Program Overview

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Theology MPhil, PhD

Overview

Explore your own interests in theology, supported by the expertise of staff at Cambridge Theological Federation, with our research programme.

Full Description

Studying an MPhil or PhD with Cambridge Theological Federation involves:

• a personal pathway of research guided by your own research proposal and supported by a team of supervisors
• joining a lively research community
• regular research seminars, offering opportunities to engage with current scholarship and to present and share research across theological and other disciplines.

The Federation's academic staff can supervise research across all major areas of theology. This includes Church history, practical and pastoral theology, biblical studies, and specialisms within denominations.

You'll study with Cambridge Theological Federation.

Please note that to apply, you must be a member of one of the Federation’s member institutions.

Completion Times

• MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years.
• PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years.
• PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years.

Supervision and Support

The Federation's academic staff can supervise research across all major areas of theology. This includes Church history, practical and pastoral theology, biblical studies, and specialisms within denominations.

Where You'll Research

Your Faculty

In the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, we use our expertise and connections in Cambridge and beyond to nurture creativity through experimentation and risk-taking, and encourage critical thinking, in order to educate, entertain, inspire and understand, as well as to improve people’s lives.

Where Can I Study?

• Distance learning at ARU

Study at a time that suits you, using our online learning management system.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

• UK students, 2024/25 (per year): £4,786
• UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £2,392
• International students, 2024/25 (per year): £15,900
• International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £7,950

Funding

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU Research

Anglia Ruskin's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on economies, societies, the environment and culture in all corners of the globe.

Careers

Entry Requirements

• MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelor degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
• PhD: You’ll need a Master degree or equivalent in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

Important Additional Notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.