Study theology abroad
An in-depth guide to studying theology as an international student.
Theology degrees abroad
Theology is the study of religion, and it examines the different religions of the world, their impact on society and the human experience of faith. It combines elements of history, philosophy, anthropology and religious studies, and tackles difficult and complex questions around the meaning of religion and the nature of gods.
It’s a subject that is always relevant, and will give a number of important skills including debating, critical thinking and problem solving. Theology is a great subject to study abroad, as it means you could learn in a more culturally diverse environment, where you’ll experience different religions and cultures from home.
There are a huge number of theology degree programs available in many different countries around the world. Studying theology as an international student is a fantastic opportunity to get a great education, learn a new language and make lifelong friends.
Theology program structure
Theology is a diverse subject, and can be approached differently by different universities and in different countries. So programs combine elements of ethics, philosophy, politics or history so make sure you check the content and curriculum of the program before you apply.
Many theology degrees are made up of compulsory modules and several optional or elective modules that you can choose yourself. This means you can easily tailor your degree to the subjects that most interest you.
It’s possible to study theology abroad at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Bachelor’s degrees are usually offered as a BA, and can be studied full time over three or four years depending on the country and whether or not the course includes an extra year abroad.
At postgraduate level, you can study for a master’s for one or two years, or a doctorate degree which can take up to four years. At the terminal degree level you can choose to study for a PhD or a ThD (Doctor of Theology). These are largely the same, but the ThD may focus more on Christian theology, and a PhD may cover other religions as well.
Typical theology modules and study topics include:
- Religion in the modern world
- Philosophy and religion
- Religious history
- Religious text studies
- Sexuality and gender in theology
- Women and religion
- Theological ethics
How to study theology abroad
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Application assistance
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Theology study abroad programs
Theology undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in theology
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Religious Studies - BA St. Francis College, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 26,688 USD
- Start date
- January, May, September
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Religious Studies (Religion, Politics and Global Affairs) - BA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,834 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Politics, Religion and Philosophy - BA University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,700 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Classics & Religious Studies - BA University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Religious Studies - BA/BGS University of Kansas, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 26,960 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
Theology graduate programs
Master's in theology
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Religious Studies - MA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 15 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,318 USD
- Start date
- August
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Religious studies - MPhil (Research) University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 28,895 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
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Theology - MA Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,112 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Theology and Religious Studies - MSc (Research) University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,200 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
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Religion in Society - MA York St John University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 12,750 GBP
- Start date
- October
Doctorate in theology
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Theology - PhD Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,112 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Theology - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 4,500 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Theology and Religious Studies - PhD University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,200 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
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Theology - PhD University of Chichester, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,950 GBP
- Start date
- September
Future theology careers
Although many graduates go into careers within a religious organization, there are plenty of secular jobs you can also pursue. Popular jobs for theology graduates include:
- Religious school teacher
- Social worker
- Journalist
- Higher education teacher
- School teacher
- Counselor
- Charity worker
Theology graduates will develop a wide range of skills that lend themselves to a huge number of careers. That means you don’t have to limit yourself to those jobs listed above, but look at any career where your skills will be useful.
