Thealogy, Goddess spirituality and post-feminism

Pioneered during the last quarter of the twentieth century, thealogy explores what happens when the female embodies, represents, mediates the sacred. Without sacred text or dogma, thealogy is a radically innovative, fluid, multidisciplinary field, conjuring alternative symbolic universes to inhabit and compelling practitioners to ‘mend the web’, whether that be by through renewed ecological awareness and activism, or human relating, or through ritual and individuation. However, if this new subject area is to flourish it needs to catch the imagination of a generation that is often defined as ‘post-feminist’. Committed to the view that thealogy has something to say about the beauty industry, cosmetic surgery, self-harm, celebrity culture, this PhD explores how far thealogical symbolism, imagery and critical thinking offers a radically alternative symbolic universe that could empower women sufficiently to break free of the cultural imperatives they face.

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx

CAL Doctoral Scholarships
Each year the College of Arts and Law offers a number of doctoral scholarships, to cover fees and maintenance, for study starting in October. These are available to both home/EU and overseas students; they cover tuition fees at UK/EU rates, plus a maintenance stipend (of around £13,590). The 2013/14 competition is now closed. The deadline for applications was 4pm, Monday 28 January 2013. Please check back later in the year for details of the 2014/15 competition. Applications should be made using the College Scholarship Application form; full details are available here: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/calgs/scholarships/drfunding.aspx