Admissions - Subjects

 THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

ESSENTIAL SUBJECTS None   DESIRABLE SUBJECTS Theology\Religious Studies

These notes describe the admissions procedure and the teaching of Theology and Religious Studies at Queens', and should be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of the Cambridge University Undergraduate Prospectus. Queens' hopes to take a cohesive group of students to read Theology and Religious Studies each year.  However, there is no set number of places and the number of students admitted each year depends chiefly on the quality of those who apply. The level of conditional offers is usually three A's. It is not necessary for applicants wishing to read Theology and Religious Studies to have studied the subject before, although applicants may be asked to submit an essay to demonstrate their interest in, and capacity for, the subject. Applications from graduates in other subjects seeking affiliated status (enabling them to read Theology and Religious Studies in two years) are also considered. The Director of Studies in Theology and Religious Studies is Dr Fraser Watts, who is the Starbridge Senior Lecturer, specializing in the relationship between theology and the natural sciences.  He and his colleagues throughout the University provide supervisions for students, either singly or in pairs, usually once a week during term. For those reading Theology and Religious Studies for more than one year, it is necessary to learn one of the ancient languages (Hebrew, Greek, Arabic or Sanskrit), for which classes are arranged.  Those intending to offer Greek or Hebrew in their first year will be encouraged to come up early in the week before the Michaelmas Full Term begins for an intensive introductory  course in the relevant language. Students at Queens' reading Theology and Religious Studies will find themselves members of a relatively small and friendly Faculty, containing students of many different backgrounds, some reading the subject out of interest as a general Arts subject and some for vocational reasons. You do not have to be ‘religious’ to study for this degree.  Students on this course belong to various religious traditions or to none.  Neither religious affiliation nor the lack of it is taken into account in the admissions process. Further information about the Theological & Religious Studies Tripos may be found on the Faculty website at www.divinity.cam.ac.uk 2004 January 2004