How to apply
We've home to a thriving graduate research community, with students investigating a diverse array of topics in the field of religion, theology and the Bible.
Identify your research topic
All our staff are actively involved in research projects and activities, and we can offer research supervision across a wide range of subjects including:
- Bible and ethics
- Bible, sexuality and gender
- Bible and sexual violence
- Biblical & Quranic studies
- Contextual biblical criticism
- Embodied experience in the Bible
- History, historiography and biblical studies
- Literary criticism and cultural studies
- Migration and the Bible
- The origins of Judaism and Christianity
- Philosophy of religion
- Supersessionism & biblical studies
Find a supervisor
Once you know what you would like to study, it’s important to find a supervisor who is an expert in the area, and who can guide you through the three-year programme. This is the first step in the application process.
We would advise that you get in touch with us directly to outline your proposed research. This doesn't have to be a formal research proposal, but will allow us to ensure that your application is relevant to SCIBS, and also that we have suitable expertise to supervise your project. Please contact your preferred supervisor from the list below. Their general research area is included, but you can find further information by clicking through to their staff profile pages.
- Dr Katie Edwards - Hebrew Bible, popular culture, sexual violence
- Dr Meredith Warren - New Testament, meal practice, Greek and Roman religion
- Dr Minna Shkul - New Testament, LGBT+
- Dr Casey Strine - Hebew Bible, migration
- Dr Ryan Byerly - Philosophy of religion
- Dr Mark Finney - New Testament, resurrection and afterlife
Research proposal
Every PhD candidate at the University of Sheffield is required to submit a research proposal prior to acceptance onto the programme. This document is vital to the success of your application.
This proposal should be fully referenced and about 500—1000 words long. It should incorporate the following information:
- Title of proposed thesis
- The main aims of what your research (i.e. why you think it’s worth doing)
- An identification of links to any previous work or hypothesis
- Any resources available and any required
- The methods of research proposed, (e.g. survey, case studies, etc.) and a plan and timetable of work
In addition to this information, you should also explain why you wish to pursue this area of research, and provide supplementary information on any experience, training or skills you may have gained from your previous education or employment.
You will need to provide two academic references.
Submitting your application
To apply to study for a PhD with us, you will need to make a formal application using the University of Sheffield’s online application form. SCIBS is listed as 'Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies (Arts and Humanities IPO)' on the application form.
Application checklist
- I have a good first degree (2:1 or equivalent)
- I have a Masters level qualification (Merit or equivalent)
- English is my first language, or I have an overall IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component
- My research proposal is ready to upload
- My proof of previous degrees, academic references, English language certificates (if required), and CV are ready to upload
- I can provide a sample of my academic writing (6000—8000 words). This might be an extract from a larger piece of work, such as a dissertation