When it comes to theology and religious studies, some of the best universities in Europe can be found in the UK, particularly in England. Higher education in England has a strong tradition of academic excellence in this field, with renowned institutions offering comprehensive programs and research opportunities in theology and religious studies. These universities provide students with a deep understanding of religious traditions and their cultural significance, making them prime destinations for those seeking a top-notch education in this discipline.
Modern university science and education began with the study of theology. Theology is a scientific consistent statement of the main principles, postulates of any religion. The beginning of this science was given by the Catholic community, then other denominations became interested in it. In the modern scientific world, theology is seen as a branch of a larger scientific discipline– religious studies.

Religious studies studies religious beliefs, institutions, religious behavior of members of one or more denominations, the relationship between them. Religious studies studies religion in the context of others: geographical, historical, cultural features, traces the emergence and development of religion.
General humanitarian education is achieved by studying such disciplines as:
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Ethics
- Foreign languages
- Classical (dead) languages.
Much attention is paid to ethics, tolerant interreligious communication.
Traditionally, Catholicism and Protestantism are studied at the faculties of theology and religious studies in Europe. However, now Europe has changed a lot, European democracy has allowed a large number of adherents of other religions to settle here. Mosques are being built in European cities, and Islam can be studied at the Faculty of Religious Studies.
In universities, religion is studied as a scientific subject, as part of culture and a modern social phenomenon. This is a liberal arts education that gives you the opportunity to expand your own horizons and find a profession for yourself. Secular education does not mean that a graduate cannot choose a religious career - a multifaceted education gives such an opportunity, there are appropriate specializations.
Career opportunities for Religious Studies and Theology Faculty's graduates:
- Priest
- Teacher of courses related to religion
- Culturologist
- Civil servant
- Political scientist
- Journalist
- Public figure.
In choosing a place of study, the ranking "The best universities with the study of theology, theology and religious studies in Europe" will help.
Best Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies universities in Europe 2026 - QS World University rankings
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | University of Cambridge |
| 3 | Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen |
| 4 | KU Leuven |
| 5 | Durham University |
| 6 | The University of Edinburgh |
| 7 | Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg |
| 8 | University of St Andrews |
| 9 | Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) |
| 10 | University of Vienna |
| 11 | University of Helsinki |
| 12 | University of Münster |
| 13 | Ludwig Maximilian Universität München |
| 14 | University of Aberdeen |
| 15 | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin |
| 16 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
| 17 | Comillas Pontifical University |
| 18 | University of Göttingen |
| 19 | University of Navarra |
| 20 | King's College London |
| 21 | Radboud University |
| 22 | University of Birmingham |
| 23 | University of Oslo |
| 24 | University of Zurich |
| 25 | Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin |
| 26 | Leiden University |
| 27 | Aarhus University |
| 28 | Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna |
| 29 | Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales |
| 30 | Freie Universität Berlin |
| 31 | Lund University |
| 32 | SOAS University of London |
| 33 | Sapienza University of Rome |
| 34 | Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" |
| 35 | The University of Exeter |
| 36 | The University of Manchester |
| 37 | University of Amsterdam |
| 38 | University of Copenhagen |
| 39 | University of Groningen |
| 40 | University of Turin |
| 41 | Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
| 42 | Universität Hamburg |
| 43 | Université PSL |
| 44 | Université de Strasbourg |
| 45 | Uppsala University |
| 46 | Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg |
| 47 | Ca' Foscari University of Venice |
| 48 | Complutense University of Madrid |
| 49 | Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main |
| 50 | HSE University |