menu icon
Book your open day visit nowClick to book open day
Theology & Religion Integrated PhD

Theology & Religion Integrated PhD

Different course options

Full time | Durham University | 4 years | SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

4 years

Start date

SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Religious Studies

Course type

Research

Course Summary

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 and 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 and 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 and 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.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

To be confirmed

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£26,750

Entry requirements

The admission criteria are similar to those for taught MA programmes: essentially, a good first degree in Theology and Religion or another relevant subject. However, we are also looking for candidates who are likely to flourish in the full research programme through to PhD. Hence we ask for a research proposal. The first year of the degree will provide a structured opportunity to shape it further. Please do get in touch with a potential supervisor, who will be happy to discuss your application with you.