Program Overview

Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies

Course Summary

Our DProf in Theology and Religious Studies is an exciting opportunity to pursue research rooted in an area of your profession or organisation. Explore the ethical, theological, religious, cultural and spiritual dimensions of your practice or work. Use practice-based research to question the ethos, world-views, religious cultures and values of your context.

We have a longstanding track record of interdisciplinary expertise in teaching, research, and supervision in the field. Since 2009, we have enabled students to enhance and transform their professional or organisational context through a range of approaches and methods for practice-based and work-based research.

Whether you are working in a faith-based or secular community or setting, our staff have a range of expertise in Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Biblical Studies, contemporary spiritualities and religious movements, and Christian theology. We can support you to deepen your critical reflection on the values, ethics, worldviews embedded in your professional or organisational context and its practices, and to develop your thinking about cultural and religious literacy, equality and diversity in relation to your employed or volunteer work or vocation.

What You'll Study

• Year 1: One of the unique features of a professional doctorate is that you take a series of modules that introduce you to the different stages of the doctoral journey, therefore building the necessary theoretical, practical, and reflective skills you need to undertake an advanced research project. You work with your cohort, and with a specialist supervisory team to guide and mentor you. This format, and being part of a community of researching professionals, supports your studies and helps you pass through the programme according to manageable deadlines.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Dawn Llewellyn: Associate Professor

How You'll Learn

• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • A Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or a related discipline is required.
  • Candidates not possessing a Master’s degree should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree and evidence of prior learning or experience equivalent to Master’s-level study.
  • Applicants not meeting these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • A research proposal (maximum of two pages) is also required as part of your application.
• International/EU Students:
  • A Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or a related discipline is required.
  • Candidates not possessing a Master’s degree should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree and evidence of prior learning or experience equivalent to Master’s-level study.
  • Applicants not meeting these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • A research proposal (maximum of two pages) is also required as part of your application.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £6,971 per year full-time (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,084 per year full-time (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: This course supports practitioner-researchers who, with a doctorate and a research profile, can go on to achieve their personal and professional aspirations, and make a difference to their context.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.