Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Theology and Religious Studies

Course Code: TRD1

The Advanced Diploma is a nine-month postgraduate qualification especially designed for those who already have a degree, but in a subject other than Theological and Religious Studies. Taking this course may be a first step to doing an MPhil or PhD in Theology and/or Religious Studies in this or another university, but does not count towards such a degree.

Advanced Diploma students take three or four papers chosen from the undergraduate programme (BA Degree) as well as writing a dissertation.

Course content

You must offer three or four papers chosen from Papers A1 and any of the papers in Groups B, C, and D, of which:

  • you shall offer at least one paper from Group C or Group D;
  • only one may be from Papers A1, B1 or C1 if you wish to do a language;
  • you shall offer no more than one paper examined by an alternative mode of assessment (ie by essay).

If you do four papers rather than three, your paper with the lowest mark will only be taken into account if it is in your own interests.

In addition, you must do a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words  (inclusive of notes and appendices, but not bibliography).

For further information please refer to the Faculty's Graduate booklet and the lists of undergraduate courses. 

Regulations governing the Advanced Diploma are found in the Ordinances of the University.

Minimum entry requirements

  • A 1st class or 2.1 honours degree with marks of at least 65 per cent; where appropriate GPA of at least 3.8; 
  • English Language requirements as set by the Board of Graduate Studies.

How to apply

Information about all postgraduate degrees and courses of the University of Cambridge can be found via the admissions page of the Board of Graduate Studies, the central body which deals with all graduate applications for the whole University. You should submit your application to the Board of Graduate Studies following the guidance on that admissions page. Please click here to download the Faculty of Divinity's Graduate booklet.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.  This is particularly important for applicants seeking Gates or Cambridge funding, who should note the following deadlines.

USA applications for Gates Scholarships: deadline 14 October 2011

Non-USA applications for Gates Scholarships: deadline 1 December 2011

The final deadline for receipt of  all applications is 20 January 2012.

USA and Canadian applicants must submit GRE scores.

Form for current students

Paper choices and dissertation title should be submitted to the Faculty Office by Friday 28 October 2011.  Please click here to download the form.