A chance to study humanity's many quests for meaning using a multi-disciplinary approach at an international centre of excellence.
Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2025
Sidney's undergraduate interviews in December 2025 will take place both online and in-person. Candidates who are ordinarily resident in the UK will be expected to attend interviews in-person at the College. Candidates who reside outside the UK will be offered an online interview.
Religion is the way much of humanity still attempts to make sense of their lives and the world around them. Historically, it is nearly omnipresent. It is a source of both wisdom and controversy, peace and conflict.
At Cambridge you'll study this complex phenomenon alongside scholars of all faiths and none, using multiple approaches. You'll investigate ancient texts (and learn their original languages). You'll attempt to grasp different traditions' self-understandings and internal logics. You'll use the tools of sociological, anthropological, and historical study, as well as explore the interface of philosophy, science, and literature with religious thought. You'll frequently be taught individually, or in small groups, by experts in different fields.
At Sidney you'll have the support of a friendly and historic College, set in the very centre of the city and a fifteen minute walk from the Divinity Faculty and University Library. You'll be mentored by an experienced Director of Studies, Dr Brett Gray, who will help you to make the most of your time here, and who is always happy to answer any questions prospective applicants might have.
Undergraduate Study
Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion is a small subject at Sidney (up to 3 candidates accepted per year), and you get the sort of personal attention and mentoring that can be found in few other institutions. You will work closely with your Director of Studies who will be responsible for supporting you, arranging your teaching, and monitoring your progress.
- Written work
Two essays. We will send out more specific information about what is required after the UCAS deadline, but you will not need to write anything new specially for this.
- Admissions assessments
If you’re shortlisted for interview, you may need to take a written assessment. Please check back in April 2024 for details. If an assessment is required, you will not need to register in advance and we will provide details directly to you.
- Interviews
- Sidney's undergraduate interviews in December 2025 will take place both online and in-person. Candidates who are ordinarily resident in the UK will be expected to attend interviews in-person at the College. Candidates who reside outside the UK will be offered an online interview.
- Please see more information about interview arrangements at Sidney Sussex in 2025 here: 2025 Applicant Information
- All interviews will be subject based with a focus on Theology. In the interviews, we will discuss subject-related questions with you, but our aim is not to assess your knowledge of the subject – we won't assume that you have studied any particular area of Theology. We want to find out how you think through problems.
- Subject requirements
- Learn about our standard entry requirements for Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion on the University website.
- Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
- Beyond the syllabus
Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!
Typical undergraduate intake each year
1 - 2
Typical A-level offer
A*AA
Typical IB offer
41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level
Postgraduate Study
Cambridge is a world class centre of research excellence in Theology and Religious Studies. While much of your time will be spent at the Faculty and various libraries, Sidney Sussex offers the support of a thriving community of postgraduate students from all disciplines. There are frequent meals, social events, and inter-disciplinary seminars for postgraduate students to enrich your enjoyment of Cambridge and your studies here.
At the University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.
- Funding
There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.
To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.
- Useful links
Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Opportunities to work, travel and study
The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:
- Professional and research internships
- Study awards
- Vacation travel
- Arts and music
- Sport
While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.
Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.
