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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion is no longer accepting new applications.

The Advanced Diploma is a nine-month postgraduate qualification especially designed for those who already have a degree, but in a subject other than Theology and Religious Studies. Taking this course may be a first step to doing an MPhil or PhD in Theology or Religious Studies in this or another university, but does not count towards such a degree.

Students submit a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words and offer three or four papers selected from Papers A1, B1–B16, C1–C12 and D1–D2 of the Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion BA (the Faculty's undergraduate degree).  Students shall offer at least one paper from the set consisting of Papers C1–C12 and D1–D2 (third-year papers). Only one may be from Papers A1, B1 or C1 (language papers). No student shall offer more than one paper examined by an alternative form of assessment (ie by essay).

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the Advanced Diploma students should have:

  • made the transition from another discipline, usually in the humanities, and acquired a grounding in the key concepts and methods in the subject;
  • acquired advanced understanding in up to four sub-disciplines of the subject;
  • acquired detailed knowledge of a specific topic, either in a chosen sub-discipline, or of an interdisciplinary character, and of basic principles of scholarly research, through the writing of a dissertation; and
  • had the opportunity to acquire a basic or advanced proficiency in a scriptural language of a major religious tradition and in the interpretation of scriptural texts.

Continuing

Those who wish to continue to the MPhil degree must achieve at least 67 per cent in the examinations.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Key Information


9 months full-time

Advanced Diploma

Faculty of Divinity

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Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
May 16, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 1, 2022
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 12, 2022

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2023, Lent 2024 and Easter 2024.


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