Department of Theology & Religion | Integrated PhD Theology and Religion 48 months PHD Program By Durham University |Top Universities

Department of Theology & Religion | Integrated PhD Theology and Religion

Subject Ranking

# 7QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

48 monthsProgram duration

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

Theology, Divinity and Religious StudiesMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Integrated PhD Theology & Religion at Durham University

[email protected]


The PhD with Integrated Studies is a hybrid degree allowing students to combine a classic PhD with taught preparation roughly equivalent to a taught MA, within a single four-year programme (eight years part-time).


In Year 1, students will be registered as taught postgraduates. Like MA students, they will study five modules: three optional 30-credit modules, and two core modules, Resources, Methods & Interpretation and a short Dissertation.


However, those two core modules will be assessed to a higher threshold than the standard MA. During the Resources, Methods & Interpretation module, students will be required to produce a 2000-word research proposal for their doctoral thesis. The aim is to ensure that by the beginning of Year 2 of the programme, students will be ready to embark on independent research.


Years 2 - 4 are a classic British PhD programme, leading to the submission of a 100,000-word thesis.


Students who pass all the elements in Year 1 may choose to exit with an MA qualification at that point instead of progressing to the doctoral stage. They may choose whichever specific MA qualification for which they have chosen the relevant optional modules.


In the event that a student fails to pass one or both of the Year 1 core modules at the higher Integrated PhD threshold, but does pass them at MA standard, the student will exit at the end of Year 1 with an MA.


The Integrated PhD is aimed at students who are intending to pursue doctoral research in Theology & Religion but who are not yet ready to embark on independent research. Candidates may apply solely on the basis of undergraduate studies or may have some postgraduate experience.


Candidates are of course welcome to apply regardless of their national background. However, the Integrated PhD may appeal particularly to those from academic cultures where taught elements within a PhD programme are the norm.


International students may also find that the immigration formalities involved in applying for a four-year programme will be simpler than those involved in pursuing a one-year MA followed by a separate three-year PhD.


The Department of Theology & Religion is a world-leading centre for research, scholarship and postgraduate development within the cross-disciplinary field of Theology & Religion. Because this field is broad and complex – comprising the pervasive human tendency to form fundamental beliefs about divinity, the Universe and the human good – the Department regards interdisciplinary method as essential and maintains a collegial, collaborative research culture.  It has a distinctive ethos, characterised by open, critical but sympathetic attention to multiple religious traditions. Its research includes critical textual, historical, theological and social scientific methods, applied within the three fields of Biblical Studies, Christian Theology and the Study of Religion.


Our postgraduate programmes are very international in focus and more than half of our postgraduate students are from overseas. The international outlook of the department is a vital element of our work and success. As well as increasingly recruiting international staff, our academics are members of global networks, regularly participate at international conferences and many are instantly recognised throughout the world for their publications and academic leadership.


Doctoral studies here are not purely centred on the writing of the thesis but include practical preparation for the academic job market, providing students with access to world-class study facilities and to a range of training and professional-development opportunities. This may include work as a teaching assistant or research assistant, or participation in the exchange or study abroad schemes.


Durham graduates are in demand across many sectors. The world-class study facilities, combined with a research-led approach to learning and the Department’s international outlook mean our postgraduate taught courses and research degrees provide the fundamental skills and personal qualities needed to succeed in the workplace.


Our Theology & Religion graduates are equipped to follow a wide range of careers, including law, politics and government, marketing, business and finance, industry, charity work, the media, journalism and the clergy. Many progress into careers with religious institutions across the world, while others work in schools, colleges and universities. Our taught MAs also offer a pathway into research and many graduates take the step into higher-level studies.


Previous employers have included Linklaters, Kirkland and Ellis, Coltraco Ultrasonics, the Home Office, Durham Police and Jaguar Land Rover.


Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!

Program overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Integrated PhD Theology & Religion at Durham University

[email protected]


The PhD with Integrated Studies is a hybrid degree allowing students to combine a classic PhD with taught preparation roughly equivalent to a taught MA, within a single four-year programme (eight years part-time).


In Year 1, students will be registered as taught postgraduates. Like MA students, they will study five modules: three optional 30-credit modules, and two core modules, Resources, Methods & Interpretation and a short Dissertation.


However, those two core modules will be assessed to a higher threshold than the standard MA. During the Resources, Methods & Interpretation module, students will be required to produce a 2000-word research proposal for their doctoral thesis. The aim is to ensure that by the beginning of Year 2 of the programme, students will be ready to embark on independent research.


Years 2 - 4 are a classic British PhD programme, leading to the submission of a 100,000-word thesis.


Students who pass all the elements in Year 1 may choose to exit with an MA qualification at that point instead of progressing to the doctoral stage. They may choose whichever specific MA qualification for which they have chosen the relevant optional modules.


In the event that a student fails to pass one or both of the Year 1 core modules at the higher Integrated PhD threshold, but does pass them at MA standard, the student will exit at the end of Year 1 with an MA.


The Integrated PhD is aimed at students who are intending to pursue doctoral research in Theology & Religion but who are not yet ready to embark on independent research. Candidates may apply solely on the basis of undergraduate studies or may have some postgraduate experience.


Candidates are of course welcome to apply regardless of their national background. However, the Integrated PhD may appeal particularly to those from academic cultures where taught elements within a PhD programme are the norm.


International students may also find that the immigration formalities involved in applying for a four-year programme will be simpler than those involved in pursuing a one-year MA followed by a separate three-year PhD.


The Department of Theology & Religion is a world-leading centre for research, scholarship and postgraduate development within the cross-disciplinary field of Theology & Religion. Because this field is broad and complex – comprising the pervasive human tendency to form fundamental beliefs about divinity, the Universe and the human good – the Department regards interdisciplinary method as essential and maintains a collegial, collaborative research culture.  It has a distinctive ethos, characterised by open, critical but sympathetic attention to multiple religious traditions. Its research includes critical textual, historical, theological and social scientific methods, applied within the three fields of Biblical Studies, Christian Theology and the Study of Religion.


Our postgraduate programmes are very international in focus and more than half of our postgraduate students are from overseas. The international outlook of the department is a vital element of our work and success. As well as increasingly recruiting international staff, our academics are members of global networks, regularly participate at international conferences and many are instantly recognised throughout the world for their publications and academic leadership.


Doctoral studies here are not purely centred on the writing of the thesis but include practical preparation for the academic job market, providing students with access to world-class study facilities and to a range of training and professional-development opportunities. This may include work as a teaching assistant or research assistant, or participation in the exchange or study abroad schemes.


Durham graduates are in demand across many sectors. The world-class study facilities, combined with a research-led approach to learning and the Department’s international outlook mean our postgraduate taught courses and research degrees provide the fundamental skills and personal qualities needed to succeed in the workplace.


Our Theology & Religion graduates are equipped to follow a wide range of careers, including law, politics and government, marketing, business and finance, industry, charity work, the media, journalism and the clergy. Many progress into careers with religious institutions across the world, while others work in schools, colleges and universities. Our taught MAs also offer a pathway into research and many graduates take the step into higher-level studies.


Previous employers have included Linklaters, Kirkland and Ellis, Coltraco Ultrasonics, the Home Office, Durham Police and Jaguar Land Rover.


Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!

Admission requirements

4 Years
Sep-2024

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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More programs from the university

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, in a unique and historic setting. Durham is a university like no other!

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

We offer a broad range of courses. Our degree programmes are informed by research undertaken by our high-calibre staff in partnership with policymakers, industry, the public sector and communities globally.
 
Alongside the outstanding education we offer to students, we believe that participating in every aspect of university life is fundamental. The deep affinities created by each of our 17 Colleges ensure that we always have a sense of community at the heart of all we do.

Durham's four Faculties offer a host of Undergraduate courses covering a variety of subject disciplines:

  • Durham University Business School
  • Faculty of Arts & Humanities
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences & Health

Opportunities for multidisciplinary studies are also available through the Department of Natural Sciences, Department of Liberal Arts or the Department of Combined Honours in Social Sciences.

Please visit the Durham University website (www.durham.ac.uk) for the full available suite of Undergraduate programmes.

Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching, learning and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, in a unique and historic setting. Durham is a university like no other!

We conduct innovative and impactful research to transform lives and make a difference globally and locally: research to empower and inspire.

We offer a broad range of courses. Our degree programmes are informed by research undertaken by our high-calibre staff in partnership with policymakers, industry, the public sector and communities globally.
 
Alongside the outstanding education we offer to students, we believe that participating in every aspect of university life is fundamental. The deep affinities created by each of our 17 Colleges ensure that we always have a sense of community at the heart of all we do.

Durham's four Faculties offer a host of Masters/Postgraduate Taught courses covering a variety of subject disciplines:

  • Durham University Business School
  • Faculty of Arts & Humanities
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Social Sciences & Health

Please visit the Durham University website (www.durham.ac.uk) for the full available suite of Masters/Postgraduate Taught programmes.

Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

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