History and Theology BA (Hons)

University of Birmingham

Religious movements, institutions and theological ideas have had a profound influence on historical events and processes. Studying undergraduate History and Theology is an exciting chance to discover how and why our world emerged, alongside the ideas that are shaping religion, faith and spirituality in the 21st century.

The University of Birmingham provides an intellectually challenging environment to nurture your enthusiastic appreciation of the past and spirituality. Our knowledge covers a wide range of historical periods (antiquity, medieval, early modern, modern and contemporary), geographical contexts (Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America) and religious ideologies, which encourages you to question some of the myths, preconceptions and prejudices in the interplay of history and theology.

During your degree course, you will also develop an informed appreciation of the religious and historical contexts surrounding pressing contemporary issues, which will allow you to engage critically with historical and theological debates and identify how they influence each other.

Why study this course?

Unparallelled opportunities – Equipping you with skills that employers value is a priority for us. Make use of free language tuition and paid Arts Internships in areas such as publishing, event management or marketing. Join the 4th most targeted University by top graduate employers (Graduate Market Report 2022). Present day application – We believe in history as a practical and engaged endeavour that speaks to questions of social inequality, community belonging and even climate change. As a Birmingham student you have opportunities to learn about the uses of history such as through a placement in the heritage sector on our Professional Skills module. Culturally-diverse city – All faiths are well-represented in Birmingham, with more than 650 churches, mosques, synagogues and temples across the city. Outside London, Birmingham has the UK’s largest Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist communities, the second largest Hindu community and the seventh largest Jewish community. Taught by experts –You will study your undergraduate degree course alongside some of the finest minds in History and Theology. The Department is also ranked in the top 35 in the world for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings 2022).
Diverse perspectives – Unlike other universities, we engage with all students/major religions and not just the typical approach of studying the three major abrahamic religions. We want our students to gain a strong understanding of all major religions whilst also specialising in the niche that interests them the most. In your final year, you will have freedom to choose any module that interests you ranging from the Hebrew Bible to the Holocaust.

Top 10 for History in the Complete University Guide 2023

Top 10 for Theology and Religious Studies in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

3rd for Theology in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Four Star Research