Program Overview
Lancaster University's Religious Studies PhD program offers comprehensive training in various areas of religious studies, including major world religions, contemporary spirituality, and the sociology of religion. The program comprises a probationary period focused on research training and culminates in an 80,000-word thesis. Its lively research culture fosters collaboration and encourages interdisciplinary connections.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Religious Studies PhD at Lancaster University welcomes proposals from students interested in a range of areas, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, the social and cultural transformations of contemporary religion and spirituality, sociology of religion, religion and popular culture, modern religious thought and history, religion and politics, occult and esoteric thought, and religion and gender. The program culminates in an 80,000-word thesis and is divided into two phases:
- Initial or 'Probationary' Period: This period focuses on research training and general preparation for the thesis. Students can take research training modules covering research skills, key concepts, theories, and approaches in their chosen subfield. They are also expected to write a literature review and begin the process of writing their thesis.
- Final Phase: After confirmation by an Upgrade Panel, students complete their research, write the remainder of their thesis, and prepare for submission and examination.
Other:
- The program has a lively research culture with weekly research seminars.
- Students are encouraged to participate in faculty-wide workshops and research programs.
- Researchers are encouraged to make links with other departments across the university.
- The Politics, Philosophy and Religion department enjoys good working relationships with related departments and centres, and joint supervision arrangements are sometimes possible.
- Home (per year): £4,786
- International (per year): £21,082
Additional Costs:
- College Membership Fee: £40 for undergraduates and research students, £15 for students on one-year courses (for students starting in 2023 and 2024)
- Computer equipment and internet access: Variable, depending on individual needs and resources.
- Application fee: £40 for most taught postgraduate applications
- Students may be eligible for scholarships or bursaries, reducing their overall tuition costs.
