Theology MPhil

<strong>The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.</strong> <br/><br/><strong>MPhil</strong><br/>The MPhil in Theology is a full-time, 21 month degree. It offers extensive study of a particular field of theology at an advanced level, with rigorous training in relevant research methods and a period of scholarly research and writing.<br/><br/>Course structure<br/>Students on the MPhil in Theology work in one of the following fields of study:<br/><br/><br/>• Biblical Studies: Old Testament<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Biblical Studies: New Testament <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Doctrine: History of Doctrine - Patristic Theology<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Doctrine: Modern Theology <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Ecclesiastical History<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Ethics<br/><br/><br/><br/>The Faculty of Theology and Religion runs graduate seminars in different subjects, which offer a space for all those doing graduate work to meet and to share aspects of their work with peers. The seminars are an important way of staying in touch with peers and presenting research at various stages of development.<br/><br/><strong>MSt</strong><br/>The Master of Studies (MSt) in Theology is a full-time, taught course offering an intensive period of advanced study in a chosen field, with rigorous training in relevant research methods. <br/><br/>It offers the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge of distinct topics within the chosen field of study and includes an element of scholarly research and writing which can constitute part of the training for a future research degree. You will be part of an active and vibrant community of graduate students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. <br/><br/>Course structure<br/>You will choose to work in one of the following fields of study:<br/><br/><br/>• Biblical Studies: Old Testament<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Biblical Studies: New Testament <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Biblical Studies: Bible Interpretation<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Doctrine: History of Doctrine - Patristic Theology<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Doctrine: Modern Theology <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Ecclesiastical History<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Ethics<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Science and Religion.<br/><br/><br/><br/>The course is taught through a combination of core classes or tutorials and meetings with your supervisor, either one-to-one or in a very small group. Attendance at other lectures and seminars may be recommended or required. The topics being studied will normally be covered during the first two terms.<br/><br/>You learn to analyse and evaluate both primary and secondary literature, how to select the most significant materials, and combine them to form a structured argument. You also develop the habits of critical questioning, clear exposition, and objective evaluation.<br/><br/>The number of students studying on each pathway varies between individual disciplines but is usually small, allowing teaching to be tailored to the needs and interests of each student.<br/><br/>Students are encouraged to attend and participate in research seminars in their subject area. There are research seminar series in:<br/><br/><br/>- the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible<br/><br/><br/>• New Testament<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Patristics<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Modern Theology<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Church History<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Christian Ethics<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Science and Religion.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Other research seminars of interest are hosted by other faculties and seminars, colloquia, and conferences are organised by the interdisciplinary research centres affiliated to the faculty.<br/><br/>The choice of essays and dissertation topics is decided by you, subject to advice from your supervisor, and final approval from the Graduate Studies Committee at the Faculty of Theology and Religion. For those who intend to proceed to the DPhil, the topic of the dissertation normally provides a foundation for doctoral research.