MRes Religious Studies

Program Overview

Combine your own research with insight from our advanced taught modules.

This course is ideal if you are passionate about a research topic in religious studies but:

We have particular strengths in the following areas:

Find out more about our key areas of research

Topics currently being researched in the department include:

Find out more about some of the current research projects

Our diverse staff include theologians, sociologists, biblical scholars and philosophers so we can support your research with a range of different approaches and methodologies.

The course is made up of 180 credits:

This degree is a companion to the Theology MRes. The difference is in your agreed area of research and the title of your award. The teaching and supervision arrangements are the same.

A 25,000 word dissertation on a subject agreed by you and your supervisor.

Exiting Eden: an exploration of the evolution of humanity’s conception of divine disposition and its impact on the Earth - Charlotte Stevens (2021)

Abstraction and illumination: the sublime and Kabbalistic creation motifs in the artworks of Barnett Newman and Mark Rothko - Rosslyn Brown (2020)

Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza: within or beyond the Third Quest for the historical Jesus? - Amy Walters (2020)

These taught modules allow you to deepen your knowledge and skills over a range of topics and prepare for further research specialisation.

They are taken during semesters one and two.

For examples of the modules we offer see the Systematic and Philosophical Theology (distance learning) MA.

Choose one of two modules involving masters students from across the Faculty if Arts.

You’ll discover how an arts and humanities masters degree can be used to:

You’ll explore the skills particular to your own discipline and how they can impact on wider issues. This will help your understanding of the function of arts and humanities, and how they can be applied, in wider society. In particular you’ll get greater understanding of what is meant by knowledge exchange and public engagement.

With an emphasis on ‘learning through doing' you’ll collaborate with other masters’ students on consultancy projects, working to solve real-life briefs from a range of cultural industries and schools.

By the end of the module you’ll have:

This module is worth 20 credits.

This module introduces you to the wide range of interdisciplinary research happening in the Faculty of Arts. We invite you to ‘think outside the box’ in relation to your own research, while learning key research techniques and methods. The module aims to:

You will build on your existing research skills gained from your university career to date. Furthermore, you will develop a more nuanced understanding of your own research practice, inspiring you to explore different approaches questions. In addition, you will develop an understanding of professional practice in areas such as:

This module is worth 20 credits.

We have a strong, supportive and welcoming research culture.

Find out more about our research seminars

You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.