Theology is one of the oldest areas of academic study known to humanity while religious studies has developed in the modern period. Both disciplines continue to be intellectually stimulating and relevant in helping us understand the role of religions, both ancient and modern, in the world around us. Theology generally refers to the study of the Christian traditions from textual, historical and doctrinal perspectives. Religious studies refers to the comparative study of beliefs and practices in a variety of religious traditions and contexts and explores different theories of religion cross-culturally. Taken together, our courses cover a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and new religions, and the rejection of religion by atheists and humanists. Religion influences, and is influenced by, most human endeavours and we encourage you to explore the dynamics between theology and religious studies and other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. On our programmes you can choose to pursue your interests in a wide variety of subjects and you can combine breadth of knowledge with in-depth expertise. You will acquire critical and analytical skills and a broad education in argument and interpretation that will develop you intellectually and make you very attractive to employers. This programme traditionally prepares candidates for professional ministry but in recent years has been studied by students with an interest in Christian theology who are planning to pursue careers in a variety of contexts.