Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The DProf in Theology and Religious Studies empowers professionals to conduct practice-based research in their field, exploring ethical, theological, and cultural dimensions. With interdisciplinary expertise and a supportive cohort, students develop critical reflection skills and advance their research profiles, enabling them to make a meaningful impact in their professional or organizational contexts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Our DProf in Theology and Religious Studies is an exciting opportunity to pursue research rooted in an area of your profession or organisation. Explore the ethical, theological, religious, cultural and spiritual dimensions of your practice or work. Use practice-based research to question the ethos, world-views, religious cultures and values of your context. We have a longstanding track record of interdisciplinary expertise in teaching, research, and supervision in the field. Since 2009, we have enabled students to enhance and transform their professional or organisational context through a range of approaches and methods for practice-based and work-based research. Whether you are working in a faith-based or secular community or setting, our staff have a range of expertise in Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Biblical Studies, contemporary spiritualities and religious movements, and Christian theology. We can support you to deepen your critical reflection on the values, ethics, worldviews embedded in your professional or organisational context and its practices, and to develop your thinking about cultural and religious literacy, equality and diversity in relation to your employed or volunteer work or vocation.
Outline:
Year 1
One of the unique features of a professional doctorate is that you take a series of modules that introduce you to the different stages of the doctoral journey, therefore building the necessary theoretical, practical, and reflective skills you need to undertake an advanced research project. You work with your cohort, and with a specialist supervisory team to guide and mentor you. This format, and being part of a community of researching professionals, supports your studies and helps you pass through the programme according to manageable deadlines.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Home Students
The tuition fees for home students studying Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies in 2024/25 are £6,665 per year.
International/EU Students
The tuition fees for international students studying Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies in 2024/25 are £14,644 per year. The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Additional Costs
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
Bursaries and Funding
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.
University of Chester
Overview:
The University of Chester is a public university located in Chester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its modern learning facilities and its historic city setting.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.Student Support:
A dedicated team provides academic, personal, and financial support.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid is available.Careers and Employability:
Services include career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Sport and Active Lifestyle:
The university offers a variety of sports clubs and facilities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Chester can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, offering numerous opportunities for exploration and leisure. The university also boasts a strong student community with a variety of clubs, societies, and events.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Award-Winning University:
The University of Chester has received numerous awards for its student experience, including being ranked 1st in the UK for its international student experience.Modern Learning Facilities:
The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and computer labs.Historic City Setting:
Chester is a charming city with a rich history and culture, providing a unique and enriching learning environment.Strong Student Community:
The university has a vibrant student community with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.Academic Programs:
The University of Chester offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including nursing, midwifery, social work, teaching, and business.Postgraduate Programs:
The university also offers a range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees and research degrees.Other:
The university has several University Centres located in Birkenhead, Nantwich, and Warrington, offering a range of professionally-focused, practice-based courses. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation.
Entry Requirements:
- Home Students:
- A Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or a related discipline is required.
- Candidates not possessing a Master’s degree should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree and evidence of prior learning or experience equivalent to Master’s-level study.
- Applicants not meeting these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- A research proposal (maximum of two pages) is also required as part of your application.
- International/EU Students:
- A Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or a related discipline is required.
- Candidates not possessing a Master’s degree should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree and evidence of prior learning or experience equivalent to Master’s-level study.
- Applicants not meeting these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- A research proposal (maximum of two pages) is also required as part of your application.
- See below for your country specific requirements. Please note, some programmes have special entry requirements and if applicable, these are listed below.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
