Studying at Mansfield

Mansfield is one of the largest colleges for Theology & Religion, welcoming around five students per year (plus two more students from Philosophy and Theology). It also has a fabulous location – about halfway between the Faculty of Theology and Religion and the Examination Schools, and only a five-minute walk to the Bodleian Library.

Teaching and learning

The Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford is consistently highly rated. With up to seven students a year in Theology & Religion and Philosophy & Theology at Mansfield, you’ll join a lively and welcoming community that also includes a number of graduate students. Mansfield has one of the best college collections in Theology and Religion, with a separate room of the library dedicated to the subject.

 

"I always wanted to study at Oxford, but choosing a college was more tricky! Mansfield stuck out after researching colleges online for a few reasons – not limited to its beautiful, open design and excellent location. The deal-breaker for me was Mansfield’s amazing record of state-school admissions. Coming from a comprehensive school in South Wales, I felt sure that I wanted to be in a college that prioritised the experiences of people like me!"

Mia Norman, Theology & Religion graduate

Your Theology & Religion Fellows and lecturers

Mansfield also has two teaching Fellows – one in Nineteenth-Century Thought and one in New Testament – and four lecturers in subjects that include Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Ecclesiastical History and Feminist Theology, Modern Doctrine, and Hindu Studies.

Headshot photo of Jessica Frazier

Dr Jessica Frazier

shape-doorway icon

Stipendiary Lecturer in Theology

Dr Jessica Frazier
Photo of Jenn with her arms folded

Professor Jennifer Strawbridge

shape-doorway icon

Associate Professor in New Testament Studies

Professor Jennifer Strawbridge

Dr John Jarick

shape-doorway icon

Lecturer in Theology (Old Testament)

Dr John Jarick
Photo of Alex Muir

Dr Alex Muir

shape-arch icon

Theology Tutor and Departmental Theology Lecturer in New Testament

Dr Alex Muir

How to apply

Candidates can apply with any combination of A levels or equivalent qualifications – you don’t need to have taken Theology or Religious Studies. An interest in linguistic study is desirable, since precision in the use of words is of paramount importance in our field of study, and the first-year course includes study of a scriptural language of the student’s choice (ranging from Biblical Greek to Sanskrit), though prior knowledge of the language isn’t expected.

Alongside academic excellence, we hope candidates will have an appreciation of historical, literary, and theological questions, and an appetite for learning how to read, understand, and engage with complex and inspiring texts of all kinds. A religious affiliation isn’t necessary to read Theology and Religion at Mansfield, although some students do bring a personal interest in asking constructive and critical questions about their own religious traditions.

The Theology & Religion tutors are very happy to discuss potential applications with both teachers and students, and to meet applicants at Faculty or College open days, or where possible, at other times.

Faculty of Theology and Religion

University of Oxford Theology and Religion course page

How to apply

Mansfield Isolation Conversations

Our tutors have contributed a range of articles to Mansfield’s Isolation Conversations – isolation from the desert to mosques, Mecca, and revelation.

Theology and Religion Isolation Conversations
College Illustration

Useful resources for students

Find out more

Our Access and Outreach team have put together a range of resources to help you get to know Mansfield, your subject, and your potential Oxford application.