Religion and Theology research programmes (MPhil, PhD)

MPhil 

Our Mphil degree offers both a clear pathway to further research at PhD level, and a gateway to non-academic employment. The Master’s in Philosophy is a standalone, one-year (full-time) or two years (part-time) research degree and can also be studied via distance learning. You will have the opportunity to focus on a particular aspect of religious studies or theology at an advanced level, pursue your own research project supervised by one of the experts in our department, and work towards the submission of a 25,000-word dissertation.

Students on the MPhil in Religion and Theology at Bristol can elect to work on any of the following areas: 

• Buddhism
• Asian Religions
• Islam
• Christianity
• Judaism
• Philosophy of Religion
• Theology
• Ethics

In addition to topics focusing on single research areas, we actively encourage interdisciplinary research that cuts across the spectrum of religion and theology studies, or other intellectual disciplines in the Faculty of Arts and beyond. Joint supervision may be provided.

There are thus exciting opportunities to work across disciplinary boundaries in the following fields:

• Medieval Studies
• Art
• Politics
• Classics
• Anthropology

Research groups

As a first step you should check out our departmental  research areas  and staff for more information on how our research activity is focused within Religion and Theology. 

The second step is to get in touch with the member of staff whose research is the best match for your interest and discuss your plans before submitting your application. We are happy to help.

Further information on Religion and Theology research programmes.

Supervision and Skills training 

Every student has two supervisors who will provide guidance and support throughout your degree. They will work closely with you to create a tailor-made learning and research experience and might suggest that you audit a unit or two to hone your skills. For example, if your interest is in Buddhism, we might suggest you audit a foundational unit to give you a firm knowledge base. You will also have the opportunity to audit language classes if relevant for your topic and you will also benefit from a postgraduate skills training programme, which allows you to extend your range of academic and professional skills. 

Furthermore, you will be part of a close-knit community of scholars and students. We have an active programme of conferences, lectures, and reading groups featuring national and international scholars, as well as student-led activities. Participating in these events, engaging with your peers’ work and presenting your own research at various stages of development will broaden your perspectives and help you grow as a researcher. PhD students may also be given the chance at an appropriate stage to teach undergraduates and will be offered training for this purpose, leading to formal accreditation. This is subject to availability.

Further information about how to start your application process.

For any queries about Postgraduate degrees in Religion and Theology, please contact our Head of Subject Dr Rita Langer at: rita.langer@bristol.ac.uk.