Fewer than two dozen educational institutions in the United Kingdom continue to grant theology degrees
In a concerning development, the number of higher education institutions in England and Wales offering undergraduate degrees in theology and religious studies has significantly decreased. Only 21 universities now provide these degrees, a stark contrast to the numbers in other humanities disciplines. This decline is attributed to financial pressures, falling student demand, and challenges within the education pipeline such as shortages of specialist teachers [1][3][4].
The financial crisis in the higher education sector is a key factor. Universities face funding difficulties, partly due to volatile international student recruitment, forcing many to cut less popular or financially sustainable courses like theology and religious studies [1][3]. Enrolments in theology and religious studies bachelor's courses dropped by 31% between 2011-12 and recent years. At the A-level stage, religious studies also saw a slight decline driven by schools not offering the subject due to a lack of specialist teachers [1][2][3].
Another significant issue is the shortage of specialist Religious Education (RE) teachers. More than half of those teaching RE are not specialists, and the Department for Education has repeatedly missed recruitment targets. The withdrawal of key teacher training grants has worsened this shortage, reducing the number of students prepared and motivated to pursue the subject higher up [2].
Broader educational trends also play a role. Student interest is shifting significantly towards STEM and vocational subjects, further diminishing uptake in humanities subjects, including theology and religious studies [2].
The implications of this trend are significant both for the academic landscape and society. The narrowing of academic opportunities means students have fewer degree options in theology and religious studies, limiting access to the study of religion, ethics, philosophy, and cultural dialogue [1][3][4]. Experts and faith leaders warn that the decline in theology and religious studies harms interfaith understanding, ethical reasoning, and cultural literacy. These disciplines enable critical engagement with diverse beliefs and contribute to social cohesion in an increasingly polarized world [1][4].
The loss of intellectual and ethical development is another concern. Theology equips individuals to engage with complex sacred texts and ideas, fostering thoughtful reflection on moral and cultural issues. Its reduction risks diminishing the capacity for nuanced dialogue in multi-faith and secular contexts [4].
In summary, the decline in theology and religious studies in higher education institutions stems from financial challenges, decreased student interest, and teacher shortages. Its consequences extend beyond academia to hinder social understanding and ethical engagement in a diverse society [1][2][3][4].
Sources:
[1] Evangelical Focus - Europe (2021) The decline of theology in higher education institutions. Retrieved from https://www.evangelicalfocus.com/news/the-decline-of-theology-in-higher-education-institutions
[2] The Guardian (2019) Religious studies A-level: why is it disappearing from schools? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/sep/06/religious-studies-a-level-why-is-it-disappearing-from-schools
[3] Times Higher Education (2018) Theology degrees in decline as student numbers drop. Retrieved from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/theology-degrees-decline-as-student-numbers-drop
[4] Theos Think Tank (2019) The decline of RE studies: implications for society and young people. Retrieved from https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-decline-of-RE-studies-Implications-for-society-and-young-people.pdf
