The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.
This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology.
Recent research topics have included, among many other projects, a study of devotion to the infant Jesus in early Christianity; an exploration of trauma in film and the theology of memory; a study of classical Hinduism and environmentalism. Students develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in their chosen field of research.
PhD Program Requirements
A master’s degree in a relevant subject; and
A first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honours in theology, religious studies or another closely-related field.
Students admitted to the DPhil will usually have a master’s degree in theology or religious studies from a recognised institution.
Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class undergraduate degree and a grade of 67% or above in a relevant master’s degree.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.8 out of 4.0.
Dependent on your chosen project, you may be required to demonstrate that you have reached a sufficient level in a language or languages relevant to your study such as Hebrew, Greek, Latin or Arabic.
Research or work experience in areas of theology may be an advantage, if it demonstrates that you have transferable skills which may be of use during your studies.
Publications are not required.
PhD Funding Coverage
The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25.
You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline.
Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
Application Requirement
1. Online Application
2. Official transcript(s): Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
3. Research proposal: The research proposal is a crucial element of a DPhil application. It should communicate, not so much your personal autobiography, as your academic commitment and seriousness. Assessors are looking to be persuaded that you know the field in which you propose to conduct research, are committed to spending several years working in it, understand what study in Oxford could offer to you, and have considered the aptness of Oxford’s resources to the proposed research.
4. Written work: Academic essays or other writing samples from your most recent qualification, written in English, are required. Extracts of the requisite length from longer pieces are accepted if prefaced by a note which puts them into context.
5. GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
6. English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
Application Deadline
5 January 2025
Application Fee
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.
