Research opportunities in theology and religious studies are available for either full-time or part-time study, and supervision is available in Religious Studies, Biblical Studies, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Research study in Biblical Studies, Religious Studies or Theology will enable you to complete a survey of existing knowledge in your selected area. In the case of a PhD you will also make an original contribution to knowledge. Many students follow a Research Degree out of personal interest. However, for some it is an important step towards lecturing in higher education or for achieving a new career in religious studies.
Theology and Religious Studies in the Department of Humanities fosters a vibrant learning community. The staff have established an international reputation through their research, publications, research supervisions and presentations at academic conferences. Their expertise covers a wide range of topics in areas such as Theology, Old Testament, Buddhist Philosophy, Islam and Contemporary Judaism. We are developing a specialism in the Bible and Spirituality and welcome applications in this area.
There are currently three professorial chairs in Theology and Religious Studies: Gordon McConville, Professor of Old Testament Theology, Andrew Lincoln, the Portland Professor in New Testament Studies, and Melissa Raphael, Professor of Jewish Theology.
Theology, Biblical and Religious Studies at the university attracts research students from around the world. Recent students have come from Australia, Canada, India, South Africa, Japan, Germany, Korea and the USA as well as the UK. Our strengths in Biblical Studies led to the development of the International Centre for Biblical Interpretation.
We offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research within Humanities and also across the university. It is possible, under certain conditions, to do a Research Degree in Theology and Religious Studies at a distance (in your own country).
Training in Research Methods
All research students who have not completed a relevant Masters Degree, or other appropriate research methods training, are required to complete two core modules of the Master of Research (MRes).
Entry requirements
- you will need an Honours Degree of upper second class or above, from a UK university or equivalent, normally in a subject area relevant to your proposed research
- the university will consider applications from mature non-graduates with experience of undertaking research. Registration is usually for MA by Research or MPhil with the possibility of transfer to PhD
- candidates with a recent Masters qualification in a relevant subject, which contained appropriate research methods training, may register for PhD directly.
Staff offering supervision
Dee Carter PhD BA
Senior Lecturer in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
Christology and atonement, ethics, religion and gender
Professor Andrew Lincoln MA BD PhD
Portland Professor in New Testament Studies
Gospel of John; Hermeneutics; New Testament Theology; Pauline Letters & Hebrew; Synoptic Gospels & Acts
Adrian Long BA MA PhD
Lecturer, Theology
New Testament: Paul, Power and Politics
Professor Gordon McConville MA BD PhD
Professor of Old Testament Studies
Old Testament Theology; Deuteronomy; Prophecy
Lloyd Pietersen BSc DipBibStud MA PhD ACA
Senior Lecturer and Research Co-ordinator in New Testament Studies
Anabaptist Studies; Charismatic Spirituality; New Religious Movements; Gospel of Luke; Pauline Letters; Pastoral Epistles; Sociological Approaches to the New Testament; the New Testament and Spirituality
Pekka Pitkänen BSc MSc MDiv PhD
Lecturer, Theology
Israelite history and historiography in the context of ancient world and Biblical criticism
Professor Melissa Raphael-Levine BA PhD
Professor of Jewish Theology
Feminist Theology; Gender and Religion; Jewish Theology
David Webster, BA MLitt PhD
Principal Lecturer in Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
Buddhism (mainly philosophical aspects); East-West Comparative Philosophy; Religious and Philosophical Perspectives on Desire