PhD Religious Studies

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 55% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Goldsmiths University, nestled in the vibrant city of London, extends its academic excellence by offering a variety of scholarships specifically designed for international students pursuing PhD programs. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements and provide financial support, ensuring that deserving individuals can excel in their research endeavors.

Excellence Scholarships: Goldsmiths University awards Excellence Scholarships to exceptionally talented international PhD applicants. These scholarships are highly competitive and are granted based on academic merit and the potential for impactful research contributions.

Research Impact Scholarships: Designed to encourage research with real-world applications, the Research Impact Scholarships support international PhD students whose projects demonstrate significant potential for societal impact. This type of scholarship reflects Goldsmiths' commitment to fostering research that makes a positive difference in the world.

Arts and Humanities Scholarships: For PhD candidates in the arts and humanities disciplines, Goldsmiths offers specialized scholarships that recognize the unique contributions these fields make to academic and cultural landscapes. These scholarships aim to support scholars in their pursuit of groundbreaking research in these domains.

Social Sciences Scholarships: Goldsmiths acknowledges the importance of social sciences research in addressing contemporary global challenges. The Social Sciences Scholarships are tailored for international PhD students focusing on areas such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology.

Earning a PhD in Religious Studies from Goldsmiths positions graduates as accomplished scholars with advanced knowledge in the study of religion, culture, and society. The program not only prepares graduates for academic roles but also opens doors to diverse and impactful career pathways within fields related to religion, interfaith dialogue, cultural understanding, and community engagement. 

University Professor/Researcher: Graduates may pursue academic careers as university professors or researchers, contributing to religious studies scholarship through teaching, publishing, and supervising research.

Interfaith Coordinator: Graduates can work as interfaith coordinators, facilitating dialogue and collaboration between different religious communities, fostering understanding and cooperation.

Religious Educator: Graduates may enter the field of religious education, teaching in schools, colleges, or religious institutions, and developing curriculum materials for a nuanced understanding of different faith traditions.

Community Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can take on roles as community outreach coordinators, working with religious organizations, NGOs, or government agencies to address community needs, promote social justice, and facilitate cultural understanding.

Cultural Heritage Specialist: Graduates may work as cultural heritage specialists, preserving and promoting religious and cultural artifacts, and contributing to museum exhibits or cultural preservation projects.

Nonprofit Leadership: Graduates can lead nonprofit organizations focused on religious tolerance, cultural exchange, or social justice, driving initiatives that positively impact communities locally and globally.

Religious Consultant for Media: Graduates with expertise in religious studies may become consultants for media outlets, offering insights on religious topics, cultural sensitivity, and the portrayal of religious themes in various forms of media.

Policy Analyst for Religious Affairs: Graduates can contribute to public policy development by working as policy analysts focused on religious affairs, advising government bodies on issues related to religious freedom, diversity, and inclusion.

International Relations Specialist: Graduates may work in international relations, engaging with diplomatic services, NGOs, or international organizations to address global challenges through a lens of cultural and religious understanding.

Author/Journalist: Graduates can pursue careers as authors or journalists, contributing to books, articles, or media outlets to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on religious issues, cultural diversity, and interfaith dialogue.

Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Graduates may specialize in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, working in regions where religious tensions exist, facilitating dialogues, and promoting understanding to mitigate conflicts.

Chaplaincy: Graduates may become chaplains in various settings, such as hospitals, prisons, or the military, providing spiritual care and support to individuals from diverse religious backgrounds.