Religious Studies (distance learning) PhD

University of Nottingham

United Kingdom, Nottingham

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109

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University of Nottingham

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesFebruary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,750 / year(s)

Next Intake February-2026

Religious Studies (distance learning) PhD

About

Research overview

Nottingham theology offers one of the most vibrant and active research communities in the UK and invite applications from enthusiastic and committed PhD students.

Our distance learning PhD gives you the time and support to explore your theological interests while maintaining your existing commitments.

We have particular strengths in

Theology and the Natural Sciences
Theology and Phenomenology
Theology and Metaphysics
Theology and Literature
Systematic Theology
Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology
Philosophy and Theology of Desire
Theology, Philosophy, and History of Ideas
Science, Technology and Nature
Religion, Culture and the Arts
Islamic Studies
Indian, Chinese, and African Philosophy and Religion

Staff and supervision

Our staff include theologians, historians, sociologists and philosophers so we can support your research with a range of different approaches and methodologies.

Supervision is provided by research-active staff. With many years experience in running distance learning degrees the department is confident it can provide quality learning with flexibility.

Current research

You will be joining a diverse community whose current research projects 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 our key areas of research

Your department

Theology and religion research and expertise is based in the Department of Philosophy.

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Qualification

PhD

Degree

We usually expect applicants to have:

Bachelors degree: 2:1 or above
Masters-level degree (or international equivalent): Merit

If you do not meet these requirements please contact us to discuss before applying.

Qualification	PhD
Degree	We usually expect applicants to have: Bachelors degree: 2:1 or above Masters-level degree (or international equivalent): Merit If you do not meet these requirements please contact us to discuss before applying.
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 6.0 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.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element) IELTS:

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.

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.

Career

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Many of our PhD students are already settled in careers before starting the course - their research is for personal development, interest or to deepen their existing career.

The most common non-religious career paths for our postgraduate students include education/teaching, IT, and welfare and housing associations.

We have a successful record of our PhD students developing academic careers at many different institutions.

100% of postgraduates from the School of Theology and Religious Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.