Religious and Theological Studies

Entry requirements

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.

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

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

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.

Information for international students

English language requirements

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.