Program Overview

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Introduction to the DPhil in Theology and Religion

The DPhil in Theology and Religion is a research degree offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. This degree involves extensive independent study and the opportunity to undertake and present original research at an advanced level.

About the Course

The DPhil in Theology and Religion offers access to a wide variety of experienced specialists in many different fields of theology and religion. Students will develop an extensive range of research skills and expertise in their chosen field of research. The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford.

Attendance

The full-time course is studied over three years, and the part-time course is studied over six to eight years. Part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year. Some attendance in term time is normally required.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, with over 13 million printed items and access to e-journals.

Research Areas

You will have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialized themes of this course, which include:

• The study of the world religions
• Biblical studies
• Science and religion
• Ecclesiastical history
• Systematic theology
• Ethics
• Patristics
• Philosophical theology

Supervision

You will be assigned a supervisor or supervisors who will provide support and guidance to help you develop your ideas, direction, and a program of research. A supervisor is expected to meet with a research student for a detailed discussion of the student's progress at least twice a term during the period of study.

Assessment

DPhil students join the faculty as a Probationary Research Student (PRS) and apply for 'Transfer of Status' usually within their first year (if full-time) or their second year (if part-time). The Transfer of Status process involves the submission of a 5,000-word writing sample and an interview with two specialist assessors. There is a further assessment of candidates' work and progress at a more advanced stage of their research, known as 'Confirmation of Status', which requires submission of a 10,000-word extract from the thesis, abstracts, and a further interview with assessors.

Entry Requirements

The requirements for entry to the DPhil in Theology and Religion include:

• A master's degree in a relevant subject
• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in theology, religious studies, or another closely-related field
• English language proficiency at the University's higher level
• GRE General Test scores (if offered)

Degree-Level Qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• A master's degree in a relevant subject
• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in theology, religious studies, or another closely-related field

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. You can use the fees, funding, and scholarship search tool to identify opportunities and find out how to apply.

Costs

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis. The annual course fees for the academic year at the University of Oxford are:

• Full-time study: Ł14,180 (Home), Ł37,080 (Overseas)
• Part-time study: Ł7,090 (Home), Ł18,540 (Overseas)

Additional Costs

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of the course requirements, students may need to choose a dissertation, a project, or a thesis topic, and depending on the choice of topic and the research required to complete it, there may be additional expenses.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course. The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 per month.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. You can express a preference for one of the colleges listed or ask us to find a college for you.

How to Apply

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents. The application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé.

Proposed Field and Title of Research Project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

Referees

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete.

Official Transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution, and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

Research Proposal

The research proposal is a crucial element of a DPhil application. It should communicate, not so much your personal autobiography, as your academic commitment and seriousness. Assessors are looking to be persuaded that you know the field in which you propose to conduct research, are committed to spending several years working in it, understand what study in Oxford could offer to you, and have considered the aptness of Oxford's resources to the proposed research.

After You've Submitted Your Application

Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.