It maintains a tradition of teaching and learning which dates back to the university's foundation over 500 years ago. At present, over 230 students study in the Department. This number includes around 75 research students who come from across the British Isles and from overseas. In 1998 there were over 50 research students from countries outwith the European Community. The Department is one of the most successful in the UK at attracting overseas research students, and this creates a vibrant research community.
Students undertake research work in all the theological disciplines and in religious studies.
In recent years the department has developed a particularly strong research base in New Testament studies. Research Interests Church History Supervision is offered in a variety of areas of Church History. New Testament Supervision is offered in most areas of contemporary New Testament study. Systematic Theology Supervision is offered in the main areas of Christian dogmatics, philosophical theology and Christian ethics, both in the history of Christian thought and the areas of contemporary theological debate. The degree of DMin is awarded in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is designed to provide advanced training in ministerial practice for candidates with three years of professional experience.