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.