The Westminster student body is partly comprised of those pursuing postgraduate research degrees at either the master’s or doctoral level. In most instances, interested candidates apply to both the College and the validating university, to which they are admitted independently according to the institution’s particular criteria. Whether they reside in College, write their theses in our Library, or work remotely and simply find support and community among us whenever they are physically present, our postgraduate research students contribute significantly to Westminster’s life. Students on these degrees have full access to the College Library, as well as the various libraries of other members of the Cambridge Theological Federation.
Information about the Admissions process for these various awards is available here.
Master’s level (taught with research element)
Master of Philosophy (MPhil), University of Cambridge
The Cambridge MPhil in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion is a taught master’s degree course, nine-months full-time (or two years part-time) with a substantial research component. It enables students to pursue a subject of their interest across the breadth of disciplines taught in the Faculty of Divinity in greater depth or to prepare for doctoral research. MPhil students prepare substantial research essays for taught modules and also write a dissertation. Additional information and instructions are available here.
Doctoral level (research)
The following doctoral level research degrees are available for full-time or part-time study at Cambridge and Durham universities. They enable a theological graduate to pursue a specialist subject of interest to a high level and make a significant and unique contribution to the wisdom of the church and the academy.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Durham
The Durham PhD is a three-year research degree earned via a Department of Theology and Religion programme for applicants associated with the Cambridge Theological Federation, of which Westminster is a member. It is co-supervised by a member of staff at Durham and a member of staff within the Federation, typically at Westminster. Additional information and instructions are available here.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Cambridge
The Cambridge PhD is a three-year research degree, supervised by a member of its Faculty of Divinity. Additional information and instructions are available here.
If you would like more information about any of these master’s or doctoral level programmes, please contact the Tutorial Office (or on 01223 33 06 49), who will then connect you with the Director of Studies if necessary.