A small but academically successful subject at Girton

Why choose Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion at Girton?

The course in Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion (TRPR) examines essential human questions and the cultural and historical significance of religion in history and the world. It offers multiple academic perspectives on the study of faith, including careful reading of ancient texts, philosophical analysis, and historical as well as social scientific approaches, across the full range of world religions. You can also delve into connections between religion and literature, science, ethics, and politics.

As such, the course is broad, diverse, and multidisciplinary, enabling you to explore a range of interests. Students pursuing a degree in TRPR as well as the Faculty staff hold a diverse range of beliefs. While some engage critically with their studies from within a faith tradition, others approach the subject from an atheist or agnostic perspective. 

Girton has a small but lively group of students studying TRPR. The Director of Studies, Dr Marieke Dhont, is a Septuagint scholar with a wide range of interests, including Second Temple Judaism, the origins of Early Christianity, and Hellenistic Literature. Additional assistance is offered by the Chaplain, Rev'd Dr Tim Boniface, whose interests lie in Christian theology. The College ethos offers a relaxed and supportive environment combined with academic rigour.

Undergraduate Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion

• No. of students admitted per year: 2
• Entry requirements: All entry requirements are A-Level standard or equivalent, unless otherwise stated. No specific subjects are required. Subjects such as Religious Studies, History, English and modern languages can be helpful, but so can any subjects that encourage clear, logical thinking and careful analysis of evidence. Students with a science background also study Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion and do very well.
• Typical offer: A*AA
• Assessment arrangements: There is no written assessment for this subject at Girton College.
• Interview arrangements: Usually there will be two interviews of about 25 minutes each. If invited to interview, applicants are asked to submit two pieces of written work, which may be discussed during the interview. Applicants will be given a text to read right before the interview, and asked to discuss this text with the interviewers.

Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion undergraduate information

The degree in Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion is flexible, allowing students to pursue their particular interests even from the first year. In the first year, students take five papers. One scriptural language (Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, or Sanskrit) and one biblical paper (either Old or New Testament) are compulsory, and three other options can be chosen from Biblical Studies, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, Sociology of Religion, and World Religions. Similar topics can be chosen in second and third years, with each year introducing further specialisms and allowing the option to focus on one or more areas. For those wishing to explore a topic in more depth, the option of a dissertation is available in the third and final year.

Teaching is provided through lectures, seminars, and small-group supervisions. Assessment depends on the paper, and is either by assessed essays or by a written examination at the end of the year

Career destinations

Our Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion (TRPR) undergraduate course has consistently secured its position amongst the world’s top academic programs, and multiple rankings recognized the fantastic career prospects of our graduates. Students have moved on to a range of careers. Some have gone on to further studies both here and elsewhere, but most have entered other types of employment, including teaching, banking, charity work, journalism, and even working as a submariner. TRPR is a highly interdisciplinary career and teaches you many desirable skills, such as time management and working to deadlines, research, using a critical approach, problem solving, communication, taking initiative, and so much more. More information and a wide range of alumni profiles can be found on the Faculty website.