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Systematic Theology PhD and MPhil Research Programmes at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Philosophy
Funding
Funding is not guaranteed. School of Divinity scholarships are competitive and typically cover full fees and provide a stipend for PhD programmes; applicants are encouraged to apply to additional funding agencies. Students may otherwise combine loans, savings, family support, employment, employer sponsorship, or other scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. A University of Edinburgh graduate discount of 10% may apply to tuition fees. Estimated Edinburgh living costs for 2026–2027 are £18
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 invites applications for September 2027 entry to its Systematic Theology postgraduate research programmes: a two-year full-time MPhil and three-year full-time or six-year part-time PhD, with distance PhD study available.
The programme supports independent research across philosophical, historical, and systematic theology, with critical and creative engagement with Christian thought in an intellectually diverse environment. Potential areas include contextual theology, theology of religions, kenosis and apophatic theology, providence, theological anthropology, ecclesiology, pneumatology, Christology, theology and race or gender, eschatology, Augustine, medieval theology, Reformed theology, Dutch Neo-Calvinism, Bonhoeffer, Schleiermacher, Barth, Wittgenstein, Torrance, and Levinas.
Students receive regular supervision and research training within the School of Divinity, participate in research seminars, and have access to New College Library’s extensive theology and religious studies collections. PhD students may apply for tutoring opportunities after successfully completing their first year.
Applicants should contact a potential supervisor before submitting a formal application. The MPhil normally requires a relevant UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent. The PhD normally requires a relevant bachelor’s degree and master’s degree with strong attainment, including a research dissertation. Applications require two references, a research proposal, a 3,000–5,000-word academic writing sample, personal statement, transcripts, and English-language evidence. The application deadline is 30 August 2027, although early application is recommended, especially for applicants seeking funding or requiring a visa.
Divinity scholarships are highly competitive and typically provide full fee coverage and a stipend for PhD students, but funding is not automatic.
Funding details
Funding is not guaranteed. School of Divinity scholarships are competitive and typically cover full fees and provide a stipend for PhD programmes; applicants are encouraged to apply to additional funding agencies. Students may otherwise combine loans, savings, family support, employment, employer sponsorship, or other scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. A University of Edinburgh graduate discount of 10% may apply to tuition fees. Estimated Edinburgh living costs for 2026–2027 are £18
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, together with academic training related to the proposed research. For the PhD, applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA or equivalent, plus a relevant master's degree with high attainment, normally including coursework and a research dissertation graded at 67% or above or equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate preparation for the proposed research, independent research ability, academic English writing competence, and any required special research skills, including languages. Applications require two references, a formal research proposal, a 3,000–5,000-word sample of academic writing, a personal statement, relevant training information, degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English-language proficiency, and certified translations where applicable. Accepted English qualifications include IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component; specified TOEFL, Cambridge, Oxford ELLT, or Oxford Test of English scores; or an eligible degree taught and assessed in English.
How to apply
Contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before applying. Prepare the required proposal, writing sample, references, personal statement, transcripts, and English-language evidence, then apply online by selecting the relevant MPhil or PhD award, duration, delivery mode, and September 2027 start date.
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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.