Philosophy and Theology

Philosophy and theology is one of the oldest and most enduring combinations in university education, because the questions they share, about the existence and nature of God, the grounds of morality, the meaning of life and the relationship between faith and reason, have been debated together across every major intellectual tradition. Philosophy brings rigorous analytical methods and an adversarial approach to argument: no claim is accepted without examination of its foundations and its implications. Theology brings historical depth, textual tradition and a commitment to understanding religious belief and practice on its own terms, across the full range of world religions as well as the Christian tradition that shaped much of Western thought.

At Durham University, this three-year full-time programme is offered within a setting that takes both subjects with exceptional seriousness. Durham's theology and religion department and philosophy department are both well regarded, and the combination benefits from a research environment in which fundamental questions of religion, metaphysics and ethics are pursued at the highest level. The programme includes a sandwich year with embedded work placement opportunities and a year abroad, giving you professional experience and international academic exposure within a compact three-year degree.

The typical entry tariff is around 168 UCAS points.

You will study the history of philosophy and the major traditions of western analytic and continental thought alongside biblical studies, Christian theology, world religions, ethics and philosophy of religion. The combination develops your ability to engage with both formal argument and textual interpretation, which are complementary skills in both academic and professional contexts.

Graduates of philosophy and theology programmes work in education, the church and other religious organisations, chaplaincy, social work, law, public policy, journalism, publishing, broadcasting and the civil service. The critical thinking, ethical reasoning and research skills developed through the combination are valued across a very wide range of contexts. Many graduates also enter academic research in philosophy, theology or religious studies.

Postgraduate study in theology, philosophy, religious studies, ethics or law is a well-supported continuation.