Theology and Religious Studies MA

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Theology and Religious Studies Postgraduate ‘Find Out More’ Events

Our Theology and Religious Studies ‘Find Out More’ events give you the chance to meet both staff and students, in an informal and friendly atmosphere. You will find out more about us, about our MAs and our Doctoral courses, and about the general nature of postgraduate studies with us. There will also be plenty of opportunity for you to ask us any questions that you may have. This event will run on Wednesday 30th July. You can use the booking form to book your place.

 

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Course Summary

Are you looking for a flexible, research-driven MA which invites you to critically engage with key debates, texts, and traditions in the study of theology, philosophy, and religion? Do you want to be part of a vibrant and inclusive scholarly community, led by leading academics with internationally recognised research expertise? Our Master's in Theology and Religious Studies course allows you to explore your own areas of interest, which could be anything from biblical studies to the social scientific study of global religions, under specialist one-to-one supervision.

Our strong research culture drives our teaching and ensures that you work directly with experts at the forefront of their fields. With the opportunity to undertake taught study in optional topics such as God and Philosophy in the 20th Century, Contemporary Islam, The Book of Revelation, or Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, you can tailor your studies to match your academic and professional interests.

Alongside these taught options, you can choose to undertake independent study under specialist supervision, drawing on the areas within Theology and Religious Studies that most interests you. Examples of possible areas of study (indicative rather than exhaustive) include the following: religion and existentialism; queer theologies; Christology; the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls; religious ethics and asceticism; political theologies; violence in early Christianity; the anthropology of Islam; religion, feminism, and gender; and contemporary apocalypticisms.

The dissertation module gives you the opportunity to develop your own research interests further and will equip you with the necessary skills to do so. Examples of recent, successfully completed projects include: 'A Textual and Hermeneutical Analysis of the Biblical Exodus Narrative'; 'A Fieldwork-driven Exploration of Prayer in Jehovah's Witness Communities'; and 'A Study of Contemporary Catholic Social Teachings on Gender'. You will first discuss and develop your initial ideas with the course leader, before starting work with a specialist academic who will guide your research and writing on the dissertation from start to end.

Whether you are looking to advance your career, enrich your ministerial development, or simply explore the fascinating complexities of religion in today's world and in history, this MA equips you with valuable critical skills and specialist subject knowledge to do so.

Why You'll Love It

Research excellence woven throughout

As we are 7th in the UK for research quality (REF 2021), you will learn from internationally leading scholars across theology and religious studies. With expertise spanning biblical studies, systematic/practical theology, philosophy, and the social scientific study of religion, our staff will guide your research and ensure your work is informed by the latest developments in the academic field. In the REF 2021, 88% of our submission was judged world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).

Students sitting in row seats in a lecture room with a green statute on table top.

Flexible learning, tailored to you

You will design and build an MA tailored for you by selecting specialist pathways and optional modules that align with your own interests. Whether you focus on The Book of Revelation, Contemporary Islam, or other areas of TRS entirely, you can shape your studies to support your career goals, research ambitions, and intellectual curiosity. You'll choose topics under the guidance of the Programme Leader, who will help you identify areas of focus that are right for you.

Learn alongside a diverse community

You will engage in stimulating discussions with a broad range of students from different backgrounds, including philosophers, psychologists, mature learners, and diverse professionals. This dynamic learning environment fosters rich, thought-provoking debates, allowing you to gain fresh perspectives on theology and religion, and the world.

Students attending a TRS session

What You'll Study

You'll study a two-part core module and will undertake a research dissertation on a topic of your choice. You will also choose four optional topics:

 

Modules

This module will equip you with the academic study skills required for study in Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) at Level 7, as well as providing an introduction to the first two of four sub-disciplines in the field: theology and philosophy. In part I of this two-part core module, our subject experts will introduce you to some key dimensions of Christian theology and philosophy, preparing you to understand the breadth and depth of TRS as an interdisciplinary field. As this module runs in parallel with our research seminar series, you'll be prepared and equipped to be an active contributor to the academic research culture.

This module follows Studying Theology and Religion (Part I), and will help you to continue developing the academic study skills required for study in Theology and Religious Studies at Level 7. It provides an introduction to two further sub-disciplines in the field: biblical studies and religious studies. In part II, our subject experts will introduce you to the academic study of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as well as to anthropological and sociological approaches to the study of religion. As this module will continue to run in parallel with our research seminar series, you'll be prepared and equipped to be an active contributor to the academic research culture.

A topic relating to your course aims/learning outcomes and personal and/or professional interests is chosen. The dissertation is based upon guided, but largely independent, research. Research methodology is included in both the supervision process and the submitted dissertation. 

This module involves the systematic and critical reading of the Book of Revelation. You will also cover key critical issues in the interpretation of the Apocalypse, such as its social, historical and political setting, its key themes and theological content, its place in the development of early Christianity, and its influence and reception.

This module traces the development of various trends in modern and contemporary Islam through movements and individuals, from pre-modernist reform movements such as Wahhabism, the recent Islamic ‘resurgence’, up to contemporary forms of globalised Islam. The evolution of modern and contemporary Muslim political thought and attempts to establish Islamic states, as in Iran, Pakistan or Afghanistan, will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on social and intellectual challenges faced by Muslims, such as the question of Islam and gender, the situation of Muslims living in the West, and the relationship between Islam and democracy.

This module focuses on the Dead Sea Scrolls (specifically, the Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls) and their significance for our understanding of the social, cultural, political and religious diversity of the Second Temple period. You will examine topics such as the discovery and publication of the scrolls; their historical and archaeological context; the content of the manuscripts; their relation to biblical texts and known apocryphal/pseudepigraphal literature; the community behind the texts; the relationship with early Christianity; and the modern impact and reception of the discovery within both academia and popular culture.

This module explores how philosophy has engaged with God from the end of the Enlightenment onwards. You will learn how the legacy of Kant and Nietzsche’s statements on God opened up new ways of talking about God and the experience of God in philosophy. Topics may include Nietzsche and morality; Heidegger on existence and human being; existentialism and God; critiques of reason and enlightenment in the Frankfurt School; Levinas on ethics and otherness; feminist philosophy of religion; and post-modernism and God.

You will have the opportunity to write a substantial research assignment after attending an academic conference or seminar. Your assignment will be based on one of the conference themes, which has been approved by the module leader. You will receive guidance from a specialist supervisor. 

You will select and develop a project of your choice in any area of Theology and Religious Studies covered by our expertise. You'll work under one-to-one supervision with a specialist supervisor.  

 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Theology and Religious Studies MA at the University of Chester

Theology and Religious Studies MA

Who You'll Learn From

Professor Hannah Bacon

Professor
Prof Hannah Bacon

Professor Caroline Tee

Professor
Dr Caroline Tee

Dr Ben Fulford

Deputy Head
Dr Ben Fulford

Professor Paul Middleton

Assessment officer for all Theology and Religious Studies programmes
Prof Paul Middleton

Dr Steve Knowles

Senior Lecturer
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Dr Matthew Collins

Senior Lecturer
Dr Matthew Collins

Dr Dawn Llewellyn

Associate Professor
Dawn Llewelyn

Dr Deborah Casewell

Associate Professor
Deborah Casewell

Dr Richard Gauvain

Lecturer
Richard Gauvain

How You'll Learn

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Teaching is via hybrid research seminars and individual supervision.

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Assessment is via coursework and a dissertation.

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This course is designed for flexible delivery and can be undertaken in person, hybrid, or remotely online.

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The course features online learning activities.

You can choose how you learn, opting for in-person teaching, remote online learning, or any combination of the two that suits you best.

Our state-of-the-art facilities for hybrid learning mean you will be part of a lively postgraduate community spanning the UK, and you will learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds.

Our course is designed to accommodate students with external work commitments, and all our hybrid seminars take place between 17:00 and 19:00.

"There is something very exciting about this radically student-driven course. There is an integral flexibility that allows a student to set their own research agenda with bespoke support from the specialisms present in the department. It is ideal as a ramp into research while allowing students who don't intend a doctoral route to enjoy their Master's by focusing on their own interests."

Dr Amy Daughton External Quality Advisor
Chester city clock, old buildings and roman walls.

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

Normally a 2:2 honours degree in a Humanities subject is required. Applicants with a degree in another discipline should contact us for advice. Those with appropriate relevant experience but who do not have a degree will also receive consideration. 

Please note, applicants for Theology and Religious Studies MA may be invited to attend an interview. 

2:2 honours degree

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts. 

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience. 

 Please note, applicants for  Theology and Religious Studies MA may be invited to attend an interview. 

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£8,775for a full-time course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

£15,000for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

This course develops skills in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and religious literacy valued by employers. Students may go on to work in a number of professions, including teaching, banking and financial business, marketing and advertising, publishing, civil service, health and social care, counselling, and customer service. 

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extracurricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs.

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