University of Oxford

Theology is one of the oldest faculties in this ancient University. One of the first courses of lectures given at Oxford was in Theology, over 800 years ago. Alexander Neckam, from St Albans, is recorded as giving biblical and moral lectures as early as 1193, on the Psalms of David and the Wisdom of Solomon. One of the first major University buildings (still intact and recently described as ‘the loveliest room in England') was the Divinity School, which was begun in 1423 to cater for Theology lectures. So we have a long history behind us, of which Oxford's beautiful setting and many historic buildings remind us. Nevertheless, we are very much aware that present and future success cannot rest on past achievements. Recent developments include our work in the Study of Religion and in the major religious traditions of the world, and also our exploration of the interface between science and religion. There are over 450 students at the Faculty of Theology and Religion, pursuing a range of different undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In the academic year 2021-2022, the Faculty has been home to 214 BA students; 95 students taking a Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Theology, Master of Studies or Master of Philosophy; and 143 full and part-time doctoral students. (These figures are subject to small changes across the year but continue to provide an accurate indication of the Faculty's student body.)