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PhD and MPhil in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Religious Studies
Funding
Funding is not automatic. University of Edinburgh School of Divinity scholarships are awarded on academic merit, are highly competitive, and typically cover full fees plus a stipend for PhD programmes. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding. Students are responsible for tuition fees and living costs unless funded; estimated Edinburgh living costs for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year. University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition-fee discount.
Deadline
Aug 30, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
University of Edinburgh PhD and MPhil in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations
The School of Divinity invites applications for postgraduate research study beginning in September 2027. The programme offers an interdisciplinary study of Islamic thought and practice, alongside historical, theological, ethical, and political encounters between Christianity and Islam. Students may apply for a full-time PhD of three years, a part-time PhD of six years, or a full-time MPhil of two years.
Research areas include comparative religion, Islamic Liberation Theology, Islamic theology, Christian-Muslim relations, political theology, Syriac Christianity, Islamic law, Qur’an, Hadith and Tafsir, manuscripts, Arab Christianity, intellectual history, comparative theology, and Christian theological engagements with Islam. Students develop an independent research project with guidance from supervisors and may participate in research seminars, relevant courses, language training, and teaching opportunities.
Potential supervisors include Dr Salam Rassi, Dr Joshua Ralston, Dr Shadaab Rahemtulla, and Dr Shoaib Malik. Applicants should contact a relevant academic before submitting a formal application to discuss the proposed project and supervision fit.
Typical PhD applicants need a strong relevant bachelor's degree and a relevant master's degree with research training; MPhil applicants normally need a UK 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applications require a research proposal, personal statement, two references, transcripts and certificates, English-language evidence, and a 3,000–5,000-word academic writing sample. The application fee is waived: there is no fee to apply.
School of Divinity scholarships are merit-based and typically provide full fee coverage plus a stipend for PhD students, although funding is highly competitive and is not guaranteed. The programme deadline is 30 August 2027 for the 13 September 2027 programme start.
Funding details
Funding is not automatic. University of Edinburgh School of Divinity scholarships are awarded on academic merit, are highly competitive, and typically cover full fees plus a stipend for PhD programmes. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding. Students are responsible for tuition fees and living costs unless funded; estimated Edinburgh living costs for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year. University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition-fee discount.
What's required
For the MPhil, applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree with at least 65% or an international equivalent in a relevant subject, plus academic training related to the proposed research. For the PhD, applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree, at least a US 3.25 GPA or equivalent, and a relevant master's degree with strong attainment, normally including coursework and a research dissertation marked at least 67% or equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate preparation for independent research, a suitable research topic, academic writing ability in English, and any relevant language skills. Applications require a personal statement, research proposal, two references, a 3,000–5,000-word academic writing sample, degree certificates and transcripts, English-language evidence, and certified translations where applicable. Accepted English evidence includes IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, TOEFL-iBT at the stated thresholds, C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, Oxford ELLT, or Oxford Test of English Advanced; an eligible English-taught degree or certain professional qualifications may also satisfy the requirement.
How to apply
Contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before applying. Prepare the online application with a personal statement, formal research proposal, two references, a 3,000–5,000-word writing sample, transcripts, degree certificates, English-language evidence, and translations where needed. Apply online for the selected PhD or MPhil award, duration, delivery mode, and September 2027 start date.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.