Program Overview

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Theology MRes

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 theology but:

• you want to develop your research skills or academic ability before committing to a PhD
• you cannot commit to three years or more of research
• your topic does not need three years of research

Main Research Areas

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

Current Research Projects

Topics currently being researched in the department include:

• Hebrew Bible and New Testament
• Hermeneutics
• Islam and Politics
• Jewish Philosophy
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophical Theology
• Religion and Media
• Religion and Technology
• Theology and Continental Philosophy
• Theology and Literature
• Theology and Natural Science

Research Staff

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

Your Department

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

Course Content

The course is made up of 180 credits:

• Dissertation - 120 credits
• Advanced taught modules - 40 credits
• Interdisciplinary module - 20 credits

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

Modules

Dissertation

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

Recent Examples

• 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)

Advanced Taught Modules

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.

Interdisciplinary Module

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

Mastering the Arts

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:

• introduce the ideas, practices, complexities, and opportunities of interdisciplinary research in the arts
• enable you to practice critical self-reflexivity about the conventions and expectations of your own disciplines in relation to those of others
• train you in core research skills necessary for graduate-level study
• develop your confidence in communicating research findings to non-specialist audiences

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:

• academic publishing
• knowledge exchange
• dissertation planning and writing
• professional communication

This module is worth 20 credits.

Arts in Society

This module helps postgraduate students recognise the range of careers and opportunities that an Arts and Humanities MA/MRes can provide.

It highlights the skills and abilities present within these programmes and provides examples of the successful application of these skills. Students will explore how subjects within the arts can be ‘applied disciplines’ that serve to be impactful in wider society through research and engagement.

Through ‘live brief’ assessments, students work in groups, utilising their Arts and Humanities skill sets, to present and produce a consultancy report for a range of organisations, including SMEs/Third-sector.

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

• Degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in theology and/or religious studies or a closely related subject.

EU / International Students

• Degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in theology and/or religious studies or a closely related subject.
• 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.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

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 a member of our academic staff 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

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Fees

Home / UK

• £5,006

International

• £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

Funding Opportunities for Faculty of Arts Students

There are additional funding opportunities available to you as a Faculty of Arts student.

Other Sources of Funding

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

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

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Careers

Careers Advice

Graduate destinations, career progression, and expert staff to support you every step of the way.

Graduate Destinations

Many of our research 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 research students developing academic careers at many different institutions.

Career Progression

Research in theology is demanding but also immensely rewarding. It will stretch your skills in analysing texts and your imagination in developing theoretical frameworks. Research in theology is an adventure that will shape your thinking and your outlook for the rest of your life.

Professor Richard Bell, Professor of Theology

Related Courses

Religious Studies MRes

Research your passion in religious studies for personal interest or as a stepping stone to PhD research.

Theology MRes

Research your passion in theology for personal interest or as a stepping stone to PhD research.

Theology (distance learning) PhD

Research answers to your theological questions without giving up your existing commitments with our distance learning PhD.

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• A top 10 department in the UK by grade point average
• 100% of research outputs recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4) or 'internationally excellent' (3)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.