Global challenges and religious change

Religions are deeply implicated in global challenges and in processes of change in cultural, social, political, ecological, and economic spheres. Whether religions are seen as driving processes of change or mediating its reception, and whether change is seen as a harbinger of religious resurgence or decline, our research interrogates religion in complex and shifting contexts, including secularisation, modernity, and globalisation. Similarly, the roles of religions to global challenges (e.g., climate change, social justice, diversity and equity, and disinformation) are multiple and varied and deserve to be better understood.

We welcome applications in areas that correspond with current staff research interests. We look for detailed and well-thought-out proposals which set out specific research questions and outline the originality of your topic or approach. We encourage you to discuss your ideas informally before applying.

Entry requirements

An MA in religious studies or related discipline. Each application is considered on its own merits. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English. 

Potential supervisors

• Dr Chris Cotter  
• Dr John Maiden  
• Dr Suzanne Newcombe
• Dr Liudmila Nikanorove
• Dr Maria Nita
• Dr David Robertson
• Dr Stefanie Sinclair
• Dr Paul-François Tremlett
• Professor John Wolffe

Fees and funding

Some of our research students are funded via the Open-Oxford-Cambridge Doctoral Training Partnership and The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

• Religious Studies at The Open University