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Science and Religion PhD and MPhil Research Programmes at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Evolutionary Biology
Funding
Funding is not guaranteed. School of Divinity scholarships are competitive, awarded on academic merit, and typically cover full fees and provide a stipend for PhD programmes. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional external funding. Students are responsible for tuition fees and living costs unless covered by an award; estimated postgraduate living costs in Edinburgh for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year.
Deadline
Aug 30, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
The University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity is accepting applications for September 2027 postgraduate research study in Science and Religion, with full-time PhD and MPhil options and a part-time PhD option. The programme examines how scientific discoveries and religious traditions intersect, challenge and enrich one another.
Research may address cosmology and faith, evolution and human distinctiveness, consciousness and the soul, laws of nature, creation, miracles, Islam and science, the Bible and science, theological anthropology, science and religion in literature and the arts, ecology and theology, comparative science and religion, natural theology, and philosophy of science-engaged theology. Students draw on historical, philosophical, theological and literary methods while engaging with contemporary scientific research.
PhD study normally lasts at least three years full time and involves a thesis of up to 100,000 words. The MPhil lasts at least two years full time and involves a thesis of up to 60,000 words. Students receive regular individual supervision and advice from two supervisors. Potential supervisors listed for the programme are Rev Dr Michael Fuller and Dr Shoaib Ahmed Malik.
Applicants should normally hold a relevant UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent. PhD applicants also normally need a relevant master’s degree with a substantial research dissertation and strong marks. Applications require a research proposal, personal statement, two references, a 3,000–5,000-word academic writing sample, academic transcripts and degree certificates, and evidence of English proficiency. The application fee is waived: there is no fee to apply.
Divinity scholarships are competitive and typically provide full fee coverage and a stipend for PhD students, although funding is not automatic. The application deadline is 30 August 2027, and early application is recommended for applicants seeking funding or requiring a visa.
Funding details
Funding is not guaranteed. School of Divinity scholarships are competitive, awarded on academic merit, and typically cover full fees and provide a stipend for PhD programmes. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional external funding. Students are responsible for tuition fees and living costs unless covered by an award; estimated postgraduate living costs in Edinburgh for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year.
What's required
For the MPhil, applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree with at least 65%, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject, together with academic training relevant to the proposed research. For the PhD, applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree, minimum US 3.25 GPA or equivalent, plus a relevant master's degree with high attainment, normally including coursework and a research dissertation at 67% or above or equivalent, and relevant academic training. Applicants must demonstrate readiness for independent research, submit a personal statement, research proposal, two references, a 3,000–5,000-word sample of academic writing, degree certificates and transcripts, and evidence of English proficiency. English requirements include IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component, or accepted equivalent tests or qualifying degrees taught and assessed in English. Applicants should contact a potential supervisor before applying.
How to apply
Identify and contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project. Prepare a research proposal, personal statement, two references, academic writing sample, transcripts and degree certificates, and English-language evidence. Apply online for the selected PhD or MPhil award, duration 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.