phd religious studies europe

Best Theology / Divinity / Religious studies Schools in Europe

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Theology / Divinity / Religious studies. A graph of 8.32M citations received by 691K academic papers made by 988 universities in Europe was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Oxford

For Theology / Divinity / Religious studies

2. University of Cambridge

3. University College London

4. University of Edinburgh

5. University of Amsterdam

6. Catholic University of Leuven

7. King's College London

8. University of Warsaw

9. University of Manchester

10. University of Lodz

11. University of Birmingham

12. Durham University

13. Utrecht University

14. University of Leeds

15. London School of Economics and Political Science

16. University of Bristol

17. University of Warwick

18. Jagiellonian University

19. Radboud University

20. Adam Mickiewicz University

21. University of Exeter

22. Free University Amsterdam

23. University of Nottingham

24. University of Helsinki

25. University of Sheffield

26. University of Glasgow

27. Aarhus University

28. Stockholm University

29. University of Sussex

30. University of London

31. University of Groningen

32. University of Copenhagen

33. Lancaster University

34. Cardiff University

35. University of Oslo

36. University of St Andrews

37. University of Southampton

38. Lund University

39. John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin

40. University of Economics of Katowice

41. University of Zurich

42. Erasmus University Rotterdam

43. Newcastle University

44. Leiden University

45. Uppsala University

46. University of Liverpool

47. Queen Mary University of London

48. Maastricht University

49. University of Reading

50. University of Aberdeen

51. University of Szczecin

52. University of Munich

53. University of Vienna

54. University of York

55. University of Wroclaw

56. Tilburg University

57. University of Kent

58. Delft University of Technology

59. Marie Curie-Sklodowska University

60. University of Gothenburg

61. Ghent University

62. University of Zagreb

63. University of Bologna

64. University of East Anglia

65. Masaryk University

66. Warsaw University of Life Sciences

67. Wageningen University

68. University of Gdansk

69. University of Leicester

70. University of Hamburg

71. Pedagogical University of Cracow

72. University of Liege

73. Imperial College London

74. University of Essex

75. University of Geneva

76. Cracow University of Economics

77. Heidelberg University - Germany

78. Wroclaw University of Economics

79. Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University of Warsaw

80. Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main

81. Free University of Berlin

82. Loughborough University

83. Poznan University of Economics

84. Royal Holloway, University of London

85. University of Stirling

86. Sapienza University of Rome

87. Complutense University of Madrid

88. University of Bonn

89. University of Barcelona

90. Queen's University Belfast

91. University of Silesia in Katowice

92. University of Bern

93. University College Dublin

94. Birkbeck, University of London

95. SOAS, University of London

96. Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg

97. University of Rzeszow

98. University of Tubingen

99. University of Wales

100. Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in Europe

Doctoral Programme in Theology and Religious Studies

The Doctoral Program in Theology and Religious Studies offers a rich coverage of traditional areas of research explored at the Faculty of Theology, which has a highly international and dynamically developing academic profile. Our doctoral candidates may specialize in, for example, Biblical studies, which encompasses both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament and early Christianity.

They may choose to study church history, internationally or in the North-European and Finnish contexts, or focus on the study of religions and religiosity also outside the Christian traditions.They can, within systematic theology, examine historical or contemporary issues in social ethics, ecumenical theology, dogmatics, and the philosophy of religion, or within practical theology investigate socially highly relevant themes in church sociology, religious education, and pastoral theology.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the programme.

Theology and Religion PhD / MA

Ranking Top 50 QS World Rankings 2024 Ranking details

Delivery format In person, Online

Start date Flexible – September or January encouraged

Duration Full time: PhD – 3 years, MA by Research – 1 year

Award Doctorate / Master of Arts

Entry requirements Merit in a Masters degree Full requirements

Fees £4,921 (full-time), £2,461 (part-time) Fee details

• Online open week: 2 - 6 December

Page contents

Course overview.

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.

English language requirements

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 scholarships

Full-time. Fee to be confirmed

Part-time. Fee to be confirmed

The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.

* For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2025.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

Apply for a phd that already has funding attached.

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership

For 2025 entry Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership is offering up to 87 fully funded PhD studentships for eligible students in arts and humanities through an Open Competition and 23 studentships through Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDA). 

The deadline for AHRC funding applications is 12:00 GMT on 13 January 2025.

Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership 

For 2025 entry Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership offers pathways at the University of Birmingham in:

• Applied Linguistics
• Area Studies
• Cross-disciplinary Methodologies and Advanced Data Analysis
• Economic and Social History
• Living in a Digital Society
• Socio-Legal Studies
• Sustainable Development, Net Zero and Climate Resilience 

The deadline for ESRC funding applications is 12:00 GMT on 21 January 2025 .

Application process

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you identify an appropriate supervisor before you submit your application and contact them in the first instance to discuss your research proposal. 

If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal before you make a formal application.

When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:

• A draft research proposal or a summary of your research ideas
• Details of university-level qualifications and any relevant professional experience
• Details on how you propose to fund your research

Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance . 

Find a supervisor

A summary of our key research areas, and staff working within those, can be found below.

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

Research proposal

The research proposal is a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department. 

The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. 

Submitting your application 

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

If the programme has a Distance learning option then students will usually attend a residential visit in September or January, and those students wishing to attend the September residential are also encouraged to apply by 1 June 2024. The visit will take place at the end of September/beginning of October and you will receive further details once you have accepted your offer.

If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please contact us via the "Ask us a question" form above.

When you're ready, return to this page and begin your application by clicking APPLY NOW

Career opportunities

The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.

The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.

Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.

Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

DPhil in Theology and Religion

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The DPhil in Theology and Religion is the research degree for graduate students in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. It involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.

This degree offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion, including the study of the world religions; biblical studies; science and religion; ecclesiastical history; systematic theology; ethics; patristics, and philosophical theology. You will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in your chosen field of research.

Students who have previously completed an MSt or MPhil degree in a relevant subject area at the University of Oxford, typically find that this aids preparedness and accelerates completion of this DPhil.

The Faculty of Theology and Religion may therefore advise applicants who hold or are predicted to achieve a master's degree from another institution, to consider making an initial application for one of the faculty's  related MSt or MPhil courses .

As a DPhil student you will become part of an active and vibrant community of graduate research students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. You will be encouraged to attend and contribute to a wide range of research seminars, workshops and conferences held within the faculty and across the wider Humanities Division. You will also be encouraged to attend and participate in the faculty’s professional development sessions, preparatory teaching workshops and graduate teaching training scheme.

The course can be studied full-time or part-time with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the  University's Residence requirements.  Part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

The full-time course is studied over three years and the part-time course has the same requirements, but is studied over six to eight years.

Part-time study requires prior arrangement with a potential supervisor about time spent in Oxford. Some attendance in term time is normally required.

Resources to support your study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.

The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.

The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.

The Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities

The Faculty of Theology and Religion will be based in the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, a brand-new building at the University of Oxford due to open in 2025, which will accommodate seven faculties, two institutes, a new library, a large number of well-equipped teaching and seminar rooms, and performance and arts venues. The faculty will have its own centre and social hub within the building which will also facilitate interdisciplinary and collaborative work. At the heart of the building will be a large atrium – called the Great Hall – which will be a beautiful space, bringing light into the building, and serving as a space for informal work, relaxation, meeting with friends, taking breaks, having refreshments – and much more.

The library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, will house lending collections for Theology. There will be 340 general reader seats, and around 80 graduate study seats – with a further 320 formal and informal study seats throughout the building outside the library.

Open-shelf lending collections will be complemented by access to electronic resources, scan on demand, and material requested from the Bodleian’s Collections Storage Facility. As well as the Library’s extensive staffed hours, there will be a 24/7 study space, including smart lockers for self-collect of borrowable items out of hours. Subject support is provided by a team of subject librarians.

Further libraries

The Philosophy and Theology Faculties Library (PTFL) is located in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter on the same site as the Schwarzman Centre.

The PTFL is a lending library primarily for staff and students of the two faculties, in support of research, teaching and learning. It has a collection of c. 30,000 books for loan on open access, with a further 20,000 available by request from remote store. It is also a delivery location for books from the Bodleian stacks for reference use in the library. Many books are now also available in electronic format; some are downloadable for 24-hour loan.

The Oxford University Language Centre offers free or discounted courses to members of the University who wish to learn or improve a foreign language relevant to their academic work – or indeed for their general interest and education. If a course is required for study or research, there is a priority enrolment scheme.

Supervision

You will be assigned a supervisor or supervisors, who will provide support and guidance to help you develop your ideas, direction and a programme of research. A supervisor is expected normally to meet with a research student for a detailed discussion of the student’s progress at least twice a term during the period of study. Meetings are likely to take place more frequently during the early stages of a research programme, and to involve reading and commenting upon substantial amounts of written work during the latter stages.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Theology and Religion and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Theology and Religion. In such circumstances, a second internal supervisor may be appointed.

DPhil students join the faculty as a Probationary Research Student (PRS) and apply for 'Transfer of Status' usually within their first year (if full-time), or their second year (if part-time). The Transfer of Status process involves the submission of a 5,000 word writing sample, and an interview with two specialist assessors. There is a further assessment of candidates’ work and progress at a more advanced stage of their research, known as 'Confirmation of Status', which requires submission of a 10,000 word extract from the thesis, abstracts, and a further interview with assessors. The degree is awarded on the successful completion of the research dissertation (no more than 100,000 words in length) and an oral examination, commonly called ‘the viva’ (viva voce). The final viva is conducted by an internal and an external examiner with relevant scholarly expertise.

Graduate destinations

Students with graduate qualifications in theology and religion enter a variety of careers. Many Oxford DPhil students proceed to academic posts in major research universities, liberal arts colleges or church seminaries. Some go on to work for charities and for development, non-profit organisations and think tanks, or in faith-based work. Others proceed to successful professional careers in the civil service, consultancy, the media and academic administration.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a master's degree in a relevant subject;  and
• a first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honours in theology, religious studies or another closely-related field.

Students admitted to the DPhil will usually have a master’s degree in theology or religious studies from a recognised institution.

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class undergraduate degree and a grade of 67% or above in a relevant master's degree.

For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0, and for those with a master’s degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the masters-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0.

However, selection of candidates also depends on other factors in your application and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.8 or higher for their bachelor and master’s degrees.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

Other examination results may be submitted alongside degree qualifications. If offered, the minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores normally sought are 160 in verbal reasoning, 5.0 in analytical writing and 150 in quantitative reasoning.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Dependent on your chosen project, you may be required to demonstrate that you have reached a sufficient level in a language or languages relevant to your study such as Hebrew, Greek, Latin or Arabic.
• Research or work experience in areas of theology may be an advantage, if it demonstrates that you have transferable skills which may be of use during your studies.
• Publications are not required.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process. 

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Theology and Religion

The Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford is a global centre for research in a wide range of fields. There are over 150 graduate students currently studying within the faculty.

Few institutions can offer Oxford’s combination of historic resources, teaching expertise, and a lively research culture where new concepts, theories, and interpretations are discussed and debated everywhere from the seminar room to the college dining table.

Oxford provides its research students with exceptional study resources, including outstanding libraries and a host of research centres. As a leading centre for research, a wide variety of experienced specialists are available to supervise doctoral research in numerous fields of theology and religion at Oxford.

Graduate study in theology and religion at Oxford gives you the opportunity to participate in the faculty’s research culture, to benefit from its outstanding expertise and resources, and to develop your own ideas and thinking.

The faculty offers master’s degrees in all major areas of theology and the study of religions. Most subjects are available as either a nine-month Master of Studies (MSt) degree or as a 21-month Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree, which has a substantial research component. 

The doctoral degree, the DPhil, is offered in all areas of theology and study of religions.

A postgraduate diploma (PGDip) is recommended to those who wish to study theology and religion at graduate level but do not have a first degree in theology or religious studies.

The faculty offers a Master of Theology (MTh) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Applied Theology to enable theological reflection upon experience in pastoral practice.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

For entry in the 2025-26 academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

If you apply by the January deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships. For the majority of Oxford scholarships, your application will automatically be assessed against the eligibility criteria, without needing to make a separate application. There are further Oxford scholarships available which have additional eligibility criteria and where you are required to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

To ensure that you are considered for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application, for which you may be eligible,  use our fees, funding and scholarship search tool  to identify these opportunities and find out how to apply. Alongside Oxford scholarships, you should also consider other opportunities for which you may be eligible including  a range of external funding ,  loan schemes for postgraduate study  and any other scholarships which may also still be available after the January deadline as listed on  our fees, funding and scholarship search tool .

Details of college-specific funding opportunities can also be found on individual college websites:

Select from the list:

Please refer to the College preference section of this page to identify which of the colleges listed above accept students for this course.

For the majority of college scholarships, it doesn’t matter which college, if any, you state a preference for in your application. If another college is able to offer you a scholarship, your application can be moved to that college if you accept the scholarship. Some college scholarships may require you to state a preference for that college when you apply, so check the eligibility requirements carefully.

Further information about funding opportunities  for this course can be found on the faculty's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2025-26

Full-time study, part-time study, information about course fees.

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

Living costs for full-time study

For the 2025-26 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,425 and £2,035 for each month spent in Oxford. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the  costs of a student visa and immigration health surcharge and/or living costs for family members or other dependants that you plan to bring with you to Oxford (assuming that dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).

Living costs for part-time study

Your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you will still need to cover your cost of living on a full-time basis for the duration of your course, even if you will not be based in Oxford throughout your studies. While the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student living in Oxford is between £1,425 and £2,035 per month, living costs outside Oxford may be different.

Part-time students who are not based in Oxford will need to calculate travel and accommodation costs carefully. Depending on your circumstances and study plans, this may include the  cost of a visitor visa to attend for short blocks of time (assuming that visitor visa eligibility criteria are met).

Further information about living costs

The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs , which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . 

If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide. 

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Blackfriars
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• Ripon College Cuddesdon
• St Antony's College
• St Cross College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• St Stephen's House
• Trinity College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Before you apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £20 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You are strongly encouraged to familiarise yourself with the research interests and expertise available in the faculty prior to application. You may contact the subject coordinator of the relevant research grouping prior to application to discuss the viability of your proposed project and whether supervision may be available should your application be successful.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees Three overall, academic preferred

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

References should generally be academic. Professional references are acceptable but limited in what they can demonstrate about academic ability; you should submit no more than one such reference.

Your references will support your academic ability, your relevant background knowledge and language skills, and overall suitability for your chosen course.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Research proposal

The research proposal is a crucial element of a DPhil application. It should communicate, not so much your personal autobiography, as your academic commitment and seriousness. Assessors are looking to be persuaded that you know the field in which you propose to conduct research, are committed to spending several years working in it, understand what study in Oxford could offer to you, and have considered the aptness of Oxford’s resources to the proposed research.

You are free to determine the length of your research proposal. If you need any guidance, contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator . 

Each proposal will be read and carefully evaluated by specialists, and should contain an outline of the research you plan to undertake and what you intend to achieve. 

All proposals should be submitted in English. A selective bibliography may be included and is not included in the overall page count.

You should explain, within your proposal:

• the specific field of theology and religion in which you propose to conduct research, ie study of religions, Old Testament, New Testament, history of Christianity, patristics, historical and systematic theology, philosophical theology, Christian and religious ethics, science and religion;
• how you intend to structure and undertake your research;
• the questions, problems, issues and debates with which you expect to engage;
• how you see the proposed research building on your previous study;
• your knowledge of any languages required for your research project - if you are unsure which languages might be required, see the entry requirements for the faculty's master's degrees or contact the faculty directly; and
• what you hope to do with an Oxford DPhil.

You may also wish to include a provisional title for your dissertation. While it is normal for plans to change in the course of developing a project, you should make your best effort to define your intended research, identify the focal question or problem to which it will constitute an answer or solution, specify a finite body of core texts or sources, and explain the methods involved.

This will be assessed for your reasons for applying, the coherence of your proposal, the originality of your project; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study and your ability to present a reasoned case in English.

A research proposal is assessed in terms of the intellectual coherence and academic originality of the project; evidence of the applicant’s motivation and understanding of the proposed area of study; the demonstration of aptness between the proposed research and Oxford’s resources, and the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course (up to three years full-time or six years part-time).

The faculty will also assess your commitment to the subject beyond the requirements of the degree course, preliminary knowledge of research techniques, capacity for sustained and intense work, evidence of reasoning ability, and ability to absorb new ideas, which are often presented abstractly at a rapid pace.

Written work: Two essays of a maximum of 2,000 words each or one essay of a maximum of 4,000 words

Academic essays or other writing samples from your most recent qualification, written in English, are required. Extracts of the requisite length from longer pieces are accepted if prefaced by a note which puts them into context.

The topic of your written work is expected to relate closely to the proposed area of study. The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for an appropriate intellectual standard, including good theological understanding, conceptual sophistication, analytical and critical skill and the ability to sustain a cogent argument. 

Instructions for submitting one long piece of work instead of two short pieces

To submit one longer piece of work in your application instead of two shorter pieces, you should upload this document in the first 'Written work' slot on the 'Supporting Documents' tab of the Application Form. In the second 'Written work' slot, you should upload a PDF document with the following statement:

' I have included one long essay in lieu of two short essays. I have checked the course page to confirm this is permitted for this course. '

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice .

Apply - Full time Apply - Part time Continue application

After you've submitted your application

Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will  not  be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can  find out more about our shortlisting and selection process  in our detailed guide to what happens next.

Find out how to manage your application after submission , using our Applicant Self-Service tool.

ADMISSION STATUS

Open to applications for entry in 2025-26

12:00 midday UK time on:

Tuesday 7 January 2025

Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2025-26

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2022-23 to 2024-25)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion

• Course page on the faculty's website
• Funding information from the faculty
• Academic and research staff
• Faculty research
• Humanities Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 270714

Application-process enquiries

Application guide

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

4 Religious Studies programs found

• Humanities Studies
• Religious Studies

Humanities Studies (4)

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• Linguistics (13)
• Literature (21)
• Philosophy (21)
• Buddhist Studies (1)
• Christian Studies (5)
• Pastoral Care (1)
• Religious Studies (4)
• Back to main category
• United Kingdom (2)
• South Africa (0)
• Czech Republic (1)
• Doctor of Education (0)
• 2 years (1)
• 3 years (0)
• 4+ years (1)
• Full time (3)
• Part time (1)
• English (4)
• Spanish (1)
• Italian (1)
• Portuguese (0)
• On-Campus (2)
• Distance Learning (1)
• Blended (1)
• Buddhist Studies
• Christian Studies

Selinus University of Sciences and Literature

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Religions

• London, United Kingdom
• Bologna, Italy

Distance Learning

This programme explores the major religious traditions in the world, including Hinduism and Buddhism, the religions of China and Japan, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The student should focus on the academic study of religion, with particular attention to: common dimensions of religious experience; the interplay between religion and culture; the theoretical analysis of religious belief and experience; religious expression in myth, ritual, symbol and social organization; religious responses to archetypal problems of human experience.

Goldsmiths, University of London

MPhil/PhD Religious Studies

Full time, Part time

Goldsmiths is an exciting space for postgraduates, with numerous international speakers passing through, a huge range of interdisciplinary seminars and reading groups and a very open and warm environment for the exchange of ideas.

Charles University Protestant Theological Faculty

PhD in Philosophy of Religion

• Prague, Czech Republic

Blended, On-Campus

English, German

The purpose of doctoral studies in the field of Philosophy of Religion is for students to cultivate, in the usual way for advanced studies, their ability to examine, using philosophical tools and approaches, religious phenomena and issues relating to the religious dimension of human culture, including theological thought and its traditions. Students learn to reflect critically on these approaches and their results and to interpret them both in their specific context and within the framework of current academic knowledge. In direct connection with its multidisciplinary nature, this study program develops the skills necessary for analyzing complex issues, and students learn to combine various specialist perspectives and discourses in evaluating specific findings and testing hypotheses, while at the same time ensuring that the methods used are appropriate, the thinking is precise, and complex or controversial problems are expressed clearly. The study program not only leads to the acquisition of expert knowledge and skills, but also develops the ability to understand views, concepts, teachings and theories that are non-traditional or differ from one’s own, cultivates argumentative approaches to critical debate, and refines the ability to evaluate oneself and to formulate one’s own opinion or position.

Pontifical University Of The Holy Cross

Doctorate in Church Communication

• Rome, Italy

English, Spanish, Italian

The third cycle is a specialized research track mainly targeted to those who wish to teach and do university research.

Popular degree type

Popular study format

Popular education type

Popular locations

PhD Programs in Humanities Studies Theology Religious Studies

Religious studies will often focus on Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. Students may develop a deeper understanding of each one, as well as how they have affected social movements, literature, wars, culture and the arts.

In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

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PhD in the Faculty of Divinity

• Undergraduate Degree

PhD in Theology and Religious Studies

The PhD is normally a three-year course of full-time study, culminating in a thesis of no more than 80,000 words, based on original research on a focused topic. It is also possible to pursue the degree part-time over five years.

The Faculty of Divinity is one of the largest centres for theological research in the UK. There are 22 University Teaching Officers, covering six core areas: Christian Theology, History of Christianity, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy of Religion and Religious Studies. Information about academics and subject areas can be found under ' People ' and ' Subjects ' on the main site menu.

The Faculty's research environment is internationally respected and admired, supporting a balance of individual research initiatives and larger-scale collaborations. It provides an ideal setting, rigorous and supportive, for research to flourish. It has close links with external research institutions, including the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities ( CRASSH ), Tyndale House , the  Von Hügel Institute , and members of the Cambridge Theological Federation , including research centres such as the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide , the Faraday Institute , and the Woolf Institute .

The faculty’s research culture is focused around a range of senior seminars , which meet regularly during term time. Here, academics from Cambridge and elsewhere read and discuss papers. There are nine senior seminars, covering the six subject areas listed above, plus Hebrew, Jewish and Early Christian Studies, Patristics and World Christianity.

Alongside these seminars there is also a wide range of informal reading groups. A  list of reading groups  can be found under the 'Research' section of the main menu. The faculty also has a number of endowed lectures which see leading academics visiting the faculty.

The University has exceptional research collections. The nearby  University Library  (UL) has more than eight million print items and numerous unique archives. The colleges each have their own collections and archives, often housing manuscripts of national and international importance. The library of  Tyndale House  contains a collection of relating to contemporary Biblical Studies of international renown.

Study for a PhD involves working closely with an individual supervisor. Prospective students should consult the list of University Teaching Officers . Some members of the wider academic community in theology at Cambridge also supervise PhDs.

Information about all postgraduate degrees of the University of Cambridge can be found via the postgraduate admissions page  of the Graduate Admissions Office, the central body which deals with all graduate applications for the whole University. The set of pages on the PhD in Theology and Religious Studies is here .

In advance of your application, you must contact a potential supervisor regarding your potential dissertation.

You should submit your application to the Postgraduate Admissions Office following the guidance on that admissions page.

All applicants must submit a  research proposal  of around 1,000 words and a  sample of written work . Written work should be either one or two essays, or part of a thesis. Written work should total no more than 12,000 words.  Click here for advice on writing a research proposal.

Applicants for the PhD will usually have completed a master's degree in theology or religious studies (such as the Faculty's own MPhil ), or one with a substantial theological component. Applicants wishing to do a PhD in Anthropology of Religion  should have or be taking a masters' degree in Anthropology.  Where a candidate is transferring into theology or religious studies from a different discipline, the Advanced Diploma and/or the MPhil, may be a necessary preparation for further postgraduate work.  You should raise the question of whether you are adequately prepared for the research you wish to undertake with a Faculty member in your chosen area of study.

Minimum entry requirements

A Master's degree with marks of  at least  67 per cent; where appropriate a GPA of at least 3.7.  Applicants who are currently taking the Faculty of Divinity's M.Phil. degree must achieve an overall average of at least 71 per cent and at least 71 per cent for their thesis.

There is information about sources of funding  here .

Further Questions

If you have any questions about the application process and the course contents then please contact the  Graduate Studies Co-ordinator.

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Religious Studies PhD, MPhil

Awards: PhD, MPhil

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Religious Studies

Introduction to Postgraduate Study

Join us online on 18 December at our live webinar session for an overview of postgraduate study and life at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Religious Studies (or the Study of Religion/s) is a vibrant research cluster, based in theoretically informed and comparative studies of religion.

You can specialise in a variety of areas which include contemporary and historical topics and fields such as:

• Asian Studies
• History of Religions and New Religions
• Buddhist Studies
• Jewish Studies

You will be encouraged to frame your research using a range of theoretical and methodological approaches, from the classic to the cutting-edge. You will be able to draw on methodological expertise which includes biographical analysis, discourse analysis, ethnography, historical and textual studies, memory studies and narrative studies.

The thematic interests of academic staff include ethnicity, gender, indigeneity, nationalism, textuality and the transnational.

You can find out more and identify a potential supervisor by looking at the School’s staff profiles, which give details of research interests and publications, and email addresses:

• School of Divinity staff profiles

You are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

At the School of Divinity you will join a community of around 150 research students from around the world and from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds.

You will study in a stimulating environment. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School first in Scotland and fifth in the UK for its research power in theology and religious studies. The majority of the research activity of our colleagues is classed as world leading, reflecting the vibrancy of the School’s research culture.

Training and support

The ethos of the Graduate School is to promote excellence in postgraduate study, within a stimulating and supportive environment. We value equality and diversity in the School community, and an academic culture that is both critical and constructive.

At the start of the academic year, you will be invited to Welcome Week, an intensive introduction to study and life in Edinburgh. Some events are especially for international students new to Scotland and the UK, but everything is open to all.

In the first weeks, the School provides a general orientation to research skills and to wider opportunities for training and support.

From your first days as a PhD or MPhil student, you will work one-to-one with your primary research supervisor.

Your progress will be tracked, through regular supervisions and milestone reviews, to ensure that you get the support you need to bring your project to fruition.

You will be part of the research seminar in Religious Studies, to which visiting speakers are invited and to which postgraduates present work-in-progress.

You will be able to follow taught courses that contribute to your interests and research needs, and can also take advantage of opportunities to learn ancient and modern languages.

If you are a PhD student, after successful completion of your first year, you will be eligible to apply for tutoring opportunities, to gain teaching experience.

A University review (2015) commended the Graduate School for providing excellent support:

• responsive to student feedback
• proactive in helping new postgraduates to adjust to their studies and to life in Scotland
• enthusiastic and practical in promoting career development

The postgraduate student committee works closely with the School to make the research student experience the best it can be.

Resources for research are excellent. You can draw on the outstanding holdings of New College Library, the University of Edinburgh’s main library, and the nearby National Library of Scotland.

New College Library has one of the largest theology collections in the UK, with more than a quarter of a million items and a large and rich manuscript collection.

The University library exceeds 2.25 million volumes.

The National Library of Scotland – a ‘legal deposit’ library like the British Library in London and the university libraries of Oxford and Cambridge – is just around the corner.

The School provides an extensive programme of weekly research seminars and special guest lectures.

In addition, three research centres provide a special focus for activity:

• the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins
• the Centre for Theology and Public Issues

the Centre for the Study of World Christianity

Find out more about our research

You will have access to excellent study facilities, dedicated to postgraduates. PhD and MPhil students have access 24/7, and can request an allocated desk. Masters by Research students have shared study space. All areas have printing/scanning and computer facilities. The main postgraduate study wing has a kitchen. New College has an on-site cafe that is open during term-time.

Choose your research programme

You can choose from two research programmes: the MPhil or PhD.

Each takes a different amount of time: the MPhil takes two years; a PhD takes at least three years.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Studying for an MPhil commits you to:

• at least two years of full-time study
• writing a thesis of up to 60,000 words

You will have regular one-to-one supervision and work with advice from two supervisors.

During the first year, you explore your chosen area of research and refine your research proposal. At around the nine-month mark, you will submit a draft chapter for discussion at a Review Board, together with a developed proposal for the whole thesis.

On the basis of your progress and the prospects for your research, the Review Board will make recommendations on the continuation of your studies into the second year.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Research for a PhD will require you to do:

• at least three years of full-time study
• a thesis of up to 100,000 words

For admission to the PhD programme, you will need to show a proven ability to sustain independent research under supervision, normally in the form of a masters programme that includes a dissertation.

From the beginning, the British pattern of PhD studies focuses on working towards the thesis: there is little or no coursework. This means that from the start you need to be well-prepared in any special skills you need for your research project, including languages. You will also need to be competent in academic writing in English.

On the basis of your progress and the prospects for your research, the Review Board will make recommendations on the continuation of your studies into the second year. After that, you will have an annual review to discuss your progress.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

Masters by Research and MPhil: A UK 2:1 honours degree with a mark of at least 65%, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should also have academic training in the area of your research project.

PhD: A UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA, or its international equivalent, and a masters degree in a relevant area. The masters degree should demonstrate a high level of attainment, normally with both coursework and a research dissertation marked at 67% or above (or its international equivalent, e.g. US 3.7 GPA). You should also have academic training in the area of your proposed research project.'

We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• taking out a loan
• family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

Scholarships are awarded on academic merit. Most are open to all, but some are ring-fenced for applicants from certain parts of the world.

Awards are made for both masters and PhD programmes.

Typically, awards are for full or partial fee costs. Fully funded awards are exceptional and highly competitive.

• School of Divinity scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 8952
• Contact: [email protected]
• Dr Steven Sutcliffe
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Divinity
• New College
• Mound Place
• Central Campus
• Programme: Religious Studies
• School: Divinity
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Religious Studies - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd religious studies - 6 years (part-time), mphil religious studies - 2 years (full-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You must submit a formal research proposal as part of your application.

• Research proposal guidance

You must also submit a sample of your written academic work (3,000-5,000 words).

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

King's College London

Theology & religious studies research mphil/phd.

Key information

At King's you will find a broad range of overlapping areas of research. Students can pursue traditional areas of study through:

• Theology (Systematics; Philosophical Theology; Patristics and Medieval Theology; History of Christianity in the reformation and modern period; Biblical Theology, Ethics, Business Ethics, and Christianity and the Arts)
• Biblical Studies (literary, ideological and theological approaches to the Hebrew Bible; Second Temple Judaism, gender and the Dead Sea Scrolls; New Testament studies, including biography, genre, environment and ethics).

Central to our department, too, is the social scientific study of religion (anthropology, sociology, history and politics), together with philosophy of religion, the world of Jews in modern Europe, contemporary Islamic thought, and Chinese religions.

REF rankings: The Department ranked 3rd in the country according to the ‘power’ metric, which takes into account both the quality and quantity of research activity, and received an outstanding score for the impact of its research. Overall, 76% of the Department’s research was rated 3* or 4* - indicating internationally excellent and world-leading quality – in the Research Excellence Framework (REF)- which assesses the quality of research taking place between 2008 and 2013 in UK higher education institutions.

Current number of academic staff: 28

Current number of research students: 120

Partner organisations: London School of Jewish Studies & Leo Baeck College, and the National Gallery.

The lively research-orientated atmosphere of our department offers a stimulating environment for graduate research.

The department represents a broad range of overlapping research areas. Students can pursue traditional areas of study through theology and Biblical Studies. Central to our department, too is the social scientific study of religion (anthropology), together with philosophy of religion, the world of Jews in modern Europe, contemporary Islamic thought, and Chinese religions. Staff are engaged in research and publishing at the cutting edge of their areas, and several are involved in editing leading academic journals and monograph series.

Students pursue their research by working with a supervisor, and the department's graduate seminars and day conferences offer excellent opportunities for interaction with other staff and students, including the chance to try out research papers on a friendly audience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our research training at every level.

Contact: Dr Taushif Kara ( [email protected] ). 

• How to apply
• Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £6,168 per year

Part time tuition fees: £3,084 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

Full time tuition fees: £24,786 per year

Part time tuition fees: £12,393 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

Full time tuition fees: £6,600 per year

Part time tuition fees: £3,300 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

Full time tuition fees: £27,100 per year

Part time tuition fees: £13,550 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

• Study environment

Base campus

Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

You work with a supervisor, and our graduate seminars and day conferences offer excellent opportunities for interaction with other staff and students, and the chance to try out research papers in a friendly atmosphere.

Within the department you will have the opportunity to take part in the Biblical studies seminars, the research seminars in Social Scientific Study of Religion, and the Research Institute in Systematic Theology seminar programme of lectures, colloquia and seminars.

Student destinations include teaching; journalism; careers in the church - one of our famous alumni is, of course, Desmond Tutu.

• Entry requirements

Find a supervisor

Search through a list of available supervisors.

Find out more about our King's accommodation

Discover your accommodation options and explore our residences.

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Learning in London

King's is right in the heart of the capital.