Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford - Ellerton Theological Essay Prize

What the Ellerton Theological Essay Prize gives you

The author of the best theological essay or dissertation of the year will receive a one-off cash prize of approximately 630 EUR. The University of Oxford’s Governing Council determines the exact amount each year. The money comes from a fund established in 1825. The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Oxford awards the prize. In some years, the fund allows for more than one prize to be awarded, meaning that several students can win at the same time.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
• Level: In practice, the prize is awarded to postgraduate students, primarily those on the MSt or MPhil programmes in Theology and related subjects, for the best dissertation submitted as part of their final examinations.
• Field: Your term paper or dissertation deals with any topic in the field of theology or religious studies and is written in English.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Once only: You can only win this prize once.

How to apply

No separate application is required. The prize is awarded automatically on the basis of the dissertations submitted as part of the final examinations for the MSt or MPhil degree. The faculty examiners decide who has written the best dissertation.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a single main prize for the best theological dissertation at a university; the competition is therefore extremely tough and depends entirely on the quality of your work. Only students who are already enrolled on one of the relevant theology degree programmes at Oxford are eligible, and only the very best dissertations will be awarded prizes. If you are studying on such a programme and aim to produce an outstanding dissertation, this is your path to success.