36 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Religious studies at Lancaster is researched and taught within the School of Global Affairs where we enjoy an international reputation. We welcome you into our vibrant research environment where many colleagues are engaged in a variety of research projects.
Why study for a PhD in Religious Studies at Lancaster University?
It is possible to expand the subject area of your PhD in Religious Studies by combining your research with another discipline. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary theses that cross over with politics, history, sociology, philosophy and literature.
We enjoy good working relationships with related departments and centres, and joint supervision arrangements are sometimes possible.
How will my PhD in Global Religions be structured? Our PhD programme culminates in a substantial thesis and is formed of two parts:
In the initial or ‘probationary’ period you will dedicate your time to research and general preparation for the thesis. You’ll have the opportunity to take research training modules covering research skills and key concepts, theories and approaches in your chosen area.
You will write a literature review and then you’ll begin the process of writing your thesis.
In the final phase of your thesis - which is subject to confirmation by an upgrade panel - you will complete your research, write the remainder of your thesis, and prepare for submission and examination.
You will join our lively research culture in the School of Global Affairs. These include stimulating weekly research seminars and the opportunity to participate in faculty-wide workshops, and research programmes. You’ll also be able to make links with other departments across the university.
Find the right supervisor We welcome proposals across a broad range of Religious Studies themes, from interreligious relations to religion and conflict, from Arabic linguistics to Black and minority ethnic communities in the West, and these reflect the particular expertise of our staff.
Browse our specialisms to explore our extensive research interests. We recommend that you research our academic staff and send us an email for an informal discussion before submitting your application.
You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.
Why study for a PhD in Religious Studies at Lancaster University?
- Join one of the first departments in the UK dedicated to the multi-disciplinary study of religion
- Benefit from expert supervision and support
- Take specialist research training modules
- Study on campus in the University Library’s bespoke postgraduate study space
- Join in guest lectures and seminars
- Participate in the activities of the School's different research groups and centres
- Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism
- The 'Global South' and its histories
- The social and cultural transformations of contemporary religion and spirituality
- The sociology of religion
- Modern religious thought and history
- Religion and politics
- Interdisciplinary methods encapsulating the study of scriptural text
- Comparative philosophy and religion
- Historical Religious Sources
- Religion and gender
It is possible to expand the subject area of your PhD in Religious Studies by combining your research with another discipline. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary theses that cross over with politics, history, sociology, philosophy and literature.
We enjoy good working relationships with related departments and centres, and joint supervision arrangements are sometimes possible.
How will my PhD in Global Religions be structured? Our PhD programme culminates in a substantial thesis and is formed of two parts:
In the initial or ‘probationary’ period you will dedicate your time to research and general preparation for the thesis. You’ll have the opportunity to take research training modules covering research skills and key concepts, theories and approaches in your chosen area.
You will write a literature review and then you’ll begin the process of writing your thesis.
In the final phase of your thesis - which is subject to confirmation by an upgrade panel - you will complete your research, write the remainder of your thesis, and prepare for submission and examination.
You will join our lively research culture in the School of Global Affairs. These include stimulating weekly research seminars and the opportunity to participate in faculty-wide workshops, and research programmes. You’ll also be able to make links with other departments across the university.
Find the right supervisor We welcome proposals across a broad range of Religious Studies themes, from interreligious relations to religion and conflict, from Arabic linguistics to Black and minority ethnic communities in the West, and these reflect the particular expertise of our staff.
Browse our specialisms to explore our extensive research interests. We recommend that you research our academic staff and send us an email for an informal discussion before submitting your application.
You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Religious studies at Lancaster is researched and taught within the School of Global Affairs where we enjoy an international reputation. We welcome you into our vibrant research environment where many colleagues are engaged in a variety of research projects.
Why study for a PhD in Religious Studies at Lancaster University?
It is possible to expand the subject area of your PhD in Religious Studies by combining your research with another discipline. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary theses that cross over with politics, history, sociology, philosophy and literature.
We enjoy good working relationships with related departments and centres, and joint supervision arrangements are sometimes possible.
How will my PhD in Global Religions be structured? Our PhD programme culminates in a substantial thesis and is formed of two parts:
In the initial or ‘probationary’ period you will dedicate your time to research and general preparation for the thesis. You’ll have the opportunity to take research training modules covering research skills and key concepts, theories and approaches in your chosen area.
You will write a literature review and then you’ll begin the process of writing your thesis.
In the final phase of your thesis - which is subject to confirmation by an upgrade panel - you will complete your research, write the remainder of your thesis, and prepare for submission and examination.
You will join our lively research culture in the School of Global Affairs. These include stimulating weekly research seminars and the opportunity to participate in faculty-wide workshops, and research programmes. You’ll also be able to make links with other departments across the university.
Find the right supervisor We welcome proposals across a broad range of Religious Studies themes, from interreligious relations to religion and conflict, from Arabic linguistics to Black and minority ethnic communities in the West, and these reflect the particular expertise of our staff.
Browse our specialisms to explore our extensive research interests. We recommend that you research our academic staff and send us an email for an informal discussion before submitting your application.
You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.
Why study for a PhD in Religious Studies at Lancaster University?
- Join one of the first departments in the UK dedicated to the multi-disciplinary study of religion
- Benefit from expert supervision and support
- Take specialist research training modules
- Study on campus in the University Library’s bespoke postgraduate study space
- Join in guest lectures and seminars
- Participate in the activities of the School's different research groups and centres
- Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism
- The 'Global South' and its histories
- The social and cultural transformations of contemporary religion and spirituality
- The sociology of religion
- Modern religious thought and history
- Religion and politics
- Interdisciplinary methods encapsulating the study of scriptural text
- Comparative philosophy and religion
- Historical Religious Sources
- Religion and gender
It is possible to expand the subject area of your PhD in Religious Studies by combining your research with another discipline. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary theses that cross over with politics, history, sociology, philosophy and literature.
We enjoy good working relationships with related departments and centres, and joint supervision arrangements are sometimes possible.
How will my PhD in Global Religions be structured? Our PhD programme culminates in a substantial thesis and is formed of two parts:
In the initial or ‘probationary’ period you will dedicate your time to research and general preparation for the thesis. You’ll have the opportunity to take research training modules covering research skills and key concepts, theories and approaches in your chosen area.
You will write a literature review and then you’ll begin the process of writing your thesis.
In the final phase of your thesis - which is subject to confirmation by an upgrade panel - you will complete your research, write the remainder of your thesis, and prepare for submission and examination.
You will join our lively research culture in the School of Global Affairs. These include stimulating weekly research seminars and the opportunity to participate in faculty-wide workshops, and research programmes. You’ll also be able to make links with other departments across the university.
Find the right supervisor We welcome proposals across a broad range of Religious Studies themes, from interreligious relations to religion and conflict, from Arabic linguistics to Black and minority ethnic communities in the West, and these reflect the particular expertise of our staff.
Browse our specialisms to explore our extensive research interests. We recommend that you research our academic staff and send us an email for an informal discussion before submitting your application.
You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.
Admission Requirements
87+
6.5+
58+
Bachelor's degree:2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant social science subject
Master's degree: a good Master's degree in a social science background.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.
Master's degree: a good Master's degree in a social science background.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.
Please see our website for more details.
3 Years
Sep
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 29, 2024
993.3K
2240
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
502.9K
789
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
226.8K
335
More programmes from the university
PHD Programmes
335
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme