Research
We have a long-established tradition in theology dating back to the University's foundation in 1451.
Today, researchers in Theology & Religious Studies (TRS) continue to build on Glasgow's reputation for excellence in traditional fields of Theology including Practical Theology, Modern Systematic Theology, Hermeneutics, Church History, Catholic Moral Theology, and Biblical Studies. We also have a strong profile in Islam, Sufism, religion in modern Iran, Judaism, Esoteric Buddhism, and religion in China.
TRS staff can employ a range of approaches in our research, and the projects in which we are engaged are often of an inter-disciplinary nature. Some staff are primarily theologians, others work within sociology, anthropology, history, and other disciplines. This is reflected in our inter-disciplinary research links with other subjects in the School of Critical Studies as well as in the College of Arts & Humanities. Recent collaborations have involved English and Scottish Literature, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Law, Education, Philosophy, Medical Humanities and different Glasgow Museums.
TRS seeks to focus its research in specific clusters:
- Theological Studies
- Religion, Literature and Culture
- Religion, Challenge and Change
- Biblical Studies
- Biblical Interpretation
- History of Christianity
We have a long tradition of supporting excellent PhD research, and currently have one of the largest and most international communities of doctoral students in our College of Arts & Humanities.
The Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology offers a route to a doctoral qualification for practitioners in the church, in education, health care, or community based organisations.
TRS offers taught Masters programmes in Religion, Theology and Culture, and in Values-Based Practice. It is also possible to take a research Masters degree to explore a project of your choice.