History of Christianity PhD, MPhil

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Theology and Religious Studies

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Full-time
  • MPhil | 2 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PhD | 3 years | Start date: September 2026
Part-time
  • PhD | 6 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Divinity

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Available

School location

New College

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About the degree programme

Our postgraduate degree programme strengths lie in:

  • early Christian history
  • the reformation in Britain
  • puritanism
  • history of British and European Christianity
  • the history of Christian missions.

Research degrees guide you through an independent research project that you have proposed. Your supervisor(s) will work with you to establish the resources that you need for the successful conclusion of your degree. 

This will probably include attending suitable courses (not for credit) in the School of Divinity or the wider university.

If you have an area of study in mind, please send your transcript and draft proposal to a member of staff (see the Research Supervisor section below). You will need to demonstrate that you are ready for PhD study and your topic fits the research interests of a staff member.

Study options

You can choose from two research programmes: the MPhil or PhD.

Each takes a different amount of time: the MPhil takes two years; a PhD takes at least three.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Studying for an MPhil commits you to:

  • at least two years of full-time study
  • write a thesis of up to 60,000 words.

You will have regular one-to-one supervision and work with advice from two supervisors.

During the first year, you explore your chosen area of research and refine your research proposal. At around the nine-month mark, you will submit a draft chapter for discussion at a Review Board, together with a developed proposal for the whole thesis.

On the basis of your progress and the prospects for your research, the Review Board will make recommendations on the continuation of your studies into the second year.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Research for a PhD will require you to do:

  • at least three years of full-time study
  • a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

You will have regular one-to-one supervision and work with advice from two supervisors.

For admission to the PhD programme, you will need to show a proven ability to sustain independent research under supervision, normally in the form of a masters programme that includes a dissertation.

From the beginning, the British pattern of PhD studies focuses on working towards the thesis – there is little or no coursework. This means that from the start you need to be well-prepared in any special skills you need for your research project, including languages.

You will also need to be competent in academic writing in English.

During the first year, you explore your chosen area of research and refine your research proposal. At around the nine-month mark, you will submit a draft chapter for discussion at a Review Board, together with a developed proposal for the whole thesis.

On the basis of your progress to date, and the prospects for your research, the Review Board will make recommendations on the continuation of your studies into the second year. After that, you will have an annual review to discuss your progress.

Rankings

  • 8th in the world for the study of Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for its research power in theology and religious studies
  • Edinburgh is ranked the 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world. (QS Best Student Cities 2025)

How to apply

You should contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

If you have any questions, please contact the Programme Director or Postgraduate Admissions team. See the Contact Us section for details.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 30 August 2026

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

We aim to make admissions decisions within 6 to 8 weeks of receiving your completed application. However, decisions may take longer during busy periods.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

and, if applicable:

  • your research topic
  • details of any published work

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit two references with your application.

Supporting documents

You must submit a formal research proposal as part of your application.

Research proposal guidance

You must also submit a sample of your written academic work (3,000-5,000 words).

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Divinity scholarships are awarded on academic merit. Most are open to all, but some are ring-fenced for applicants from certain parts of the world.

Awards are made for PhD programmes and, typically, are for full fee costs and a stipend. 

Divinity Scholarships are highly competitive and applicants are advised to apply to other funding agencies in addition to these funds.

School of Divinity scholarships

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.

You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.

View details: UK government loans for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

Masters by Research and MPhil: A UK 2:1 honours degree with a mark of at least 65%, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should also have academic training in the area of your research project.
 
PhD: A UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA, or its international equivalent, and a masters degree in a relevant area. The masters degree should demonstrate a high level of attainment, normally with both coursework and a research dissertation marked at 67% or above (or its international equivalent, e.g. US 3.7 GPA). You should also have academic training in the area of your proposed research project.' 
 
We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Research profile

If you would like to undertake research in the History of Christianity, you will find excellent specialist supervision and library resources in the School of Divinity.

Areas of particular research strength are:

  • patristics and early Christian history
  • the reformation in Britain and on the continent
  • puritanism
  • the history of British and European Christianity from the 18th century
  • the history of Christian missions, especially in Africa, from the 18th century

The ethos of the Graduate School is to promote excellence in postgraduate study, within a stimulating and supportive environment. We value equality and diversity in the School community, and an academic culture that is both critical and constructive.

Research reputation

You will study in a stimulating environment. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School first in Scotland and fifth in the UK for its research power in theology and religious studies. The majority of the research activity of our colleagues is classed as world-leading, reflecting the vibrancy of the School’s research culture.

Research supervisor

You can find out more and identify a potential supervisor by looking at the School’s staff profiles, which give details of research interests and publications, and email addresses.

School of Divinity staff profiles

Our research community

At the School of Divinity, you will join a community of around 150 postgraduate students.  We attract a diverse community of academic staff and students from around the world and access to our magnificent library and archive collections ensures a varied and stimulating research environment.

Our research activity is demonstrably world-leading across a wide range of activities, reflecting the vibrancy of the School’s research culture. We have the largest number of research-active faculty in Scotland, and the third largest in the UK.

Our research environment is enhanced by research seminars: regular occasions enjoyed by academic staff and postgraduate students. The School also has a lively programme of visiting lectures by internationally-known scholars.

Teaching opportunities

If you are a PhD student, after successful completion of your first year, you will be eligible to apply for tutoring opportunities to gain teaching experience.

Taught courses

You will be part of the research seminar in the History of Christianity, to which visiting speakers are invited and to which postgraduates present work-in-progress.

If your interest is in Patristics, you can engage with the work of the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins.

You will be able to follow taught courses that contribute to your interests and research needs, and can also take advantage of opportunities to learn ancient and modern languages.

Support

At the start of the academic year, you will be invited to Welcome Week, an intensive introduction to study and life in Edinburgh. Some events are especially for international students new to Scotland and the UK, but everything is open to all.

In the first weeks, the School provides a general orientation to research skills and to wider opportunities for training and support.

From your first days as a PhD or MPhil student, you will work one-to-one with your primary research supervisor.

Your progress will be tracked, through regular supervisions and milestone reviews, to ensure that you get the support you need to bring your project to fruition.

Postgraduates can also opt into our mentoring scheme, in which staff members are matched with students outside their area of specialism to offer career and pastoral support.

The Postgraduate Student Committee also works closely with the School to make the research student experience the best it can be.

Facilities

The School of Divinity, one of the largest centres for the study of religion in the United Kingdom, is located in the historic setting of New College, close to Edinburgh Castle and overlooking Princes Street.

New College Library

The New College library holds one of the largest theology and religious studies collections in the UK. Its special collections include:

  • historical archives
  • manuscripts
  • printed books and objects

Current collections support the School of Divinity's teaching and research activities in:

  • biblical studies
  • the history of Christianity
  • religious studies
  • theology and ethics
  • world Christianity

The collections continue to develop in new and evolving areas, such as:

  • science and religion
  • Christian-Muslim relations
  • Buddhist and Jewish studies
  • religion and literature

Many other study and student support facilities are only a short walk away in George Square, including the University's Main Library.

You will have access to excellent study facilities dedicated to postgraduates. PhD and MPhil students have access 24/7, and can request an allocated desk.

All areas have printing, scanning and computer facilities. The main postgraduate study wing has a kitchen and New College has an on-site cafe that is open during term time.

Virtual tour

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

What our students say

Find out what our students think of New College in these short graduation interviews.

Our community 

Community is what sets our School of Divinity apart. Time and time again students tell us that this is what drew them to New College and what they liked the most about studying here.

From the start we try our very best to make you feel part of our community and help postgraduate students integrate into life at New College, the University, Scotland, and the UK. When you join the School, at the start of the academic year, you will be invited to Welcome Week, an intensive introduction to study and life in Edinburgh.

Our community benefits from monthly gatherings with faculty and fellow students which offer a supportive forum to discuss issues as diverse as work-life balance, publishing strategies, and dealing with writer’s block. We also have an active postgraduate student committee that organises regular social events.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

Within New College, students join all kinds of university clubs and societies, such as the New College choir, New College Pride, and the five-a-side football team.

The postgraduate committee organises social events, including quizzes and the welcome Ceilidh (a Scottish dance event).

Staff and students meet together for seasonal and community events such as Diwali Potluck, Christmas lunch, Eid Meal and Burns supper.

There are also regular monthly gatherings with faculty and fellow students, and you can participate in worship/reflections from a range of faith traditions.

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

A cultural capital 

Edinburgh has an incredibly energetic and diverse cultural life. There are dozens of museums and galleries with unique collections and cinemas specialising in arthouse and world film. Apart from the renowned Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival every August (the largest arts festival in the world), it hosts many other cultural events every year. 

Edinburgh's surroundings 

A short journey will take you to the old port of Leith and waterfront pubs and cafes, or the fishing villages of Fife, to the Pentland Hills or country parks and beaches. Further afield, Scotland’s magnificent scenery, its villages and coastlines, and other vibrant cities are all easily accessible. Edinburgh is also a haven for cyclists, with quiet and scenic routes crisscrossing the city. 

UNESCO world heritage site 

With a population of around 450,000, our city mixes architectural beauty and history with a lively and cosmopolitan environment. It is a safe and prosperous city with many parks and green spaces for recreation and reflection. It offers an exciting array of entertainment, arts, culture and sport, with the lush Scottish countryside and dramatic coastline just a few miles away. 

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 8952

Academic contact

Dr Simon Burton

  • School of Divinity
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

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