MSt in Study of Religions

at University of Oxford

In many cases, you will study the early doctrines and practices of religious traditions in their historical contexts, engaging with primary source texts in English translation, but you may also opt to study the modern variations of a particular religion, or a set of religious practices or institutions in the contemporary world. The Oxford tutorial system applies to postgraduate study in this course, so you are encouraged to develop your particular interests in conversation with your tutors. In addition to six to eight tutorials in the first two terms, students will attend one two-hour class per week and the Graduate Research Seminar once a fortnight.  Additional supervisions are offered in the third term to aid students in the writing of their dissertation, as well as a number of revision classes and the fortnightly Graduate Research Seminar. 
 

Each of these traditions has an internationally-recognised research centre, institute or outstanding cluster of scholars in Oxford. This typically means that you are not only taught by specialists in your chosen tradition, but also have access to a variety of specialist libraries and collections.

Degree-level qualifications
 

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honours in theology, religious studies or a related field.
   

Entrance is very competitive.
 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.8 out of 4.0.
 

GRE General Test scores
 

Other examination results may be submitted alongside degree qualifications. If offered, the minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores normally sought are 160 in verbal reasoning, 5.0 in analytical writing and 150 in quantitative reasoning.
 

Further guidance
 

Progression to the DPhil in Theology relies on a strong performance in the taught course. The faculty would normally expect a final grade of 67% or above.

Home    
£13,550

Overseas    
£30,910

Students who leave the University of Oxford with graduate degrees in theology and religion enter a variety of careers all around the world. Many of those who gain an MSt or MPhil proceed to further, usually doctoral, study. Others secure employment as, for example, civil servants, lawyers, school teachers,  parliamentary research assistants or staff members of, or researchers at, non-governmental organisations that work on issues pertaining to religion in public life.