Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion (TRPR) is one of the most wide-ranging of the subjects that can be studied at Cambridge. Four or five papers are taken in each year in subjects as diverse as philosophy, doctrine, biblical literature, scriptural languages, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and comparative religion. After a first year with a compulsory language paper and biblical paper, students can specialize in one area within the Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion tripos, create a blend to reflect their own interests, or study for a joint honours degree in Social Anthropology and Religious Studies (Modern Religion). One of the particular strengths of second year and third year study in the Cambridge Divinity Faculty are its interdisciplinary papers: Christians and Muslims before and after Muhammed, Self and Salvation in Indian and Western Thought, Theology and Science, Christianity and Society in Africa and its Diaspora.

There is no one career destination for TRPR graduates either. Whilst some students do pursue a career in teaching or ministry, the majority go into careers that are not directly related to religion. Because Theology graduates have a mixture of highly desirable skills – close reading, empathy, understanding of human diversity, ability to communicate clearly about complex and controversial issues – there are many careers that theology graduates from Cambridge have gone it, including the civil service, the legal profession, publishing, accountancy, and working in the charity and social sectors.

St John’s College normally admits a small number of undergraduates (usually two or three) to study Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion each year. The subject also regularly attracts undergraduates after their first or second years. In addition, the College also has a number of postgraduates, an active Theological society and a well-stocked section in its Library. The Faculty is small and friendly and located in a well-designed and much-admired contemporary building on the large arts and humanities complex on the Sidgwick site.