Postgraduate research
We are a global, intellectual hub for research in religious studies and theology.
Why Manchester?
We have world-class research resources including The John Rylands Library - home to a substantial collection of manuscripts and papyri, including the oldest manuscript fragment of a New Testament book and the Rylands Genizah Collection.
Current students' research features Paul's letters, religion in India, Early Christian women and the theology of the cyborg. Many of our PGR graduates have published or have forthcoming monographs.
Geographical contexts being studied include South Asia, USA, and Africa. The range of religious traditions is fully represented and research students employ a wide range of methods and approaches.
View our programmes and the support available for our postgraduate researchers.
Programmes
We offer excellent supervision for students that's usually on a one-to-one basis, which provides students with the help, support and challenge that they need to get the most out of their studies. At Manchester we have staff with research interests including:
- Biblical studies
- Buddhist studies
- Islamic studies
- Jewish studies
- History of Christianity
- Systematic theology
- Applied theology
- Religion and Politics
- Religion and Philosophy
- Religion and conflict
The University's library not only provides an excellent general collection on Religions and Theology, but also houses many more resources of world importance.
Many of these are housed in the University's John Rylands Library, where there is a substantial collection of papyri, including the oldest manuscript fragment of a New Testament book along with several major archives, including the Methodist archive, which contains a large number of original documents by John Wesley.
Funding opportunities
Find out about the bursaries, scholarships and studentships available to support postgraduate research.
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Apply
Information about applying for a postgraduate research degree in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.
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Our research
Find out more about our areas of specialism, how we structure our department and the Centre for Biblical Studies at Manchester.
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Doctoral academy
An online and physical community for postgraduate students to meet, access resources and organise events.
Facilities
Find out about the world class resources available at The University of Manchester.
Watch the short film 'Robots and religion'
Scott Midson, a PhD researcher studying Religions and Theology tells us about the journey his research has taken him on.