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Postgraduate Study

The course aims: 

  • to provide advanced teaching and training in research to postgraduate students in the theologies, scriptures, histories and philosophies, doctrines and practices of Christianity; and, as far as resources permit, of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, principally within their own traditions but also by means of comparative approaches; 
  • to provide high calibre students with an excellent education in these traditions which is informed by current developments in scholarship and research; 
  • to provide a stimulating environment in which students can reach their intellectual potential; 
  • to provide an integrated structure of learning and teaching; 
  • to help students develop a wide range of intellectual abilities and skills which will enable them to make a significant contribution in their chosen careers and walks of life, particularly training in academic research. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the MPhil students should have acquired:

  • an introduction to research methods and skills appropriate to a chosen sub-discipline of the subject, such as will serve both: as a preparation for more advanced research or as offering skills of value to potential employers;
  • more advanced and specialised knowledge of some fundamental issues and literatures at the forefront of research in that sub-discipline; and
  • the ability to construct a substantive, if preliminary, contribution to research on a particular issue within that sub-discipline, through the writing of a thesis.

Continuing

In order to be eligible to continue to the PhD, students must achieve at least a mark of 71 for the dissertation and an overall average of at least 71 per cent in the MPhil as a whole.  Applications are considered on their own merit.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

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Key Information


9 months full-time

1 year and 9 months part-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Faculty of Divinity

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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