PhD Theology and Religious Studies

Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) at Chester is a lively and exciting place to pursue your research. We are known for the excellence of our research. The results of the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2021 (REF, the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in Higher Education Institutions) recognised TRS Chester as one of the leading Theology and Religious Studies departments in the UK. By embarking on an MPhil, PhD, or Professional Doctorate in Theology and Religious Studies you will be joining a vibrant and thriving research culture, where academic staff and postgraduate students work together in a supportive, stimulating and thriving environment. As part of our seminar series, staff give papers, and we invite scholars at the forefront of their field of study to present their work. Students present work in progress at our annual Summer School and also have opportunities to share their work with colleagues in other disciplines at Faculty and University-wide Symposia. Our Staff and Research Activity Our staff are nationally and internationally recognised for their research expertise and are able to offer supervision across a range of disciplines, including: Biblical Studies Second Temple Judaism Early Christian History Contemporary Spiritualities Contextual and Practical Theologies Philosophy of Religion Religious Studies Religion and Society Religion and Gender Systematic Theology As an academic team, we draw on a wide range of approaches to examine Theology and Religious Studies: cultural studies, ethnography, hermeneutics, history, philosophy, quantitative and qualitative methods, media and material studies, practice-based research, sociology, and textual analysis. This is illustrated in our well regarded and influential publications, our membership of professional and academic research bodies, and our participation and hosting of major conferences which attract internationally renowned scholars.

Applicants should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree in a discipline appropriate to their intended area of research.