We inhabit a thoughtful and reflective community that integrates academic study with Christian worship. Unlike a solely university or religious community, we foster the combination of both: a rich cultivation of “heart, soul, mind, and strength” in a Christian framework for ministry and mission through the Church of England. The University of Oxford is one our degree providers.
Oxford degree programmes provide access to teaching and research by experts in their fields and to world-class resources via the Bodleian Library. With a very international community, the famous university lies at the heart of a beautiful and historic city. Oxford has a range of churches – some of which have played a key role in that history – and representation across a range of world religions.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology and Religion
This undergraduate programme looks at the complex relationship between religious texts and their social, political and cultural contexts. You will gain knowledge and understanding of several religious traditions, study the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, the development of Christian doctrine in its historical context, and the thought of modern theologians.
Engaging with a wide variety of texts will develop your critical, analytical and comparative skills. You will acquire competence in at least one of six languages (typically Biblical Hebrew and/or Greek) and be able to read sacred texts in their original language.
Students pursuing this route with Approved Prior Learning will have a range of options in their two years in order to ensure that they have covered all aspects of the curriculum.
Master of Theology in Applied Theology
Part 1
One year of taught study with lectures every Friday held at Wycliffe Hall and the Faculty of Theology and Religion.
You will take four units in total, each assessed by an extended essay of 7,000 words. The two core units are: Doctrine, Context and Practice; and Experiential Project with Theological Reflection.
You then choose two further units from the following options: Sociology of Religion; Pastoral Psychology; Science and Faith in the Modern World; The Use of the Bible; Christian Spirituality; Liturgy and Worship; Christian Ethics; Mission in the Modern World; Inter-Faith Dialogue; and Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context.
Part 2
A dissertation of 20,000 words on an agreed topic in practical theology.
A full course description can be found at University of Oxford MTh in Applied Theology.
To Apply
Further information about the MTh programme can be found here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/mth-applied-theology
Postgraduate course applications should be made directly with the University’s Theology Faculty. If you would like to discuss College choices and opportunities for participation in community life at Cuddesdon during your studies, please feel free to contact the Ripon College Cuddesdon Admissions Team at [email protected].
We provide a supportive environment in which to pursue academic theological study via the University of Oxford. Many of our tutors are active in teaching for the Faculty of Theology and Religion, and also in research and publication in their own subjects. This experience makes them well-placed to guide, support and inspire your study, training, and formation through these programmes.