What is it like studying in the department?
Studying with Durham’s Theology & Religion department is one of the best (if not the best!) decision I have ever made. My friends studying the course have described it as ‘gripping’ and ‘illuminating’; I describe it as life-changing. I arrived in Durham with a limited knowledge of religions other than Christianity. This degree has shaped my perception of the world by enabling me to learn about different religions, cultures and traditions from across the globe.
This degree is interdisciplinary, which is why I love it so much. It is like studying Liberal Arts, but with a more concentrated focus on Theology. Throughout my studies, I have taken modules rooted in history, such as ‘The Reformation & Its Legacy’ and ‘The History of Christianity.’ Alongside this, I have studied modules with anthropological themes, such as ‘Worldview, Faith & Identity’ and ‘Death, Ritual & Belief.’ These modules are some of my favourites but it’s important to note that they are subject to change year-on-year depending on their availability. One of the coolest things I have studied is the opportunity to learn, read and translate a biblical language, such as Biblical Hebrew. I could not recommend this degree enough. If you are a prospective student interested in the Arts & Humanities, this could be the degree for you!
Day-to-day life studying theology
My days include a mixture of seminars, lectures and independent study. Seminars are my favourite out of the bunch. These involve a small group of around 10-20 students discussing and analysing texts that link to the weekly lecture. Not only are theology seminars a great way to make friends, but they have also been the main contributor to my academic development. Theology seminars have helped me to read and think critically about primary and secondary sources. They have also enabled me to confidently articulate arguments and ideas to my peers.
As a third-year student, most of my time is centred around independent study. This gives me time to write essays and my dissertation. I often study in the Bill Bryson Library, or the Sharp Library in Durham Cathedral. The latter is my favourite, as it is a beautiful space filled with hundreds of theology books!
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