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Overview
This Religious Studies programme offered by Umea University is centred on the contextual investigation of ideas and practices through two specialisations: historical-systematic theology and socio-religious studies. Research examines interactions between intellectual, political, cultural, and societal settings, while also exploring collective behaviour, organisations, transmission of traditions, conviction, and community life from interdisciplinary perspectives.
Key Facts
The programme combines graduate-school activities, supervised research, compulsory and elective studies, and the completion of a substantial dissertation. Students build competence in formulating original research questions, applying theoretical and methodological tools, conducting critical scholarly inquiry, reflecting on sustainability and ethical dimensions of scholarship, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge through publicly defended research.
Programme Structure
Curriculum:
- Historical-Systematic Theology
- Socio-Religious Studies
- Research Methodology
- Historical Theological Methods
- Systematic Theological Methods
- Social Science Theories of Religion
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime.
More details
Positions open throughout the year.
Language
English
TOEFL® IBT OR
90
PTE Academic 62
IELTS 6.5
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- 4.9/5 student rating
Credits
240 ECTS
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Umeå, Sweden
Disciplines
Theology and Religious Studies View 6 other PhDs in Theology and Religious Studies in SwedenWhat students do after studying
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Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL® IBT OR
90
PTE Academic 62
IELTS 6.5
Prepare for Your English Test
Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.
- Trusted by 300k learners
- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Other requirements
General requirements
- Second-cycle qualification, or at least 240 credits including 60 credits at second-cycle level, or equivalent knowledge.
- 30 second-cycle credits in Religious Studies or Theology.
- A degree project of at least 15 credits in Religious Studies/Theology.
- The specialisation of previous studies must correspond to the intended thesis area.
- Equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad may be accepted following assessment.
- Applicants must be considered capable of benefiting from doctoral education.
Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.
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Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residentsFree -
EU/EEA Applies to you
Applies to youEU/EEA NationalsFree
Additional Details
Doctoral students don’t pay tuition fees.
Living costs
Umeå
Sweden
7125 - 11770 SEK / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1550 EUR
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
14 Aug 2026
ICM Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
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