Theology and Religion

Entry requirements

For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.

If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Immerse yourself in your own Theology and Religion research supported by experts from one of the largest and most diverse Theology departments in the UK. Join a vibrant research community interested in a range of religions and belief systems from across the world.

Our expertise includes specialisms in Biblical studies, Christian theology, Islamic studies, Jewish and Holocaust studies, Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, Quaker Studies, Jainism, Religion and society, Philosophy of Religion, textual scholarship and electronic editing.

Course highlights

As one of the top 3 UK Theology departments in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise 2021, based on research rated 4* (Times Higher Education), you'll be supported by experts who conduct internationally recognised research.

You'll join a welcoming Department and become a valued contributor to our research activities.

• We encourage research across subject boundaries and our research expertise spans a wide variety of religions and belief systems.
• Study in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe. Make the most of the Department's links with faith based communities across the city.
• Join our vibrant research community. Share your ideas at research seminars, workshops and academic conferences.
• Conduct your research from anywhere in the world by distance learning. You can complete the PhD or MA by Research part-time and fit it around other commitments.

Course delivery

Most of our postgraduate research-only programmes offer a PhD or Masters by Research option, but some programmes only offer the PhD route. The PhD is taken over three-six years and the Masters by Research over one-two years. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

• There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research (if available). Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
• Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
• If you take the distance learning option you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
• You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.