PhD Religions and Theology: The University of Manchester

Course description

This programme aims to provide students in Religions and Theology with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of these fields. It stresses a broad, interdisciplinary and comparative approach. Courses can be taken from across the offerings within the discipline and beyond. Courses in Religions and Theology cover a wide range of topics, including subject oriented choices in Biblical Studies, Jewish Studies, Christian Studies, and South Asian Studies, and method oriented courses in philosophy, gender studies, hermeneutics, political theory and more.

Module details

The subject core course unit is typically Method and Theory in the Study of Religion. This is complemented by a School-led core course unit which gives students the opportunity to acquire a variety of research and presentation skills.

Optional course units are drawn from a combination of choices available in the specialist programmes (Biblical Studies; History of Christianity; Jewish Studies; Religion and Political Life; South Asian Studies; Theology, Culture and Society). Your selection will be tailored to meet your particular range of interests.

Career opportunities

The primary focus of all our postgraduate degrees is to give people research skills, whether for academic work or for another career. Many professions today require investigative skills. Some in the media spend time researching angles of events that relate to religions. Some in the health service investigate the experiences of various cultural groups in accessing services. Many in museums, libraries and other archives require the textual and historical research skills that their courses teach. Postgraduate study in Religions and Theology gives you a high level qualification for a wide range of investigative tasks.

Many of those who complete postgraduate programmes take up positions in further and higher education in the field of Religions and Theology or related areas. Others may already be employed in a professional capacity in a relevant area. Careers in a wide range of fields are available as for all those graduating in Humanities. Whatever employment area postgraduates choose their studies will provide them with transferable skills as well as enhancing their intellectual and personal development.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A First class or Upper Second class honours degree plus a good Masters qualification is required, or the overseas equivalent.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 575 (paper-based) or 233 (computer-based).