PhD Religions and Theology
University of Manchester
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

The University of Manchester

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

The University of Manchester

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

The University of Manchester

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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Theology & Religious Studies
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Course info

Programme descriptionOur full-time and part-time Religions and Theology PhD programme involves substantial original research in Religions and Theology, leading to the production of a thesis (of up to 80,000 words) that constitutes a significant contribution to knowledge.One of our particular strengths is the ability of our research students to draw on the expertise of specialists in a wide range of disciplines.This offers the possibility of developing interdisciplinary projects with high level ...Read more

Programme description

Our full-time and part-time Religions and Theology PhD programme involves substantial original research in Religions and Theology, leading to the production of a thesis (of up to 80,000 words) that constitutes a significant contribution to knowledge.

One of our particular strengths is the ability of our research students to draw on the expertise of specialists in a wide range of disciplines.

This offers the possibility of developing interdisciplinary projects with high level expertise in both disciplines. For instance, recent PhD students have had supervision jointly between lecturers in Biblical studies and Roman social history, theology and music, and South Asian Studies and sociology.

Within Religions and Theology, our doctoral students also participate in a thriving disciplinary research culture. There are regular research seminars in Religions and Theology, Biblical Studies, and Jewish Studies.

Research students are also welcome at a wide range of seminars in other areas, for instance, in linguistics or in gender, sexuality and culture.

Religions and Theology students get the opportunity to meet and discuss with a range of major international scholars who visit to deliver seminars, public lectures (The Manson Memorial Lecture in New Testament, The Sherman Lectures in Jewish Studies, The Ferguson Lecture in Theology).

Many of our students undertake some undergraduate teaching, following appropriate training which is offered to all doctoral students.

Funds are available for students to organise conferences and travel to attend events and undertake research.

There are opportunities to organise, participate in, and present papers at conferences led by PhD students and joint events, such as the Manchester-Durham-Sheffield PhD student conference in Biblical Studies.

Teaching and learning

The PhD programme is based on supervised independent research. The student-supervisor relationship thus sits at the heart of this programme.

Doctoral supervision is on a one-to-one basis, with meetings usually fortnightly in the first year.

Each student has a main supervisor, a co-supervisor and an additional panel member who acts as an independent reviewer. The Religions and Theology Postgraduate Research Officer provides more general academic advice and support.

In addition to regular personal supervision, our graduate research students each have a research panel which meets a minimum of two times per year (on more occasions if necessary).

The research panel increases the breadth of expertise available to the student and widens the informational and networking opportunities accessible to them.

In addition the panel reviews the development of the student's research proposal, provides feedback on draft chapters and conference papers, discusses research progress, and provides guidance on the formulation of realistic objectives.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is based on the thesis and an oral examination. See what our current PhD students are working on.

Career opportunities

Many of our Religions and Theology PhD graduates have gone on to leading academic positions in countries such as the UK, USA, South Korea, Australia, Burundi and South Africa.

Among past PhD graduates are Morna Hooker, Donald Hagner, W Ward Gasque, Robert Gundry, Itumeleng Mosala, Quek Swee Hwa, Seyoon Kim, Ronald Fung, Moises Silva, Charles Wanamaker, David Wenham, Peter O'Brien and Peter H Davids.

Recently, our PhD graduates have gone on to become department heads, post-doctoral fellows, principles and professors at leading institutions in the UK, Canada and Burundi, as well as going on to positions the John Rylands Research Institute, and with leading European research projects.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
63/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
12th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
22nd
What students say
E
ella
02 Dec 24

it’s very friendly..Read more

B
Beth
07 Mar 22

na..Read more

Entry requirements

Students require Bachelors (Honours) degree at 2:1 level or above (or its international equivalent) in a related subject; and a UK Master's degree with an overall average of 65% or higher, with a minimum of 65% in the dissertation and with no mark below 55% (or its international equivalent) in a related subject.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£21,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£21,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

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Uni info

University of Manchester
Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Manchester Piccadilly  0.3 miles away
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