Religion and Theology (PhD, MPhil) at University of Bristol

The Department of Religion and Theology has a thriving and innovative research culture and includes leading researchers in the thought and practice of Buddhism, Christianity, East Asian Religions, Judaism, Islam, Theology and Ethics. We are thinking across historical periods and through a variety of critical approaches using ethnographic, linguistic, historical, philosophical, and theological methods. We provide many opportunities for postgraduates to build a strong portfolio of skills and experiences in preparation for an academic career and professional life beyond university.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences  |  Department: School of Humanities  |  Duration: MPhil: one year full-time, two years part-time. PhD: up to four years full-time, up to eight years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: January 2027, September 2027, January 2028.  |  Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

MPhil: a one-year (full-time) research degree. Students will undertake their own research project, concluding in the submission of a 25,000-word dissertation. Students have the option to audit a wide selection of BA units giving you the opportunity to study subjects you might have missed out at BA level or want to develop if they are relevant to your research.

Career pathways

The majority of graduates from this programme develop careers as academics in secondary and higher education while maintaining the capacity to undertake new and innovative research in the field of religion and theology.

Official programme page