Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies DProf

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Our Theology and Religious Studies ‘Find Out More’ events give you the chance to meet both staff and students, in an informal and friendly atmosphere. You will find out more about us, about our MAs and our Doctoral courses, and about the general nature of postgraduate studies with us. There will also be plenty of opportunity for you to ask us any questions that you may have.

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Course Summary

Our DProf in Theology and Religious Studies is an exciting opportunity to pursue research rooted in an area of your profession or organisation. Explore the ethical, theological, religious, cultural and spiritual dimensions of your practice or work. Use practice-based research to question the ethos, world-views, religious cultures and values of your context.

We have a longstanding track record of interdisciplinary expertise in teaching, research, and supervision in the field. Since 2009, we have enabled students to enhance and transform their professional or organisational context through a range of approaches and methods for practice-based and work-based research.

Whether you are working in a faith-based or secular community or setting, our staff have a range of expertise in Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Biblical Studies, contemporary spiritualities and religious movements, and Christian theology. We can support you to deepen your critical reflection on the values, ethics, worldviews embedded in your professional or organisational context and its practices, and to develop your thinking about cultural and religious literacy, equality and diversity in relation to your employed or volunteer work or vocation.

 

 

 

What you'llStudy

One of the unique features of a professional doctorate is that you take a series of modules that introduce you to the different stages of the doctoral journey, therefore building the necessary theoretical, practical, and reflective skills you need to undertake an advanced research project. You work with your cohort, and with a specialist supervisory team to guide and mentor you. This format, and being part of a community of researching professionals, supports your studies and helps you pass through the programme according to manageable deadlines.

Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf) in Theology and Religious Studies

Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf) in Theology and Religious Studies

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Dawn Llewellyn

Associate Professor in Religion and Gender
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How you'll Learn

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

A Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or a related discipline is required.

Candidates not possessing a Master’s degree should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree and evidence of prior learning or experience equivalent to Master’s-level study.

Applicants not meeting these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

A research proposal (maximum of two pages) is also required as part of your application.

A Master’s degree in Theology and Religious Studies or a related discipline is required.

Candidates not possessing a Master’s degree should have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree and evidence of prior learning or experience equivalent to Master’s-level study.

Applicants not meeting these requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

A research proposal (maximum of two pages) is also required as part of your application.

See below for your country specific requirements. Please note, some programmes have special entry requirements and if applicable, these are listed below.

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Support Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness Facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£6,665 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for home students studying Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies in 2024/25 are £6,665 per year.

£14,644 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Doctor of Professional Studies in Theology and Religious Studies in 2024/25 are £14,644 per year.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

This course supports practitioner-researchers who, with a doctorate and a research profile, can go on to achieve their personal and professional aspirations, and make a difference to their context.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.