Religious and Theological Studies

Based in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, you join a vibrant academic and research community, proud of our reputation for training the next generation of researchers.

We welcome applications from students interested in researching for a PhD/MPhil in a full range of areas, the following being of particular strength:

Buddhism and its literature in India and the West
Contemporary Christian Theology
Contemporary Islam in the West
Early Christian Literature, History and Culture
Hindu Traditions: Ancient, Medieval and Modern
History of Biblical Exegesis
History of Buddhism
Islam in the UK
Method and Theory in the Study of Religion
Narrative Traditions of South Asia
Pastoral and Practical Theology
Patristics and Late Antiquity
Sikh Traditions of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century
Sociology of Religion
Islamic Ethics
Muslim Chaplaincy
Christian Ethics
Ancient Near Eastern history and culture
Hebrew Bible
Art, Architecture, and Material Culture of South Asia.

Programme aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in research (in academia, the media, public sector), teaching in higher education, or a range of allied professions valuing a humanities postgraduate degree. The interdisciplinary nature of Religious Studies, in particular, provides a broad background combined with a clear focus.

Distinctive features

experienced supervisors and a successful and rewarding research programme
a strong and active tradition of language and textual expertise
regular research seminars with visiting speakers
regular subject-specific and skills seminars.

Key facts

Mode of study	Full-time, part-time
Qualification	PhD, MPhil
Full-time duration	PhD 3 years, MPhil 1 year
Part-time duration	Opportunities available
Start dates	January, April, July, October

We provide an extensive range of expertise. Particular strengths include:

Buddhism and its Literature
Byzantine History
Culture & Religion
Chaplaincy
Contemporary Islam in the West
History and Culture
Hindu Traditions
Islam in the UK
Narrative Traditions of South Asia
Pastoral and Practical Theology
Patristics and Late Antiquity
Sociology of Religion
Islamic Ethics
Muslim Chaplaincy
Christian Ethics
Ancient Near Eastern history and culture
Hebrew Bible
Art, Architecture and Material Culture of South Asia.

UK government postgraduate doctoral loans

Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.

Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loans

Funding

We are delighted to be part of the South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership, which is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

A formal submission should be made using the standard university application form. In addition, applicants for a PhD are required to submit a 1,500-2,000 word research proposal accompanied by an indicative bibliography and a discussion of methodologies to be used. Applicants for MPhil are required to submit a 1,000 word version of the same.

Suitable for graduates in a wide variety of Humanities disciplines and Social Sciences. A first or upper-second class UK Honours degree or equivalent is required.

If you do not have a 2.1 degree, your application may be considered on the basis of a combination of your existing higher education qualification(s) and your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.