Program Overview

Theology and Religion PhD / MA by Research

The University of Birmingham offers a Theology and Religion PhD / MA by Research program, allowing students to immerse themselves in their own research supported by experts from one of the largest and most diverse Theology departments in the UK.

Course Overview

The program enables students to join a vibrant research community interested in a range of religions and belief systems from across the world. The department's expertise includes specialisms in Biblical studies, Christian theology, Islamic studies, Jewish and Holocaust studies, Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, Quaker Studies, Jainism, Religion and society, Philosophy of Religion, textual scholarship, and electronic editing.

Course Structure

• PhD programmes are normally undertaken in three years full-time or six years part-time.
• Masters-level research programmes are taken in one year full-time or two years part-time.
• The period of maximum registration for a PhD includes a further year, designated "thesis awaited," which is usually a period of final revisions and more occasional supervision.

Year One

The first year (or part-time equivalent) of a PhD usually includes a literature review specific to the thesis and topic. Students begin to undertake their research and relevant training. The thesis is usually written in stages over the course of the PhD, and students receive regular feedback.

For an MA by Research, these timescales are condensed into one year (or two years if studying part-time). The MA by Research is assessed by a thesis of 40,000 words. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners.

Course Highlights

• The department is one of the top 3 UK Theology departments in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise 2021, based on research rated 4* (Times Higher Education).
• Students join a welcoming Department and become a valued contributor to research activities.
• The program encourages research across subject boundaries, and the department's research expertise spans a wide variety of religions and belief systems.
• Students can study in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe and make the most of the Department's links with faith-based communities across the city.
• The program offers the opportunity to conduct research from anywhere in the world by distance learning, allowing students to complete the PhD or MA by Research part-time and fit it around other commitments.

Course Delivery

• The program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose the mode of study that works for them - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.
• There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research. Instead, students undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor, and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
• The supervisory team meets with students at regular intervals throughout the program to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement, and report on their research.
• If students take the distance learning option, they receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online.

Research Themes

The Department is one of the leading centers internationally for research into theology and religion. Research themes include:

• Biblical studies
• Christian theology
• Islamic studies
• Jewish and Holocaust studies
• Pentecostal and Charismatic studies
• Philosophical theology
• Quaker Studies
• Religion and society

Entry Requirements

• Merit in a Masters degree (for entry to a PhD).
• 2:1 Honours degree (for entry to an MA by Research).
• For MRes and MA by Research programs, the university usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if the student was educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
• If applying for a PhD, students will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
• Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.
• Students will normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programs and around 2,500 words for Law programs.

English Language Requirements

• If students are international, they will need to demonstrate they have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
• For this course, the university requires IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking, and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

• Fees for 2026 entry are £5,181 (full-time) and £2,591 (part-time).
• The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning program also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.
• International students applying for part-time study may have to choose the distance learning option, depending on visa status.
• The university offers various scholarships and funding options, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Landscape Awards, College of Arts and Law Doctoral Scholarships, Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities, Stanley Ray Scholarship, and Music Doctoral Scholarships.

Application Process

• To apply for a postgraduate research program, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online.
• When proposing their own research topic, students will need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. They should identify an appropriate supervisor and contact them before submitting their application.
• The research proposal is a key part of the application, and students should take their time to ensure it is clear and concise. The proposal should include an outline of the proposed research project, including the main research questions and the methods intended to use.
• The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programs and around 2,500 words for Law programs.

Career Opportunities

• The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
• The university's Careers Network offers dedicated careers support tailored to students' unique paths, including one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.
• The university's PhD graduates are global change-makers, advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

Student Experience

• The university offers a range of accommodation options, including dedicated postgraduate halls and private accommodation close to campus.
• Students can enjoy the university's green and spacious campus, which is like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK's second city.
• The university is committed to providing the best possible support to all students, including academic support, careers guidance, and student wellbeing services.
• Students can take a virtual tour of the campus to get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.