Theology Summer School

Dive into Theology Beyond the Syllabus: A Summer of Thoughtful Inquiry

Embark on an illuminating exploration of Theology at Minds Underground's Theology Summer School, designed for Year 12 students eager to delve into philosophical and theological theories and ideas.

Uncover the profound mysteries: Does God exist within the constraints of time? Can we establish the existence of God through reason alone? Is there a perfect ethical theory to live your life by? If these enquiries captivate your curiosity, our Theology Summer School is the perfect setting for your intellectual journey. Join Minds Underground™ for a tailored University Preparation Summer School, designed to elevate your understanding of theology and enhance your applications to top UK universities.

Immerse yourself in dynamic online group sessions led by our Oxbridge-educated Theology tutors, gaining insights into pivotal theological topics and debates. This course fosters the development of critical thinking skills within a challenging academic environment, laying a great foundation for crafting a compelling UCAS personal statement and excelling in Theology Oxbridge interviews.

Location: Online

Student Age: 15 - 18

Duration: 8 Weeks

Hours: 12 hours (Weekly 1.5hr session)

Dates: July - August

Why Join the Minds Underground Theology Summer School for Top UK & Oxbridge Theology Applicants?

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Strengthen Theological Knowledge For University Application Success

Gain exposure to fundamental theological theories and concepts, challenging you beyond school curricula and providing a solid groundwork essential for successful university applications and studies in Theology and Philosophy.

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Guidance from Oxford and Cambridge-educated Theology Graduates

Participate in interactive online sessions led by experienced Oxbridge-educated Theology tutors, offering invaluable insights and mentorship to enhance your Theology education. Our tutors are experienced in all aspects of Theology university application preparation.

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Hone Analytical Thinking and Debate Skills To Excel in University Interviews & Beyond

Sharpen your analytical and debating skills through engaging discussions on intricate theological concepts, preparing you for the academic rigour of university studies. Each session is structured like an Oxbridge seminar to stimulate high level debate and analysis.

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Hone Key Skills Such as Ethical Reasoning and Logical Reasoning

Students will learn how to hone skills in logical reasoning, enabling them to identify and construct sound arguments, and assess the validity of claims. This will set students up for success in Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) Theology interviews, which are designed to assess a range of skills and qualities in candidates, including ethical and logical reasoning skills.

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Benefit From a Carefully Tailored and Current Curriculum

Our Oxbridge Theology tutors will ensure you gain exposure to cutting edge university level ideas and contemporary debates. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of ethical theories and principles, fostering the ability to critically evaluate ethical dilemmas and current debates in Theology.

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Craft an Exceptional Theology Personal Statement

Students will be able to develop a compelling personal statement through exposure to high-level topics and ideas, ensuring their university application showcases their passion and aptitude beyond school studies. Each session comes with a wealth of further reading ideas for students to delve deeper into topic areas covered.

A Taster of Theology Summer Course Topics

Life and Thought of Religious Hinduism and Buddhism

This session provides an introduction to the life and thought of religious Hinduism and Buddhism through an examination of the historical context, to provide an overview of the key beliefs and practices. The session will be thematic, analysing key concepts such as karma, rebirth and reincarnation from a historical and contextual perspective. These practices have ethical, religious and philosophical insights which are mutually challenging and additionally interrogate many of the presumptions of the Abrahamic faiths.

Ethics and Faith: Is There a Perfect Ethical Theory to Live Your Life By?

An overview of the major ethical theories as developed by western theology and philosophy, including utilitarianism, Kant's deontological ethics and moral argument, Fletcher's situation ethics and Aristotle's virtue ethics. We shall question whether it is possible to live your life according to one ethical theory, and if there even exists such a concept as a holistic ethical theory - questioning the very essence of actions based on an ethical theory and the 'blind-spot' of ethics.

Islamic Mysticism (Sufism)

Through several examples of Medieval Sufi poetry and writing, we shall open the discussion of Islamic mysticism and what this entails; including the development of the Sufi movement from a historical perspective. We shall particularly focus on the texts of al-Ghazali and Ibn Arabi, reflecting on theories of knowledge, renunciation and metaphysical systems.

The Ontological Argument: Can We Establish the Existence of God Through Reason Alone?

Ontological arguments attempt to establish the existence of God a priori, relying on claims we can know by reason alone. Arguments of this kind have attracted a lot of attention because, despite their aura of trickery, they are strangely difficult to unpick. Here, we will examine various styles of ontological arguments (from Descartes, Anselm and Plantinga) and see whether any of them succeed in establishing the existence of God through reason alone.

If There is a God, Does God Exist in Time?

According to theism, God is an eternal being. There are two ways to cash out this notion of eternality. Either God is an eternal being that exists outside of time, or God is eternal and exists within time, at every moment of time. Atheists argue that inconsistencies in God’s nature arise by positing him as either temporal or atemporal, and that therefore God cannot exist. How might the theist resist this claim? Here, we will try and reconcile God’s relationship with time, demonstrating that if God exists, it is far more plausible that he exists within time.

Tackling Key Theological Questions

In this final session we will look at how to approach and tackle potential Theology university interview questions using the knowledge we have gained. This will be an opportunity to employ all the knowledge of the previous sessions into a sustained debate. The session will cover examples of commonly asked interview questions (and answers!), and strategies for answering difficult questions across various formats with a particular focus on theoretical/ abstract questions.

Learn From Inspiring Oxbridge Theology Graduates

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Example Cambridge Theology Tutor: Dan

Dan graduated from St John’s College of Cambridge University with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies, having been awarded the prestigious Sheikh Zayed prize for distinction in Islamic Studies. He specialised in Buddhism and Islam, particularly Islamic mysticism, whilst also writing a thesis examining and comparing the philosophies of Ramanuja and Augustine. He has a particular interest in Sufism and Sufi poetry, as well as the practicality of reincarnation and the teachings of Augustine on original sin. Dan is an experienced tutor and university application mentor, supporting students in application for both Theology and Philosophy courses.

Booking the Theology Summer School

Book now to ensure your spot in the Summer School. Our booking page includes 2025 dates and pricing. We limit class sizes to facilitate group discussion, tailored support and individual feedback.

Philosophy Summer School Reading

Are You Looking For Further Support For Your Theology University Application?

  • The Summer School is designed to provide exciting talking points for your personal statement. If you are looking for some one-to-one tuition tailored to your specific application, contact us to arrange sessions with an Oxbridge Theology tutor!

  • Are you preparing for future interviews at Oxford, Cambridge or other top universities? Our Oxbridge Theology tutors prepare students for all formats of interview question, hosting preparatory sessions and mock interviews. Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ – Theology Summer School

  • Attending the Theology Summer School aims to enhance critical thinking, communication, logical and ethical reasoning skills, and analytical skills—attributes highly valued in university admissions. The online course also offers networking opportunities, guidance for university applications, and a broader understanding of the rich field of Theology.

  • While prior knowledge of Theology is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. The program is designed to cater to a range of knowledge levels, from beginners to those with a foundational understanding of Theology.

  • Yes, indeed. This academic programme includes guidance on writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for university interviews, and gaining a deeper understanding of what universities seek in prospective Theology students. This can significantly enhance your university application process.

  • The summer school is open to Year 12 students with an interest in Theology, aspiring to pursue higher education in Theology-related disciplines. It offers valuable insights and guidance to aid in making informed decisions about future academic and career paths. Our programme is also open to ambitious and curious Year 10 and Year 11s.

  • Our Year 12 Theology Summer School is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of theological principles, theories, and their real-world applications. Participants will explore diverse topics such as Functionalism, Sufism and Ontology.

  • The steps to join us for our Theology Summer School 2024 are simple. Registration details and enrolment information can be found on the Summer School booking page. Complete the registration process and we will send you logistical details a month or so before the course commences.

  • The Theology Summer School sessions take place weekly, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The course runs from July to September, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.

  • Participants who successfully complete the programme are able to request a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to your academic achievements and university applications.

  • Absolutely. Our Summer School is designed to provide personal guidance and support. We keep class sizes small to ensure lots of interaction and individual attention. You'll have the opportunity to interact with our team of experts, ask questions, and receive assistance with your academic and university preparation needs.

  • Yes, we understand that scheduling conflicts can arise. We offer an offline programme option where students unable to attend live sessions can receive full session recordings and materials. This allows you to engage with the content at your own pace and convenience.

    How does the offline program work, and what materials will I receive?

    Students opting for the offline programme will receive access to recorded sessions, lecture materials, assignments, and resources related to each session. You can review the content at your own convenience, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable information.

    Can I still interact with instructors and ask questions if I choose the offline option?

    While the offline Summer School doesn't provide real-time interaction with instructors, we encourage participants to reach out with questions through email. Our team is committed to providing support and addressing queries to enhance your learning experience.

    Are there specific deadlines or timelines to follow for the offline programme?

    The offline programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to set your own pace within the programme's overall duration. However, we recommend staying on track with the programme schedule to ensure you have ample time for completion and any potential follow-up questions.

    How do I enrol in the offline programme, and is there a separate registration process?

    To enrol in the offline programme, simply follow the same registration process as for the live sessions on our website. During registration, you can indicate your preference for the offline option. You will receive access to the programme materials upon completion of each session.

    Is there a difference in the cost between the live and offline programme options?

    The cost for both the live and offline programme options remains the same. We aim to provide a flexible learning experience that accommodates different needs and schedules without additional cost considerations.

    Can I switch from the live programme to the offline programme (or vice versa) if my circumstances change?

    Yes, you can switch between the live and offline programme options based on your circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss any changes or transitions in your programme participation.

    How do I access the recorded sessions and materials for the offline programme?

    After registering for the offline programme, you will receive instructions on how to access the recorded sessions and materials through our online platform. This information will be provided to you before the start of the programme.

  • The summer school primarily focuses on immersive learning and skill development rather than formal assessments. The emphasis is on exploring advanced topics, problem-solving, and honing essential skills for future academic pursuits.

  • If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us through the contact form on our website or send an email to enquiries@mindsunderground.com, quoting your contact number in case your email ends up in our Spam folder! Our team will be happy to assist you with any queries.