Religions and Theology at The University of Manchester

Religions and Theology is a vibrant and friendly department  dedicated to one of the most challenging, exciting, thought-provoking, and important subjects you could choose to study. And here at Manchester we offer an impressively wide range and variety of courses – more than any other British university.

We deal with some of the most difficult and controversial questions that have ever exercised the human mind. Is there a God? Does life have meaning and purpose? What do we mean by ‘good’ and ‘evil’ and what are the criteria for distinguishing between them? Are ethical values God-given or human inventions? How should humankind address the challenges of war and peace, terrorism, politics, the environmental crisis, sexuality and gender?

A degree in Religions and Theology will give you the opportunity to study in depth the beliefs, texts, practices, histories, and cultures that have emerged from the great religious traditions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. You will wrestle with some of the most prodigious minds – people like Athanasius, Augustine, Shankara, Maimonides, Avicenna, Averroes, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, Barth, and many others. Through this, you will develop your own informed understanding of the issues that have moved human beings over the centuries, and continue to move them today.

And all of that is what makes the study of Religions and Theology such a fascinating and rewarding experience.

Why study Religions and Theology with us?

Religion makes a difference. It changes things – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. It motivates people to great acts of kindness but also to commit the most awful atrocities. Religion is a powerful force and its study is essential if we are to understand the world in which we live.

Manchester offers the widest range and variety of courses of any British university. As part of your degree, you can take units in ancient Hebrew, Greek or Sanskrit; learn about Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Islamic traditions; pursue an interest in the Bible or Christian theology; and discover the different approaches to religion offered by, for example, sociology, anthropology, history, philosophy, and gender studies.

We have one of the UK’s highest international reputations for research. You will be taught by scholars of international standing who are linguists, anthropologists, theologians of several religions, philosophers, historians, and critical theorists.

Studying in Manchester will also give you access to one of the UK’s major university libraries, with an extensive collection of books and archives in the areas of religion and theology. Last, but certainly not least, our department is renowned for its vibrant, friendly atmosphere and excellent relations between staff and students.