Department of Theology and Religion
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.
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.
Study with us
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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.
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.
What's new?
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.
First Clare and Hawley Chair in the History of Catholicism appointed
Durham Hosts Week of Events Honouring Black History and Reparative Justice
The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead
Church of England must do more to recognise dangers of spiritual authority
Durham theologians reflect on faith, justice, and the cosmos on flagship radio show
Durham professor honoured for pioneering contributions to death studies
How ‘campus climate’ affects students’ attitudes to people of different religions
New research shows there are some key things universities can do to create climates where students are able to relate to others of different religious backgrounds. Professor Mathew Guest from our Department of Theology and Religion, with colleagues from Coventry University and Ohio State University, explains the findings.
How a medieval Oxford friar used light and colour to find out what stars and planets are made of
First Clare and Hawley Chair in the History of Catholicism appointed
The new archbishop of Canterbury has already made history – but she has huge challenges ahead
Dr William Crozier, Duns Scotus Assistant Professor in Franciscan Studies, in our Department of Theology and Religion, discusses the challenges facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass – here’s what to expect
Pope Leo XIV appointment – “a truly historic moment”
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 theologians reflect on faith, justice, and the cosmos on flagship radio show
Durham professor honoured for pioneering contributions to death studies
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.
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)
What’s it like studying Theology and Religion?
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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