MPhil in the Faculty of Divinity

MPhil in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion

Course code: TRM4

How to apply:

Applicants apply on-line via the postgraduate study website.  The deadline for those seeking funding is December and the final deadline is May

Entry Requirements: First or 2.1 honours degree with marks of at least 67% or a GPA of at least 3.7 in the US System or the equivalent to a high 2.1 honours degree.  Degrees in the following subject areas are acceptable Theology or Religion Studies or Philosophy or Classics or History or Social Anthropology. 

Subject-specific requirements

New Testament and Early Christianity applicants are required to have at least two years study (basic and intermediate level) of New Testament Greek.

Old Testament applicants must have knowledge of the relevant biblical languages, notably biblical Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.

Religions of Late Antiquity applicants must have knowledge of Greek or Latin.

You will need the following when applying:

• Academic transcripts
• CV
• The names of two referees
• Research proposal: should be no more than 500 words, it should include the following points: the topic that you propose to research: this should consist of a clear outline of the research you wish to do; the research context: relate your proposed research to other work in its field or related fields and indicate in what ways your research will differ; the contribution that your work will make to the field: this is your chance to show how you have arrived at your position and recognised the need for your research and what it is that makes it both new and important; the methodology and methods to be used in your study: this section should describe the methods and methodology you propose to employ as well as a justification for suitability of these methods in addressing your research topic
• Sample of written work: essays or part of a thesis which have been previously submitted for degree work and should total no more than 6,000 words.

Course Description

The MPhil in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion, which is available on a nine-month full-time or a twenty-one-month part-time basis, is a Masters programme that offers the opportunity for advanced study across the full range of subject areas represented in our internationally acclaimed Faculty.  For some students, it provides the springboard for going on to a PhD, while for others it is preparation for work in a wide variety of sectors, including journalism, charities, NGOs, policy research, consultancy, education, law, and government.  The MPhil cohort can include students coming straight from an undergraduate degree or returning to university after a couple of years, as well as people further advanced in their careers or even some who have taken retirement.

Why do the MPhil at Cambridge

The Cambridge MPhil is a demanding and rigorous nine-month programme that offers an excellent preparation for doctoral research and a rewarding educational experience its own right.  Its modular structure allows for either a specialised focus or an interdisciplinary approach, and the modules are taught through small-group seminars that put students in direct contact with the Faculty's academic staff.  This direct access to specialist academic staff is of the essence of Cambridge education.  The Faculty of Divinity itself regularly appears at or near the top of national and international rankings - for example, in 2023 topping both the Guardian and the Complete University Guide tables for UK theology and religion departments and figuring second in Europe and fifth in the world as judged by Edurank, and second in Europe and fourth in the world as judged by QS.

Programme structure

There are two taught module essays of not more than 5,000 words in Michaelmas and Lent terms together with either a 3-hour language examination or an alternative skill exercise which can either be an examination or written work of not more than 5,000 words and a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words.  The information about the two taught module are under the specific pathways please see below for further information.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the principal element within a student's overall portfolio of assessed work.  Of not more than 15,000 words in length, the dissertation is the fruit of a student's own original research, conducted under the guidance of a expert academic supervisor.  It is not essential to have identified the precise topic for the dissertation before commencing the programme, but it is important to have given some thought to the matter and to have identified the area within which the research will be conducted.  This should be explained in the research proposal (up to 500 words) which forms part of the application process.  Students who already have a well defined idea for their dissertation are encouraged to set this out in their research proposal.  Dissertation proposals and titles, which are subject to the approval of the Degree Committee, are refined during the first term of the programme with a view to being finalised no later than early in the second term.  The dissertation project should be considered as a year-long endeavour, and no left until the last term.

Pathways and Modules

Further details about the requirements of pathways and about the modules available within them in the academic year 2023-24 are found via the following links:

• Anglican Studies
• Christian Theology
• New Testament and Early Christianity
• Old Testament
• Philosophy of Religion
• Religion and Conflict 
• Religions of Late Antiquity 
• Study of World Religions
• World Christianities 

Please note that the precise modules offered within the MPhil programme can vary from year to year according to the availability of academic staff and the evolution of their research interests.

Part-time Route 

There are several structures part-time students can follow see below:

International students who require a student visa to study in the UK are expected to apply for the full-time programme.  This is owing to the restrictions of a part-time student visa.  The University will only sponsor a student visa for the part-time option if the reason studying part-time is due to a disability.  Further information is outlined on the International Students webpages.

Research seminars 

MPhil students are expected to attend the senior research seminar associated with their area of study.  These seminars meet regularly during term and bring academics from Cambridge, the UK, and further afield to read and discuss papers.  There are currently nine research seminars.  Students are free to audit undergraduate lectures, and (timetable permitting) may attend and participate in other MPhil modules, with the agreement of the module leader.

Funding opportunities

Click here to find out about funding opportunities available within the Faculty.

The MPhil Programme Team

Co-Directors (2024-25):   Professor Simeon Zahl, smz21@cam.ac.uk; Dr Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe, sjl39@cam.ac.uk

Postgraduate Studies Co-ordinator: Ms Katy Williams, graduate-secretary@divinity.cam.ac.uk