The founding stone of the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was laid by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on 13 July 1953. The College was formally inaugurated on 11 February 1955 and changed its name to the 'University of Rhodesia' in January 1971. After Independence in 1980 it became the 'University of Zimbabwe' (U.Z).

Before Independence the University had a Faculty of Theology which, after Independence, was transformed into a Department of Religious Studies, Classics and Philosophy (RSCP). The section of Religious Studies of the RSCP Department, the largest section, comprising 12 lecturers and about 700 students. There are 8 Theological Colleges affiliated to and supervised by the Department; students follow courses in their respective Colleges which lead to a UZ Diploma in Religious Studies.

The idea behind the change of name from 'Theology' to 'Religious Studies' was not to give a priviledged position to any form of religion (i.e. Christianity). The programme of the RSCP Department therefore gives a prominent place to the Phenomenology of Religion, World Religion, and African Traditional Religions in particular, and to Islam, while courses in Philosophy of Religion and Sociology of Religion are also offered. However, the study of Christianity and its sources continues to occupy the largest place, with courses on Biblical Studies (Hebrew Bible, Old Testament and New Testament), Christian History and Thought, History of Christianity in Africa, Systematic Theology, Political and African (Third World) Theologies.

The three major religions of Africa - African Traditional Religion(ATR), Christianity and Islam - are well represented. The interests of the students is oriented mainly to Christianity (Biblical Studies in particular, because teaching of religion in Secondary School is still basically 'Bible Knowledge') and African Traditional Religion. This reflects the real religious situation of Zimbabwe. ATR is still all-pervasive in Zimbabwe society (ca 12 million people), and affects students and lecturers as well; Christianity officially claims about 40% of the population but its influence is far greater, due especially to its educational institutions (secondary schools, etc). Islam only counts about 80,000 adherents, of whom two-thirds are foreigners (mainly from Malawi).