Research Degrees: Religions and Philosophies

Program Overview

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The Research Degrees: Religions and Philosophies program at SOAS immerses students in a vibrant research community, offering individual supervision from experts and access to extensive resources. The program equips graduates with valuable skills for diverse careers in academia, research, and beyond. Ranked in the Top 50 for Arts & Humanities, SOAS provides a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary research and career development.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The SOAS Religions and Philosophies Department boasts a dynamic research environment where you'll receive individual supervision from experts in your chosen field, with access to extensive resources and support.

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Key Highlights:

• Ranked in the Top 50 for Arts & Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2022)
• 91.7% student satisfaction rate (NSS 2021)
• 3rd for research outputs and 7th place overall in Theology and Religious Studies research rankings (REF 2021)
• Strong focus on career development and practical skills integration
• Led by global, research-active staff with extensive research funding and professional networks

• Immerse yourself in a diverse community of researchers exploring a wide range of religious traditions
• Benefit from individual supervision from leading experts in your chosen field
• Gain access to a wealth of resources, including specialist research centres and the world-renowned SOAS Library
• Develop your research and presentation skills through dedicated workshops and seminars
• Join a thriving academic community with
• Become part of a global network of scholars and researchers

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How to Apply:

To apply for the Research Degrees: Religions and Philosophies program, please contact a potential supervisor in your area of interest with a draft of your project proposal.

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Outline:

The program is structured to guide you through the research process over four years.

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Year 1:

• Refine your research project and proposal
• MPhil/PhD Research Workshop
• Submit your upgrade submission to your supervisory committee by the May deadline
• MPhil/PhD Upgrade Viva

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Year 2:

• Conduct fieldwork or data collection
• Work on your source material
• Submit regular reports to your supervisor
• Write a second core chapter

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Year 3:

• Complete a draft of your thesis
• PhD/MPhil Research Seminar
• Submit a draft of your thesis and continuation approval form by August 31st

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Year 4:

• Finalize and submit your thesis by September 15th
• University of London Research Degree Regulations and Code of Practice

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate your progress and understanding. These may include:

• Written assignments
• Research proposals
• Presentations
• Thesis draft
• Final thesis
• Viva voce examination

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Teaching:

The program offers a range of teaching and learning activities to support your research journey, including:

• Individual supervision from expert academics
• Research workshops and seminars
• Access to specialist research centres and resources
• Support from the SOAS Library

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Careers:

The Research Degrees: Religions and Philosophies program equips you with valuable skills and knowledge for diverse career paths in academia, research, education, and a variety of other sectors. Graduates have found employment in:

• Academia
• Research institutions
• Government agencies
• International organizations
• NGOs
• Education
• Cultural institutions

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Specific examples of previous graduates' employers:

• Asia Society
• British Council
• Chatham House
• Edelman
• HELP USA
• King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Princeton University
• Royal Government of Cambodia
• The Happiness Factory
• The Inter Faith Network for the UK
• The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
• United Nations Development Programme

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Other:

• The program is offered full-time or part-time.
• Fees for 2023/24 are £4,860 per year for home students and £21,630 per year for overseas students (full-time).

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Home student fees (full-time): £4,860 per year Home student fees (part-time): £2,430 per year Overseas student fees (full-time): £22,490 per year Overseas student fees (part-time): £11,245 per year Please note that fees go up each year.