History Of Religions PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 3 History Of Religions PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

PhD students of Religious History research into the fascinating past of belief and its impact on human society. During the PhD you will seek to understand the processes that shaped religious communities and their influence on the wider world. Your conclusions will then be written up in a dissertation, contributing to the wider academic discussions in the field.

What’s it like to do a PhD in the History of Religion?

During a History of Religion PhD, students will spend the majority of their time engaging with primary sources. These could take the form of written documents, art or oral interviews. Your resulting analysis will then be contextualised in the wider literature of the field. There are many different themes students may wish to study in the History of Religion, a few popular ones include:

Church and state
Religious conflict
Religious extremism
Religious leadership
Sexuality and gender
The foundations of Christianity
The foundations of Islam

Most PhD students of Religious History will propose their own research project, however there are some advertised projects available each year which set the research parameters for you. By the end of the degree you will have written a 75,000 word thesis which is to be defended in an oral viva exam.

Throughout the PhD there will also be plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and engage with the academic community. Some student may find themselves taking research trips, undergoing workshops, teaching undergraduates, presenting at conferences and publishing articles.

Entry requirements

Most PhDs in the History of Religion ask that applicants have a Masters degree in History or a related subject, such as Religious Studies. Some universities may consider students without a postgraduate degree but they must be able to demonstrate previous academic prowess and professional research experience.

PhD in the History of Religion funding options

Many History of Religion PhDs are funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Their fully-funded studentships cover tuition fees, a living stipend and necessary travel expenses for research. To apply for these studentships you must have a confirmed place at a university.

Many institutions also hold funding to offer their own studentships to applicants. Make sure to check the funding opportunities listed on the university websites that you’re thinking of applying to.

If you’re applying for an advertised project then usually funding will be attached to the position. However, the level of funding can vary so make sure to read the project details.

Finally, some students opt to self-fund if they are unable to secure a studentship. In the UK many use the UK government doctoral loan and employment to manage the financial pressures. There are also many charities, trusts and national bodies willing to support research students with short-term grants.

PhD in the History of Religion careers

A PhD in the History of Religion can provide the skills needed to succeed in a variety of careers. Most notably, graduates may find themselves working in research, academia or teaching. However, other prominent career paths include working within churches, publishing and social work.