Religion and Theology

Page contents

• Programme overview
• Entry requirements
• Staff research interests

Programme overview

The Department has a strong and innovative research culture, with leading researchers in the fields of Jewish, Christian and Buddhist thought and practice. We use a wide range of linguistic, historical, philosophical and theological methods, and provide many opportunities for postgraduates to build up a strong portfolio of skills and experiences in preparation for an academic career and professional life beyond university.

Research groups

We host the Centre for Buddhist Studies and the Centre for Christianity and Culture, and often collaborate with the inter-departmental Centre for Medieval Studies.

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Entry requirements

MPhil: An upper second-class degree (or international equivalent). MLitt/PhD: A pass at MA level (or international equivalent)

For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

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Key research interests

Dr Jon Balserak, Biblical exegesis; theology and history of the Middle Ages and Reformation, with special interests in Denis the Carthusian, Peter Martyr Vermigli and especially John Calvin; Renaissance Humanism.

Dr Jonathan Campbell, Origins of the Jewish biblical canon; Second Temple Judaism and the Dead Sea Scrolls; Deuteronomy and its reception; use of holy writ in anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

Professor Gavin D'Costa, Systematic theology; theology of religions and interfaith dialogue; doctrine of the Trinity; modern Roman Catholic thought; theology of Jewish- Christian relations.

Professor Rupert Gethin, Early Buddhism; Theravada Buddhist thought (the Abhidhamma); development of Buddhist theories of meditation; Buddhaghosa's commentaries.

Dr Rita Langer, Early Indian Buddhism and its cultural background; Buddhist rituals in South and Southeast Asia, particularly Sri Lanka; interdisciplinary research (relating fieldword and textual studies).

Dr John Lyons, Biblical Interpretation, especially in the areas of Biblical Theology and the History of Exegesis, and on a variety of texts including the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament.

Dr Carolyn Muessig, Medieval Religion; 13th-century preaching and its relation to female piety; Jacques de Vitry; heresies; monastic theology; Catherine of Siena; stigmata and deification.

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