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Course overview
Carry out your own independent research project in Theology and Religion in one of the top departments for Theology research in the UK. Access essential training with our experts to enhance your research project.
Design your own research project, supported by your supervisors with expertise in a range of religious beliefs from around the world. The taught modules provide the ideal transition for you to become an independent researcher, providing you with key tools to complete your research.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time on campus.
September - December (11 weeks)
Two-thirds of your degree is your research thesis. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your research thesis during term one.
You’ll also take three taught modules during the first two terms of the MRes.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, our academic expertise spans a wide variety of areas. We offer specialist knowledge in Jainism, Islam, Sikh, and Christian traditions.
The MRes Theology and Religion will enable you to develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. You'll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in your topic of interest, and study taught modules which develop your research and analytical skills.
- Enjoy flexibility and choose from a range of taught modules so you can select the topics that match your interests.
- Take part in research seminars and events like our speaker series, workshops, reading groups and academic conferences.
- Immerse yourself in one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in Europe. Make the most of the Department's links with faith-based communities across the city.
- An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.
Top 50 Theology and Religion department in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Take advantage of expertise that goes across a wide variety of religions and subject boundaries.
Variety of religions in the UK's second city.
Broaden your perspective
We encourage research that goes across subject boundaries, such as how theology interacts with philosophy, politics, ethics and history.
An MRes provides you with the training to become a confident independent researcher managing your own project.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Theology and Religion.
An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career. You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a research thesis. Modules run for one term, and you’ll take three modules during the MRes alongside your research thesis.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Research Methods | 20 |
The following list of modules is exemplary rather than entirely exhaustive. Additional modules may be offered from time to time, and not every module will run each year. Students may take up to 20 credits of modules from among the range of other modules available in the College of Arts and Law. The 20 credits may include 20 credits of Level H modules taken from undergraduate programmes in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Political Philosophy in Theological Ethics | 20 |
| Religion in Contemporary Global Politics I | 20 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £7,017
Full-time
- £3,509
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Before you make your application
Please refer to our six-step process on applying for PhD, MA by Research and MRes opportunities for Arts subject areas, which includes detailed advice on research proposals and how to write them.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Theology and Religion at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to research and organise information, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to write to tight deadlines.
Our Theology and Religion graduates enter many roles, including:
- Church Ministry
- Modern Day Slavery Officer
- Religious Minister
Employers our Theology and Religion graduates have worked for include:
- National and international places of worship
- Ministry of Justice
- Cambridge University Press
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.