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Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion

Fitzwilliam is (with Selwyn) one of the two Cambridge colleges which have, over many years, had a large number of students reading Theology and Religious Studies. The College regularly admits up to three applicants and additional places are sometimes available when there is a strong field of candidates.


Number of students

We typically admit around two undergraduates each year. 

The course

Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion is a multi-disciplinary subject and the Cambridge syllabus is flexible enough to permit students either to concentrate in certain areas (such as comparative world religions, sociology and anthropology of religion, or biblical studies) or to cover a variety of subjects. The course (or Tripos) consists of a one-year Part I and a two-year Part II, the latter being divided into Part IIA (second year) and Part IIB (third year). Fuller details of the syllabus can be found on the Faculty's website.


The benefits of studying Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion at Fitzwilliam College

Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion has a strong and distinguished representation among the Fellowship in Fitzwilliam College, with two teaching Fellows in the subject who are both University lecturers. It is also supported by two retired Fellows in the subject and one additional teaching fellow. There are well-established arrangements for teaching in which Fellows of other Colleges participate as well. In addition to the travel grants open to all students, the College has a number of special funds in Theology and Religion, from which grants have been made to enable students to travel in areas that are relevant to their studies.


Entry requirements

The typical A Level offer for Theology is A*AA. The typical IB offer is 40-42 points with 776 at Higher Level. It is not necessary to have taken Religious Studies at A Level.

All students are required to make a study of at least one of the Scriptural languages taught in the Faculty of Divinity (Greek, Hebrew, Arabic or Sanskrit) for one year (after which language study is voluntary). The language courses presuppose no previous knowledge of these languages.


The admissions process

Applicants are required to submit two pieces of recent written work as part of their application.

Applicants invited to interview should expect at least two interviews lasting 20-30 minutes. 


Director of Studies

Dr Simon Gathercole 


More information

Faculty of Divinity >>