Religious Studies

PhD

  • Entry year 2027 or 2026
  • Duration Full time 3 - 4 years, Part time 4 - 7 years
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Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 6th in the UK for Research Impact (REF2021), 88% rated "outstanding"

  • Home of The Richardson Institute is the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK

  • Discover the latest specialist knowledge from our experts

Religious studies at Lancaster is researched and taught within the School of Global Affairs where we enjoy an international reputation. We welcome you into our vibrant research environment where many colleagues are engaged in a variety of research projects.

Why study for a PhD in Religious Studies at Lancaster University?

  • Join one of the first departments in the UK dedicated to the multi-disciplinary study of religion
  • Benefit from expert supervision and support
  • Take specialist research training modules
  • Study on campus in the University Library’s bespoke postgraduate study space
  • Join in guest lectures and seminars
  • Participate in the activities of the School's different research groups and centres

What research specialisms in Religious Studies are offered at Lancaster?

The Religions team at Lancaster offer a global approach to the study of religions. Based on our current staff research, we welcome proposals from those with an interest in the following broad areas:

  • Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism
  • The 'Global South' and its histories
  • The social and cultural transformations of contemporary religion and spirituality
  • The sociology of religion
  • Modern religious thought and history
  • Religion and politics
  • Interdisciplinary methods encapsulating the study of scriptural text
  • Comparative philosophy and religion
  • Historical Religious Sources
  • Religion and gender

We also encourage rigorous critiques of established epistemologies and methodologies; comparative thinking; postcoloniality and the acknowledgement of marginal voices and traditions, and living practice.

It is possible to expand the subject area of your PhD in Religious Studies by combining your research with another discipline. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary theses that cross over with politics, history, sociology, philosophy and literature.

We enjoy good working relationships with related departments and centres, and joint supervision arrangements are sometimes possible.

How will my PhD in Global Religions be structured?

Our PhD programme culminates in a substantial thesis and is formed of two parts:

In the initial or ‘probationary’ period you will dedicate your time to research and general preparation for the thesis. You’ll have the opportunity to take research training modules covering research skills and key concepts, theories and approaches in your chosen area.

You will write a literature review and then you’ll begin the process of writing your thesis.

In the final phase of your thesis - which is subject to confirmation by an upgrade panel - you will complete your research, write the remainder of your thesis, and prepare for submission and examination.

You will join our lively research culture in the School of Global Affairs. These include stimulating weekly research seminars and the opportunity to participate in faculty-wide workshops, and research programmes. You’ll also be able to make links with other departments across the university.

Find the right supervisor

We welcome proposals across a broad range of Religious Studies themes, from interreligious relations to religion and conflict, from Arabic linguistics to Black and minority ethnic communities in the West, and these reflect the particular expertise of our staff.

Browse our specialismsto explore our extensive research interests. We recommend that you research our academic staff and send us an email for an informal discussion before submitting your application.

You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.

The Richardson Institute

Formed in 1959, the Richardson Institute is the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK. Since 2012 it has provided an internship programme that gives students the opportunity to work with different organisations on issues of peace and conflict.

Richardson Institute

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

Bachelor's degree:2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant social science subject

Master's degree: a good Master's degree in a social science background.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

English Language Requirements

We require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test.

We also consider other English language qualifications and if your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Help from our Admissions team

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.

We also have more details on our website about:

Pre-master's programmes

Delivered in partnership with Lancaster International Study Centre, our one-year tailored pre-master's pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master's degrees. Visit Lancaster University International Study Centre for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2027/28 entry fees have not yet been set.

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2027 are not yet available.

You can use our scholarships for 2026-entry as a guide.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. Find out more about our  Charter and student policies.