Theology and Religious Studies

Entry requirements

• For the MA by Research/MRes: a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area
• For the PhD: a master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic
• We actively encourage applications from students from different backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement
• EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent

Months of entry

February, October

Course content

Ranked 6th globally in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, 2019.

Research in Biblical studies, religious studies or theology will enable you to complete a survey of existing knowledge in your selected area. In the case of a PhD, you will make an original contribution to knowledge.

Theology and religious studies is a vibrant learning community within a university that has an established research reputation, being recognised for world-leading and internationally excellent research output (REF, 2014). Many of our students follow a research degree out of personal interest. However, for some it is an important step towards lecturing in higher education or for achieving a new career in religious studies or other areas.

Research Environment

There’s an ethos of collaboration between students and staff. Our staff have established an international reputation through their research, publications, research supervisions and presentations at academic conferences. Their expertise covers a wide range of topics in areas such as theology, Old Testament, New Testament, Buddhist philosophy, Islam and contemporary Judaism. We have special interests in: socio-scientific approaches to biblical studies; New Testament theology; the Bible and the visual arts; and the Bible and spirituality. We welcome applications in these areas.

The research areas of theology, biblical studies and religious studies at the university attract research students from around the world. Recent students have come from the USA, Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, Japan, Germany and South Korea, as well as the UK. Our strengths in biblical studies led to the development of the International Centre for Biblical Interpretation.

We offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research within humanities and also across the university. It’s possible, under certain conditions, to do a research degree in theology and religious studies by international distance learning (in your own country).

Research Areas:

Research areas include: Biblical studies, Buddhist philosophy, contemporary Judaism, Islamic political philosophy, and gender and religion. All students are required to take and complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods to support the development of their project and their education as researchers.