Religious Studies MRes
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
- Start date: September 2025
- UK fees: £5,350
- International fees: £23,000
Research overview
Combine your own research with insight from our advanced taught modules.
This course is ideal if you are passionate about a research topic in religious studies but:
- you want to develop your research skills or academic ability before committing to a PhD
- you cannot commit to three years or more of research
- your topic does not need three years of research
Main research areas
We have particular strengths in:
- Theology and the Natural Sciences
- Theology and Phenomenology
- Theology and Metaphysics
- Theology and Literature
- Systematic Theology
- Theology, Philosophy, and History of Ideas
- Science, Technology and Nature
- Religion, Culture and the Arts
- Islamic Studies
Find out more about our key areas of research
Current research projects
Topics currently being researched in the department include:
- Hebrew Bible and New Testament
- Hermeneutics
- Islam and Politics
- Jewish Philosophy
- Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophical Theology
- Religion and Media
- Religion and Technology
- Theology and Continental Philosophy
- Theology and Literature
- Theology and Natural Science
Find out more about some of the current research projects
Research staff
Our diverse staff include theologians, sociologists, biblical scholars and philosophers so we can support your research with a range of different approaches and methodologies.
Your department
Course content
The course is made up of 180 credits:
- Dissertation - 120 credits
- Subject modules - 40 credits
- Faculty-wide module - 20 credits
This degree is a companion to the Theology MRes. The difference is in your agreed area of research and the title of your award. The teaching and supervision arrangements are the same.
Advanced taught modules
These taught modules allow you to deepen your knowledge and skills over a range of topics and prepare for further research specialisation.
They are taken during semesters one and two.
For examples of the modules we offer see the Systematic and Philosophical Theology (distance learning) MA
Interdisciplinary module
Choose one of two modules involving masters students from across the Faculty if Arts.
This module helps postgraduate students recognise the range of careers and opportunities that an Arts and Humanities MA/MRes can provide.
It highlights the skills and abilities present within these programmes and provides examples of the successful application of these skills. Students will explore how subjects within the arts can be ‘applied disciplines’ that serve to be impactful in wider society through research and engagement.
Through ‘live brief’ assessments, students work in groups, utilising their Arts and Humanities skill sets, to present and produce a consultancy report for a range of organisations, including SMEs/Third-sector.
This module introduces you to the wide range of interdisciplinary research happening in the Faculty of Arts. We invite you to ‘think outside the box’ in relation to your own research, while learning key research techniques and methods. The module aims to:
- introduce the ideas, practices, complexities, and opportunities of interdisciplinary research in the arts
- enable you to practice critical self-reflexivity about the conventions and expectations of your own disciplines in relation to those of others
- train you in core research skills necessary for graduate-level study
- develop your confidence in communicating research findings to non-specialist audiences
You will build on your existing research skills gained from your university career to date. Furthermore, you will develop a more nuanced understanding of your own research practice, inspiring you to explore different approaches questions. In addition, you will develop an understanding of professional practice in areas such as:
- academic publishing
- knowledge exchange
- dissertation planning and writing
- professional communication
This module is worth 20 credits.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on 05 August 2024.
Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
| Degree | 2:1 (or international equivalent) in theology and/or religious studies or a closely related subject. |
| Degree | 2:1 (or international equivalent) in theology and/or religious studies or a closely related subject. |
| International and EU equivalents | We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages. |
| IELTS | 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any element) |
| English language requirements | As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. |
Meeting our English language requirements
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.
We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.
Applying
We encourage you to get in touch with a member of our academic staff before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support in finding funding opportunities.
Most of our academics are experienced supervisors, several with former research students in academic posts.
Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.
How to applyFees
| Home / UK | £5,350 |
| International | £23,000 |
Additional information for international students
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).
Funding
Funding opportunities for Faculty of Arts students
There are additional funding opportunities available to you as a Faculty of Arts student.
Other sources of funding
There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.
Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate fundingSupport
We have a strong, supportive and welcoming research culture.
Research seminars
- Hear visiting scholars from the UK and overseas
- Present research in progress in a friendly and constructive environment
- Broaden your general knowledge of Theology and Religious Studies
- Gain a better sense of how research develops as part of an interactive process
Find out more about our research seminars
Language learning
You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.
Researcher training and development
The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.
Graduate centres
Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.
Each space has areas for:
- studying
- socialising
- computer work
- seminars
- kitchen facilities
Student support
You will have access to a range of support services, including:
- academic and disability support
- childcare services
- counselling service
- faith support
- financial support
- mental health and wellbeing support
- visa and immigration advice
- welfare support
Students' Union
Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.
There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:
- international students
- black and minority ethnic students
- students who identify as women
- students with disabilities
- LGBT+ students
SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.
Where you will learn
Digital Transformations Hub
Where you will learn
University Park Campus
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Where you will learn
University-wide facilities
Where you will learn
The Language Centre
Where you will learn
Digital Transformations Hub
Where you will learn
University Park Campus
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Where you will learn
University-wide facilities
Where you will learn
The Language Centre
Where you will learn
Digital Transformations Hub
Research in theology is demanding but also immensely rewarding. It will stretch your skills in analysing texts and your imagination in developing theoretical frameworks.
Research in theology is an adventure that will shape your thinking and your outlook for the rest of your life.”
Professor Richard Bell, Professor of Theology
Research Excellence Framework
The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
- A top 10 department in the UK by grade point average
- 100% of research outputs recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
- 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
- 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
- 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**
*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.
This content was last updated on 05 August 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.