PhD Theology and Religion

Program Overview

Birmingham's Theology and Religion program offers postgraduate research opportunities, including PhD and MA by Research, with specializations in various religious disciplines. Students can study full-time or part-time, on campus or through distance learning. Graduates develop valuable transferable skills and pursue careers in diverse industries, including public service, education, and consulting.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

At Birmingham, we offer promising candidates the opportunity to carry out research in one of the UK’s largest and most diverse Departments of Theology and Religion. We offer subject specialisms in Biblical studies, Christian theology, Islamic studies, Jewish and Holocaust studies, Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, Quaker Studies and Religion and society. We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level. Find out more about what to expect from a PhD and MA by Research. You can study full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance learning. The College of Arts and Law is experienced in delivering high quality distance learning to students all over the world.

Careers:

Birmingham's Theology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research. Postgraduates in theology and religion go on to a wide variety of industries, including public service, education, law, consulting, and other competitive graduate schemes. Others consider further study and go on to doctoral research, including the Midland4Cities funded scheme.

Other:

The Theology and Religion department was ranked 3rd in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on research rated 4 . The University of Birmingham was ranked in the Top 50 in the world for Theology in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. These rankings are compiled annually to help prospective students to identify the leading universities worldwide in a particular subject. We have excellent relationships and partnerships with Birmingham's many different communities, and such a rich cultural mix means that it provides an ideal setting to study the relations between religion and culture. The city is recognised as one of the most multicultural cities in Europe, with representation from most religious traditions. Learn more about your postgraduate experience. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study. The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events. You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to: Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation. Our main areas of research expertise, associated staff and PhD supervision areas are included in the links below for each research area: Biblical studies Christian theology Islamic studies Jewish and Holocaust studies Pentecostal and Charismatic studies Philosophical theology Quaker Studies Religion and society

Annual tuition fee 2024 entry: UK: £4,786 full-time; £2,393 part-time International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only) The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study. The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

• For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change.
The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2024.