Program Overview

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Theology and Religious Studies PhD

Research overview

We provide you with the time and support to explore your questions in Theology and Religious Studies.

We have particular strengths in:

• Theology and the Natural Sciences
• Theology and Phenomenology
• Theology and Metaphysics
• Theology and Literature
• Systematic Theology
• Theology, Philosophy, and History of Ideas
• Science, Technology and Nature
• Religion, Culture and the Arts
• Islamic Studies

Staff and supervision

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

You will get expert supervision from our research-active and creative staff. If applicable to your research, you can get supervision across departments (for example, philosophy or history). You may also be able to strengthen your supervisory team from across our Midland4Cities partner universities.

Current research

You will be joining a diverse community whose current research projects include:

• Constructive Theology
• Continental Philosophy
• Hebrew Bible and New Testaments
• Hermeneutics
• Historical Theology
• Islam and Politics
• Jewish Philosophy
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophical Theology
• Reformation Theology
• Religion and Environment
• Religion and Media
• Religion and Technology
• Sociology of Religion
• Theology and Literature
• Theology and Natural Science

Your department

• Theology and religion research and expertise is based in the Department of Philosophy.

Course content

You will complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words, with experienced support and advice from your academic supervisors.

You will also take an oral examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel.

Example recent theses

• Chromatic dialogues: colour and culture in Homer, Herodotus and the Hebrew Bible - Ellena Lyell
• Friendship as ecclesial binding: a reading of St Augustine’s theology of friendship from his In Iohannis tractatus evangelium - Phillip Brown
• Alan Richardson: Reappraising the life and work of a twentieth-century Christian theologian, cleric and educator - Terry Root
• Ibn Taymiyya’s views on issues of divorce in contrast to the majority of jurists in Islamic law - Seerwan Ahmed
• Reading the "Paradoxical Book of Bell": a case study in theology and science - Joanna Susan Penberthy
• By the Spirit we understand: how do new religious experiences create scripture? - Mark Wreford
• A Thematic Analysis of Iqaz-al-Himmam: Ibn 'Ajibah's Commentary on the Aphorisms (Hikam) of Ibn 'Ata' Allah - Sumit Jha
• The Significance of Time in Augustine's Understanding of the Authority of Scripture - Lal Dingluaia

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Home / UK students

• We usually expect applicants to have:
  • Bachelors degree: 2:1 or above
  • Masters-level degree (or international equivalent): Merit

If you do not meet these requirements please contact us to discuss before applying.

EU / International students

• We usually expect applicants to have:
  • Bachelors degree: 2:1 or above
  • Masters-level degree (or international equivalent): Merit

If you do not meet these requirements please contact us to discuss before applying.

International and EU equivalents

• We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
• For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS

• 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

• As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.
• This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

• If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course.
• Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language.
• Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

Visa restrictions

• International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK.
• Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses.
• The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses.
• The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases.
• Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Applying

We encourage you to get in touch with your potential supervisor before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support in finding funding opportunities.

Most of our academics are experienced supervisors, several with former research students in academic posts.

Supervisors and research areas

• When applying you must select either 'Theology PhD' or 'Religious Studies PhD'. The support and supervision for both is the same but the choice may help local funding applications.

Fees

Qualification

PhD	Home / UK	International
Fees	£5,350	£23,000

Additional information for international students

• If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
• These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Funding

• There are funding opportunities which are only open to students within the Faculty of Arts.
• Postgraduate funding for Faculty of Arts students
• There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.
• Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Support

We have a strong, supportive and welcoming research culture.

Research seminars

• Hear visiting scholars from the UK and overseas
• Present research in progress in a friendly and constructive environment
• Broaden your general knowledge of Theology and Religious Studies
• Gain a better sense of how research develops as part of an interactive process

Midlands4Cities students

• If you are funded through the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership you will complete a portfolio of research training, devised in consultation with your supervisors and Head of Postgraduate Studies.

Teaching opportunities

• During your doctoral studies, you may have the opportunity to apply to work as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) within the Faculty of Arts.
• We offer a limited number of part-time annualised hours contracts of employment.
• They provide invaluable teaching experience in delivering and supporting seminars, as well as marking, assessing and giving feedback on students' work.
• We provide dedicated training and professional development.
• Applications for PGTA positions are competitive and not guaranteed.

Language learning

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

Researcher training and development

• The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them.
• We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
• Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

• Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.
• Each space has areas for:
  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

• You will have access to a range of support services, including:
  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

• Our Students' Union represents all students.
• You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.
• There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:
  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

Careers

• Careers advice
• Graduate destinations
• Career progression

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Many of our PhD students are already settled in careers before starting the course - their research is for personal development, interest or to deepen their existing career.

The most common non-religious career paths for our postgraduate students include education/teaching, IT, and welfare and housing associations.

We have a successful record of our PhD students developing academic careers at many different institutions.

100% of postgraduates from the School of Theology and Religious Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022 The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Where you will learn

Digital Transformations Hub

• As a researcher you have full access to the Digital Transformations Hub and can use our equipment and software for free.

University Park Campus

• University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities.
• It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
• Most schools and departments are based here.
• You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
• You can walk or cycle around campus.
• Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses.
• Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

University-wide facilities

• Technology: MyNottingham app; full campus wi-fi; personal laptop repair; online, face-to-face and telephone support.
• Libraries: extensive print and online resources; 24/7 opening; study support; laptop loans; assistive technology
• Manuscripts and Special Collections: rare and specialised documents, books, photos and posters used for teaching and research. Collections include Soviet War posters, DH Lawrence, rare medical records and much, much more!

The Language Centre

• We offer nine languages at a wide range of levels as taught options.
• Alternatively, learn at your own pace in our Self-Access Centre.