Explore postgraduate research
For those called to serve the kingdom through scholarship at the highest levels, Trinity College offers two postgraduate research degrees: the Master of Theology (MTh) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The expertise of the faculty, the confessional nature of the college, and our flourishing community of more than 50 postgraduate researchers make Trinity an excellent context in which to take one’s first steps into the academy.
As a postgraduate research student, you can study full-time, part-time, in residence at Bristol, or by distance learning. Trinity’s research degrees are validated by the University of Aberdeen, an ancient Scottish university with a globally recognised reputation for excellence in the study of Christian theology.
If you are interested in studying for a higher degree through Trinity, we strongly encourage you to begin by browsing through this list of our current faculty and their specialised research areas. Once you have identified a potential supervisor, you may contact them directly to begin a discussion regarding a possible supervisory relationship.
If you want to discuss potential projects and supervisors, or if you have any questions about applications or administrative issues relating to our postgraduate research programme, please contact our Postgraduate Research Administrator, Pavla Slugenova at pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
We have recently introduced a new Potential Theological Educators Track: you can find more information about this below.
Potential Theological Educators Track
Following recent successful bids from the Church of England, we have recently introduced a new Potential Theological Educators Track.
In addition to theological research, the track will include a Level 8 module that runs throughout the three years covering classroom experience and other teaching-related topics. It will also feature seminars and reading groups on inclusive and decolonising education.
Researchers on the PTE track will have the unique opportunity to experience classroom teaching as a placement opportunity alongside their church placement. “Future theological educators are the voices that will lead, inspire and sustain the church’s mission for years to come,” says Dr Sofanit Abebe, our Lead Tutor for Theological Educators. “Investing in them must be a key priority for the church and for theological colleges, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to train, nurture and work with them.”
If you wish to apply for the PTE track please contact Sofi Abebe at theologicaleducation@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
Postgraduate Research RJU Scholarships for Potential Theological Educators
Thanks to the generosity of the Racial Justice Unit, we are able to offer several full-fees scholarships for British or British-resident* GMH/UKME PhD students who are called to work in theological education within the Church of England, covering tuition fees for the full period of study (full- or part-time). For the right candidate, the scholarship may be extended to cover accommodation**.
The aim of the scholarships is to contribute to a greater diversity of theological educators and ensure that a plurality of voices is firmly embedded in the training of the next generation of Christian leaders. We will have more, similar scholarships to offer in subsequent years.
Candidates must
- meet the criteria for our existing PhD programme; and
- have a calling to work in theological education and scholarship within the Church of England.
Their research may be on any theological topic.
The scholarships are part of our new Potential Theological Educators track. The PTE track is open to all research students of any background or heritage; the above requirements apply only to the scholarships.
To apply for a scholarship, follow the application procedure for a PhD. In addition to the regular supporting documents, you will need to provide a reference supporting your suitability for the scholarship. The deadline for this autumn’s scholarships has passed but you can still apply for next year’s: the deadline for applications is 15 January 2026, with the committee usually meeting in early February.
* to qualify, the candidate must have lived in the UK for at least three years before starting.
** single-occupancy accommodation as a full-time resident at Trinity College for three years, for full-time study only. Applications to be assessed on need and on the strength of the application.
Please address any questions to our Postgraduate Administrator at pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
PGR seminars
In the Spring term of 2026 we will be discussing a series of invited papers rather than studying one book throughout the term.
Sessions are at 14:00–15:30, on select Thursdays in the Dalton Room here at Trinity, or you can join us on Teams.
You can find the timetable here.
We are also hosting a series of seminars on theological education featuring different members of our faculty. You can find the timetable for this here.
New Testament seminars
During the second half of the academic year, we shall have papers from active New Testament researchers, principally from among our research students. This provides a great opportunity to ‘try out’ ideas in a friendly and critical environment.
We shall normally circulate the paper in advance so that you can read it beforehand, and the presenter will then locate the paper in their bigger project and summarise key issues before the majority of our time goes on discussion.
The first two meetings in January are completing our reading of Daniel Fredericks’ book, Reframing Biblical Theology: The Eternal Design (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2025). Dan will be joining us on 28 January. You don’t need to have joined in previous conversations about the book to attend.
You can find the timetable here. We meet on Microsoft Teams. For the link, please contact Steve Walton at steve.walton@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk.
Postgraduate research options
The MTh degree involves writing a 40,000 word thesis and does not include mandatory course attendance. The nature of the thesis is defined by the student’s research proposal and is written under the supervision of a relevant faculty member.
Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission as a student for the research master’s is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or its equivalent (e.g., 3.5/4.0 in a GPA system). Students are also expected to have facility in research languages requisite for the project proposed.
The MTh programme can be finished in 12 months of full-time study, or 24 months of part-time study, with completed theses assessed by viva voce examination. Distance-based students are expected to come to campus at least once a year for our annual postgraduate conference (normally held at the end of June), or more frequently at the discretion of their supervisor.
To earn the PhD, students must write a 100,000 word thesis on a topic defined by their research proposal under the supervision of a relevant faculty member. PhD students will read on their own topic and work closely with their supervisors to define the research and compose the thesis.
Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent (e.g., 3.5/4.0 in a GPA system). It is preferable that you hold a master’s degree in the chosen area of study as well. Students are also expected to have facility in research languages requisite for the project proposed.
The PhD programme can be finished in 36 months of full-time study or 72 months of part-time study, with completed theses assessed by viva voce examination. Distance-based students are expected to come to campus at least once a year for our annual postgraduate research conference (normally held at the end of June), or more frequently at the discretion of their supervisor.
As an ordinand at Trinity, you can benefit from our large postgraduate research community.
Our ordinands have the option to pursue a research programme (MTh or PhD) as part of their ordination training. Please contact admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk for questions about ordination training and pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk for questions about postgraduate research and details of the application process.
Each year, at the end of June, we welcome our postgraduate students from around the world to come and join us in Bristol, staying at Trinity for our annual postgraduate research conference.
The conference includes three days of paper presentations from students (topics have included everything from the theology of stillbirth to Bonhoeffer’s theology of preaching and contemporary nationalism in Northern Ireland). There are also a keynote lecture from a senior scholar, evenings out together, and the option at the end of the conference to participate in a Saturday sightseeing trip and a Sunday barbecue.
For some this is the first time presenting a paper; for others a chance to develop ideas raised in previous years. Either way, the atmosphere is supportive and encouraging.
If you wish to pursue a postgraduate research programme, please contact our Postgraduate Research Administrator, Pavla Slugenova (pavla.slugenova@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk).
Applications for research degrees are considered twice a year by our Research Applications Committee. Deadlines for applications are 1 October 2025 and 15 January 2026, with the committee usually meeting in late October and early February and a decision on the application being made within a month of those deadlines.
If you are a Church of England candidate going through Research Degree Panel (RDP), please get in touch with our Postgraduate Research Administrator regarding additional deadlines. You will also need to contact our Admissions Officer at admissions@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk, so you can complete the application form to become an ordinand at Trinity.
Programmes
Modes of Study
Come and visit us
The best way to find out if we’re the right fit for you is to come and visit us. We have several Open Days and Open Afternoons during the course of a year. If those dates don’t work for you, don’t worry – we can arrange for you to visit another time. We look forward to meeting you!