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Quaker Studies – (Ph.D.)
University of Birmingham
School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion| Application Deadline: | We recommend application at least six months ahead of registration although later application is possible. | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 4,215 - ≈ € 13,927 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Birmingham / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 36 months | Start Date: | September |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Birmingham
The work of the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies (CPQS) is an integral part of the Graduate Institute of Theology and Religion and the Centre’s provision of programmes in Quaker studies is now the most comprehensive worldwide. These programmes are delivered on behalf of the University of Birmingham by CPQS, itself part of the wider work of Woodbrooke, the Quaker Study Centre situated close to the Graduate Institute.
Quaker Studies at Birmingham is offered in association with the Graduate Institute of Theology and Religion, which encourages and strengthens research activities and builds a world class centre for study in a variety of disciplines. The Theology and Religion Department at Birmingham is the largest in Britain and has the most nationalities represented, amongst both staff and students. The Graduate Institute brings together around 50 scholars, highly qualified in different areas of theological and religious research and teaching. A top grade of 5 was awarded in the 1992,1997, and 2001 National Research Assessment exercises for the excellence of published work and research environment
The University library is well-stocked in theology and religious studies, reflecting the wider research interests of Department members in, for example, Christian history and theology, sociology of religion, and world religions.
Contents
As well as offering a part-taught M.Phil (B) degree, there is the option of of M.Phil (A)/PhD in Quaker Studies or in other areas of staff expertise by research alone.
The M.Phil (A) (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time) comprises a 40,000 word dissertation which must offer some new insights into an existing field or body of literature.
The M.Litt (2 years full-time, 4 years part-time) is achieved through a 60,000 word dissertation.
The PhD (3 years full-time, 4-6 years part-time) is achieved through an 80,000 word thesis, making an original contribution to knowledge.
These degrees are ideal for those who already have some training in research methods, who have a topic of research they are passionate about, and who enjoy working largely on their own within a structured and timetabled framework. There are weekly research methods sessions in the first term and (at least) monthly meetings with the Director of Studies throughout registration.
Supervision is available in all areas of Quaker Studies and other areas of expertise amongst the staff, but proposals need to be feasible, original and viable, and approved by the student’s Director of Studies as well as the Department.
Current and Ongoing Thesis Topics
Quakers and the natural world; The travelling ministry and renewal; how present-day Quakers make choices about their use of time; Native Americans and Postmodern Christianity; British Quaker women peace activists, 1910 – 30; Theologising around ambiguous gender identities; Governance of religious communities; Quakers and Wales; Quakers and Quietism; Quakers’ relationship to Jesus; Quakers and inwardness; The human co-creation with God; Sacro-egoism; Robert Barclay and the Peace Testimony; Quakers and God; Process Theology; Richard Rolle and the Quakers: Experiment with light: Adolescent Quaker spirituality: Lollardy and Quakerism: Global citizenship education.
Completed PhD Work
‘The Attitudes and Behaviours of Quakers in Relation to Substance use and Gambling,’ Helena Chambers, 2007
‘Quakerism as Holiness: an historical analysis of the theology of holiness in the Quaker tradition’, Carole Dale Spencer, 2004
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
Take testRequirements
There is a standard application form for postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham, available online or from either the University or Woodbrooke (see below).
In addition, all prospective MPhil(A), MPhil(B), MLitt, and PhD students need to have a clear idea of what it is they are interested in researching. It needs to be a topic which can offer a viable and original thesis and which provides enough motivation for the 2-6 year registration period. Once this has been identified, the next stage is to prepare a 1000 word (only) proposal outlining a draft title, aims, area of research, how it fits with previous research, and a plan of work. The Centre and the University then have a clear vision of what you are interested in and the extent to which we could offer appropriate supervision. If you want to talk this through, please get in touch with Ben Pink Dandelion at Woodbrooke.
An upper-second honours degree (or a B+ average in US terms) is required for entrance onto Certificate, Diploma, and Masters courses, and a Masters degree is required for acceptance onto the PhD programme. It is possible for equivalent qualifications and ‘prior learning’ (such as the Woodbrooke ‘Equipping for Ministry’ course) to be taken into account.
Those for whom English is not their first language should have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS score of 6.5, or equivalent.
Registration is normally in October although in exceptional circumstances, MPhil(a), MLitt, and PhD students can begin in January. We recommend application at least six months ahead of registration although later application is possible.
Ask a Question
You can contact Dr Ben Dandelion to ask a question about Quaker Studies at University of Birmingham.
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