Frequently asked questions – Undergraduate studies
Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked by prospective undergraduate students. We hope you will find them useful. If you have other queries, please don't hesitate to contact us at theology-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk.
Undergraduate theology and religious studies courses
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What undergraduate courses does the Department offer?
Theology at Nottingham can be studied as a single honours subject, or as part of a joint honours programme with film studies, English studies, or philosophy. Find out more about our undergraduate courses.
What can I do with my degree?
Our students develop skills of oral and written communication, of understanding and conceptual analysis, of critical analysis and personal insight, through both collaborative work and independent study.
Above all, you will be able to understand the importance of history, appreciate traditions outside your own, and make disciplined judgements. This equips you for a wide range of careers.
Some theology students go on to managerial or administrative positions in industry or the financial sector, others into professions such as law or teaching. A few may decide to pursue ordination and will undertake further training at a theological college as preparation.
How much does it cost?
The amount you pay each year for your tuition will depend on whether you study full- or part-time and are classed as an international (also referred to as overseas) or UK/EU student for the purpose of fees. Check up-to-date information on tuition fees.
Costs, other than tuition fees, you are likely to face during your time at university fall into two categories: costs related to study and costs related to living costs. You can use the University's personal cost estimator to get an overview of those expenses and bursaries you may be eligible for.
Applying for a place
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How do I apply?
All applicants for full-time study need to go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Candidates are considered on the basis of their UCAS form. Equal consideration is given to every application reaching UCAS before their deadline. This commitment means, unfortunately, that we have to defer many decisions until the majority of the forms have arrived in the Department, so that we can apply consistent standards when making our selection. As a result, some candidates are bound to be left waiting until February before we can reach a decision.
If you're interested in part-time study, please contact the Department directly.
Do you interview applicants?
Offers to school leavers are normally made without an interview, but successful candidates will be invited to the UCAS visit days early in the new year.
What do you base your decision on?
The primary criterion is whether you have the ability to complete the course successfully. Your academic record and school (or other) reference play a crucial role in this, but we are not just looking for academic ability. Your motivation and commitment, your ability to organise your time and effort effectively and to work independently are all important – those are the aspects that we look for most when reading your personal statement.
Do I need to have studied specific subjects?
Some of our courses have specific entry requirements: the joint honours course with Philosophy requires Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above; joint honours English Studies and Theology requires grade A at A level in English Literature or Language. Please check very carefully the entry requirements of the course you wish to study before you make your application. Otherwise, there is no restriction on the subjects you take at A level.
Do you accept A or AS levels in subjects like art, music or theatre studies?
Yes, if the A or AS level syllabus includes a clear academic element, although in the case of joint honours degrees this depends on the agreement of the partner department. If you are in doubt, please contact the Department.
Do you accept other qualifications as an alternative to A levels?
Yes, we accept the International Baccalaureate, the European Baccalaureate and the normal Scottish, Irish and USA qualifications. Please contact the Department if you need further details about whether other particular qualification are accepted and what level of offer is normally made.
Do you accept two AS levels as an alternative to an A level?
Not normally. However, if there is a good reason why you have not been able to take A levels, we would consider your position sympathetically. Please contact the Department for further details.
What is your standard offer?
For typical A/AS Level offers please look at our admissions information web page.
Will your decision be based on my performance in AS levels I have already taken?
We look at your AS level performance, but it is only one of a range of indicators which we consider.
Deferred entry, part-time study and other circumstances
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Is it possible to change my application to a different course?
Yes, provided that the Department or Departments agree. You must ensure that you will be able to meet any specific requirements for entry to the course you wish to change to, and you must send a request to us or the Admissions Office. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever we can.
Is it possible to change course after I have received an offer?
Yes, provided that the Department or departments agree and you will be able to meet any specific entry requirements for the course you wish to change to. It is the policy of the Department to agree to such changes whenever possible, but subjects in very heavy demand are likely to be reluctant to do so. If you wish to change course you should contact the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for entry in the next September, can I subsequently defer entry?
Yes, subject to the agreement of the department(s) concerned. The Department is normally happy to agree to such changes. You should make your request to the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
If I have applied for deferred entry, will that count for or against me?
Neither; we try to treat each application on its merits, although it is sometimes necessary to restrict offers (or make them at a slightly higher level) if there is a risk that a disproportionate number of places for the following year will already be taken by candidates who have deferred entry.
If I have applied for deferred entry, can I subsequently bring entry forward to the next September?
This would require the agreement of the Admissions Office: much is likely to depend on how soon you make the request and what reasons you give.
Do you accept Access candidates?
Yes. We welcome applications from Access candidates and treat them purely on their merits.
Can I study part-time?
Yes. The exact arrangements depend on individual circumstances but
part-time degree courses normally last five to seven years.
Do you welcome applications from mature students?
Yes, experience shows us that mature students make a great contribution to the Department.
Can I get exemptions if I already have a degree?
Yes, you can be exempted for up to a quarter of the course. The exact arrangements vary according to individual circumstances: please contact the Department for further information and advice.
Can I transfer to Nottingham from another University?
This depends on what stage of your degree course you have reached, what you have studied, how well you have done in it, and why you want to move to Nottingham. Sometimes you have to withdraw from your current university and reapply through UCAS. Please contact the Department as early as possible and provide as much information as you can: we will then be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.