- Complete the Online Application Form. If you have a preference for a particular college please indicate this on your application. When asked to outline your proposed area of research list five optional modules, in order of preference. Complete module descriptions are available in the Taught MAs Handbook (PDF). If you are thinking of studying subsequently for a PhD, you should indicate this, saying also if possible roughly what broad field of study it might be in
- Wait for your application to be reviewed. Most forms are processed within four to six weeks of submission
Applications may be made at any time in the academic year, though no later than the very beginning of September for a start in October. If you have any questions throughout this process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Secretary or the Director of Taught Programmes.
Overseas Students Deposit
If you are an overseas and self-funding student you are required to pay a deposit of £1000. This deposit is not in addition to your fees, but deducted from them. The fees will be less the £1000 deposit. The deposit is not normally refundable. It can be paid online, and is required within 6 weeks of receiving an offer from the University of a place on one of our taught postgraduate programmes, or immediately if the programme is due to begin within 2 months of receiving the offer. Further details about the deposit and how it can be paid will be sent with the offer of a place. These details will also include the circumstances in which the deposit can be refunded. Please note that a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) cannot be issued without payment of the deposit, and you will need a CAS number in order to obtain a visa. Further information is available here.
US students seeking funding from the US Department of Education's Direct Loan Scheme should contact the department about waiving the deposit. Further information about this scheme can be found on the web pages of the Student Finance and Support Office.
Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirement is a good upper second class honours degree or equivalent (for example GPA 3.7) in Theology, Religious Studies or a related discipline. The two principal exceptions to this rule are as follows:
- graduates of other disciplines who have studied at undergraduate or equivalent level in one or more of the areas in which they hope to work, through their first degrees, through training for the ministry of the churches, and so on;
- students from overseas universities who have successfully reached a point in their theological studies comparable with completion of a British BA at the standard noted above – for example, on the German model, passing the Zwischenpruüfung or Kolloquium and two semesters at the Hauptseminar level.
Applicants for the Integrated PhD should also indicate their expected research field.
Some modules have special prerequisites limiting registration for the module to those who have studied a particular language or subject at undergraduate level. Any queries concerning eligibility for modules should be referred to the Director of Taught Programmes.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants for whom English is not their first language, and who have not undertaken part or all of their earlier theological education in the English language, must fulfill a minimum acceptable English language requirement prior to registering as students. The requirement for this department can be satisfied by any of the following:
- An Overall Band Score of 7.0 or above in the British Council International English Language Testing Service test (I.E.L.T.S.) with no band below 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) 102 or above, with no element below 25.
- a pass in English Language at the level of G.C.S.E. or ‘O' Level with a grade of A, B or C.
In all cases the relevant certificate should have been issued within two years of the programme start date.
If you fall short of these requirements, you may be offered a place conditional on your registering for and completing one of Durham's pre-sessional English language courses. These have an excellent track record both for raising students' facility in academic English and for introducing them to academic life in Durham.
