BA (Hons) - Tripos (Cambridge University)

The "Tripos" is Cambridge University's undergraduate degree in Theology and Religious Studies. It allows students to explore the core areas of Biblical Studies, Christian Doctrine and Church History in considerable depth, while also providing opportunities to examine theoretical and philosophical issues and the comparative study of a range of religious traditions.

Assessment for the Tripos is mainly by traditional three-hour examinations, but some papers are assessed by extended essays. One of the greatest strengths of the Tripos is its system of individual supervision: much of your work will be the preparation of a weekly essay which you will discuss one-to-one with a specialist. There are also lectures and seminars which provide the broad framework for your learning in each subject.Fuller details of the papers offered are available on the Faculty of Divinity website (new window).

Tripos students also become members of one of the Cambridge colleges, and are guided by a college director of studies. They remain fully part of the Westcott community with the same structures of prayer and worship. Westcott ordinands normally undertake this as a two-year full time course (beginning with the second year of the degree) followed by a year with an intensively pastoral focus)

This course is most suited to ordinands under 30 who already have a good degree in another subject (2.1 or better). It is also possible for ordinands over 30 who can make a case that they should be considered "potential theological educators".