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PhD/MA by Research Theology and Religion (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

At the Theology and Religion (On-Campus or by Distance Learning) programme from University of Birmingham, they offer promising candidates the opportunity to carry out research in one of the UK’s largest and most diverse Departments of Theology and Religion.

Quick Facts

  
Full-time Duration: 1 year (MA by Research)
3 years (PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 full-time
£10,410 per year part-time (distance learning only)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

The Theology and Religion (On-Campus or by Distance Learning) programme from University of Birmingham offer subject specialisms in Biblical studies, Christian theology, Islamic studies, Jewish and Holocaust studies, Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, Quaker Studies and Religion and society.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level.

Our main areas of research expertise, associated staff and PhD supervision areas are included in the links below for each research area:

  • Biblical studies
  • Christian theology
  • Islamic studies
  • Jewish and Holocaust studies
  • Pentecostal and Charismatic studies
  • Philosophical theology
  • Quaker Studies
  • Religion and society

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Why study this course?

  • World-leading research: Times Higher Education ranked the Department of Theology and Religion second in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise, with over 50% of our research judged to be ‘world-leading’.
  • Global ranking: The University of Birmingham was ranked 34th in the world for Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies in the 2020 QS World University Rankings. These rankings are compiled annually to help prospective students to identify the leading universities worldwide in a particular subject.
  • Partners and community: We have excellent relationships and partnerships with Birmingham’s many different communities, and such a rich cultural mix means that it provides an ideal setting to study the relations between religion and culture. The city is recognised as one of the most multicultural cities in Europe, with representation from most religious traditions.
  • Employability skills: Birmingham’s Theology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including: familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires 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.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Learn more