PhD

PhD in Theology and Religious Studies

Course Code: DV21

The PhD is normally a three-year course of full-time study, culminating in a dissertation of no more than 80,000 words, based on original research on a focused topic. It is also possible to pursue the degree part-time over five years.

How to apply

In advance of your application, you should contact a potential supervisor regarding your dissertation.

Information about all postgraduate degrees of the University of Cambridge can be found via the admissions page of the Board of Graduate Studies, the central body which deals with all graduate applications for the whole University. You should submit your application to the Board of Graduate Studies following the guidance on that admissions page. Please click here to download the Faculty of Divinity's Graduate booklet.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.  This is particularly important for applicants seeking Gates or Cambridge funding, who should note the following deadlines.

USA applications for Gates Scholarships: deadline 14 October 2011

Non-USA applications for Gates Scholarships: deadline 1 December 2011

Applications for CISS, CCT, and COT scholarships: deadline 1 December 2011

The final deadline for receipt of  all applications is 20 January 2012.

All applicants must submit a research proposal of around 1,000 words and a sample of written work. USA & Canadian applicants must submit GRE scores.

Minimum entry requirements

A Master's degree with marks of at least 67 per cent; where appropriate a GPA of at least 3.8.  Applicants who are currently taking the Faculty of Divinity's M.Phil. degree must achieve an overall average of at least 71 per cent and at least 71 per cent for their thesis.

Further information

First-year PhD students are not registered for any degree and must undergo an assessment at the end of their first year or equivalent. If they successfully pass this then they will be registered for the PhD degree.

Procedures for first-year assessments

Students must submit two copies of the following documents:

  • an outline of their research;
  • a summary of their dissertation;
  • a chapter of up to 10,000 words; and
  • a bibliography.

The Degree Committee appoints two assessors at the suggestion of the Supervisor.  The assessors will arrange a meeting with the student via the Faculty Office.  Supervisors may attend the meeting if they wish.

Before submission of the dissertation

Students nearing submission of their dissertation must apply for appointment of examiners. Please click here to download the form.  This form should be completed two months before the submission date.