Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime.
Research degrees can start anytime, except for advertised studentships or projects. You can apply up to 18 months in advance.
Language
English. TOEFL iBT: 90
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Overview
It is a distinct area of study from Divinity, and considers practices as much as beliefs, Western and Eastern religions as well as ancient and modern ones.
Features
- Students at the University of Aberdeen who decide to study a topic related to religion, myth, or ritual are supervised by experts in the field of Religious Studies.
- Whether you are interested in theories of religion, Gnosticism, ancient Greek religions, or the social scientific study of religion, Aberdeen offers the opportunity to make use of our exceptional resources as you work on your thesis.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Theories of Religion, Theories of Myth, and Theories of Ritual
- Gnosticism - Ancient and Modern
- Ancient Greek Religion and the Near East
- Religious Studies
- History
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 90
Other requirements
General requirements
- Copies of your undergraduate and graduate degree certificates
- Academic transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Two academic references; either the details of your referees provided on your application form or uploaded online with your application.
- Your research proposal
- If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously at an institution in the UK, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (applies to you, non-residents): 40,802 AUD / year (≈ 21,700 GBP / year)
- Domestic (applies to you, citizens or residents): 9,413 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Living costs
Aberdeen, United Kingdom: 1,371-2,010 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.
- Divinity Affiliated Institutions Scholarships — University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: Anytime. Merit-based.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — U.S. government. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 07 Oct 2026.
- ServiceScape Scholarship — ServiceScape. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 30 Nov 2026.
- ACES Scholarships — ACES Education Fund. Grant: 3500 USD. Deadline: 15 Nov 2026.
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: Not specified. Merit-based.
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Junhua Li. Grant: 19000 GBP. Deadline: Not specified. Merit-based.
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Boustany Foundation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 28 Feb 2027. Merit-based.
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Amber Scholar. Grant: 6000 USD. Deadline: 31 Jan 2027. Merit-based.
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — IvyPanda. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 31 Oct 2026. Merit-based.
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Voice Talent Online. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 01 Mar 2027.
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Salvado Law. Grant: 1000 USD. Deadline: 13 Jan 2027. Merit-based.
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Anonymous Hope Fund. Grant: 3000 USD. Deadline: 31 Dec 2026. Need-based.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Grant: 22500 GBP. Deadline: Not specified.
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Leopold Figl Foundation. Grant: Various benefits. Deadline: 31 Dec 2026. Need-based.
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — IELTS from 6 to 9. Grant: 1500 USD. Deadline: Not specified.
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme. Grant: 12000 USD. Deadline: 11 Jan 2027.