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The Reverend Philip Hobday is Director of Studies as well as being College Chaplain. His interests are in Christian history and doctrine, the relationship between faith and reason, and the role of Christianity in public life.
Prof Eamon Duffy is Professor of the History of Christianity. His research and teaching interests centre on the history of late medieval and early-modern popular religious belief and practice, on Christian art and material culture, on the history of the English Roman Catholic community, and on the history of the papacy. He is the author of a number of books including The Stripping of the Altars, Saints and Sinners (a history of the papacy), The Church of Mary Tudor: Catholic Christendom 1300-1700, and Marking the Hours: English People and Their Prayers, 1240-1570.
On average Magdalene admits two undergraduates a year, and there are usually two or three postgraduate theologians. In the University as a whole there were about 110 candidates last year for around 50 places.
Is there a God, and what kind of God, and how do we know? Who wrote the Bible, and what does it say? Do religious belief and scientific understanding always conflict? Who was Jesus Christ and who did he think he was? What do different religions believe, and how have their followers expressed their belief? Theology explores the deepest questions about life, meaning, and purpose. It is not just for those who follow a particular faith, or who are considering religious ministry, but is a broad-based arts degree and an exciting opportunity to grapple with the Big Questions, pursue a wide range of interests, and learn useful skills and disciplines in critical thinking and expression.
During the course, there are papers on the Bible and different Christian theologians and periods of church history, as well as the opportunity to study world religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism), and specialist papers in (for example) Christian art and literature, metaphysics, and theology and science. A number of papers are ‘interdisciplinary’ – that is, they seek to make links between theology and other disciplines (such as politics, social science, philosophy, psychology, and ethics). The content of papers varies year by year, but theology undergraduates can study a broad range of topics while pursuing their interests in particular religions or themes.
In the first year, all undergraduates study a scriptural language (Hebrew, Greek, Sanskrit, Aramaic) at introductory level and at least one biblical paper (Old or New Testament). They then choose three further papers which – in this year – are broad introductions to the areas covered by the course (biblical studies, church history, Christian theology, social study of religions, world religions, philosophy of religion). Language papers are taught from the beginning; teaching assumes no previous knowledge of the language and there is no requirement for applicants to have a language qualification.
The second and third years offer the opportunity to study these areas in greater detail, often related to particular periods or set texts. Four or five papers are taken each year. Another scriptural language can be studied, or that studied in the first year pursued to a higher level.
Assessment is either by three-hour examination at the end of the year of study or by submitting essay(s), and some third-year students write a dissertation in place of one paper.
More information on the Faculty and the course can be found on the Faculty’s website http://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/apply
Each paper is accompanied by a Faculty lecture series – and often seminars or classes to discuss key ideas or texts. Undergraduates will have several supervisions for most papers, in which an essay forms the basis of a wider discussion; a supervision will usually include one or two students, and undergraduates will generally have two supervisions each week.
The Faculty of Divinity on the Sidgwick Site is a modern and impressive building with a well-stocked library and, as well as the venue for lectures and seminars, is also a meeting-place for theologians from different colleges. The nearby University Library is a copyright library with almost all books and periodicals published in the UK as well as many published abroad. The Classics, History, and Philosophy Faculty Libraries are also on the Sidgwick Site. An increasing number of books and journals are available online through the university network. The Magdalene College Library also houses many core texts.
A*AA at A2-Level or equivalent, assuming good AS-Levels already obtained.
There are no particular subject requirements, and study of RE/RS at school is not essential. Far more important are a good critical intelligence and a lively commitment to the subject.
We are happy to consider students with good GAP year plans.
We consider candidates re-applying to Cambridge but strongly recommend that a candidate does not give up an offer at a good university to pursue a Cambridge application without careful thought.
Most candidates are invited for interview in College, and are required to submit two written essays in advance. Candidates will also be sent a short passage from a theological text to discuss at interview.
Successful candidates usually exhibit native intelligence, an ability to deal with texts and ideas, and an enthusiasm for the subject. The interview is an opportunity for the candidate to show, through discussion, that they have these qualities.
If unable to attend an interview here, overseas candidates will, if arrangements can be made, be interviewed in their home country. Essays are normally required.
Like any arts degree, a Theology degree places few restrictions on job possibilities. Recent students have gone into publishing, computing, finance, law, and university administration – as well as teaching and various forms of Christian ministry. The degree provides a student with a broad third-level education which seems to appeal to a wide range of potential employers.
March 2011
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Registered Charity Number 1137542