• Classics, Ancient History, Religion and Theology
• Theology and Religion

Theology and Religion

We are No. 1 in the UK for our world-leading research in Theology and Religious Studies - Based on 4* research in REF2021

71% of our Theology and Religious Studies research is world-leading - Based on research rated 4* in REF2021

100% of our Theology and Religious Studies research has world-leading impact. - Based on research impact rated 4*in REF2021

Top 10 in UK subject ranking (6th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Top 100 worldwide for Theology and Religion (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024)

Theology and Religion at Exeter is a centre of excellence for teaching and research across a broad and diverse range of interests within the discipline. We are a dynamic and friendly team who offer intellectually challenging and wide-ranging teaching, and a flourishing research culture.

Research-led teaching

• No. 1 in the UK for our world-leading research in Theology and Religious Studies¹
• Top 10 in UK subject rankings - The Complete University Guide 2023 and The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
• Top 100 worldwide for Theology and Religion (QS World University Subject Rankings 2023)
• Varied programme including biblical studies, Judaism and Christianity, oriental and eastern Christianity, philosophy of religion, ethics, science and religion, theology and art
• Opportunities to take field trips, plus a work placement or study abroad

High quality research

• Our research centres provide a particular focus for research activity and public engagement.
• We have a high success rate in our bids for research-council funding, and are active in developing projects involving other scholars and disciplines within the University and wider world. Recent research has been funded by organisations including the AHRC, GCRF, John Templeton Foundation, Templeton World Charity Foundation, British Academy, British Council, ERC, Leverhulme, MRC, Galileo Foundation, Marie Curie and the Sir Halley Stewart Trust
• We have a strong track record of supervising PhD students in a wide range of areas, and provide excellent training and resources to help students develop research skills and get a good start in their careers
• Our excellent support for postgraduate students includes assisting them in securing AHRC and other studentships
• A distinctive feature of Theology and Religion at Exeter is our commitment to multi-disciplinary work. Theologians, philosophers, biblical scholars and historians contribute to a shared conversation about the central questions in our fields which encompass many pressing contemporary global debates and societal challenges.

_{1 Research Excellence Framework 2021}