Doctoral Scholarship Programme

Our Doctoral Scholarship Programme offers teachers and others working in the field of Religious Education, Religion Values and Ethics or Religious and Moral Education (RE/RVE/RME) an opportunity to undertake doctoral studies at reduced cost and to see the impact of it in their workplace e.g. in their teaching, advisory work. There are a very limited number of scholarship places allocated each year to UK residents. The next deadline for applications is 2nd May 2025. Please note there are limited funds available in our next funding round.
If you would like to chat to someone about the programme please email fiona@cstg.org.uk.

What are we offering?

We will pay up to £2000 per year of your fees for up to five years part-time (or equivalent over three years full-time) doctoral study up to a total of £10,000.

You will become a member of the Culham St Gabriel’s Doctoral Scholarship virtual community of practice. This community meets virtually together on a regular basis providing opportunities for you to discuss your research and disseminate your findings. It is led and organised by our Education and Programmes Manager, Fiona Moss. Participants on the programme will also be encouraged to network more informally.

Meet some of our current scholars

Elaine Arundell

My thesis is an extension of my previous research exploring the use of song composition as a pedagogical tool in primary RE.

Fran Bailey

My doctoral research is about spirituality in Church of England secondary schools.

Catriona Card

I am researching using an age-appropriate disciplinary approach to teaching RE to children aged 4-5 years.

Anna Donaghy

My thesis is titled: Antisemitism and Religious Education: The impact of teaching Jewish and Christian scripture in state-maintained secondary schools

Jennifer Harding-Richards

I am deeply interested in the regeneration of RE and am committed to exploring its evolving role, purpose, and potential within contemporary education

Fay Lowe

My PhD research reflects on how RE teachers might best respond to pupils mentioning in lessons far-right extremist group’s activities or narratives.

Helena Moore

My PhD will continue my research, reflecting on the role of religion when teaching issues of sexuality within school.

Luca La Monica

My thesis is based on the premise that teaching philosophy would enhance Religious Education.

Character Limit 150

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for the Doctoral Scholarship you need to be:

✔  Working in the field of RE/RVE/RME e.g. as a teacher, educator, adviser. If you are not sure, please contact fiona@cstg.org.uk

✔  Intending to take a part-time or full-time doctorate (e.g. PhD, EdD, DProf) that relates directly to religion and worldviews and aligns with our strategic objectives.

✔  Intending your doctoral studies to directly lead to development, innovation and improvement in RE/RVE/RME in your school, place of employment, local area or region and/or nationally.

✔ A UK resident

Do you have any priorities for research?

Whilst we welcome applications from all those working in the field of RE/RVE/RME, in 2024-25, we are particularly interested in supporting scholars who are:

  • researching interfaith/belief dialogue and promoting warmer community relations in schools and communities, including consideration of ‘the common good’
  • researching ways of supporting and equipping religion and worldviews teachers who have other specialisms (TWOS)
  • either themselves from a UK Minority Ethnic or Global Majority Heritage background and/or are researching ways to support teachers and leaders from these under-represented groups.
What is expected of participants?
  • Make up the university fee i.e. the difference between the bursary funding and tuition fee total required by the university. You may want to ask your place of employment to contribute to this and/or seek grant funding from another source if you wish.
  • Contribute to a virtual community of practice with your time. Sessions are usually held as twilights (e.g. 4-6pm). There will also be other opportunities to contribute to the wider community such as writing a blogs, posters, case studies and so on for RE:ONLINE and/or sharing your research findings through an online seminar hosted by Culham St Gabriel’s.
  • ‘Pay forward’ and give back to the religion and worldviews community.
When can I apply?

Applications are open all year round and are taken to our Grants, Programmes and Education Committee three times a year where decisions are made, usually in November, March and June. If places are allocated early on in the academic year, there is a possibility you may have to wait until the following year’s round of funding. We would therefore advise applying in the Autumn or Spring Terms and speaking to us before you submit an application to ensure there are still places available.

How do I apply?
  1. Select a university and secure a place on a doctoral programme. Make sure you have a conversation with those who may supervise you, and make them aware of this scholarship.
  2. Once you have secured your doctoral place, complete the online doctoral scholarship application form. This application form asks you to state clearly how your research relates to religion and worldviews education, as well as with our vision, mission and strategic objectives. There are guidance notes accompanying the form which we encourage you to read. There are conditions of the funding which you must agree to in your application.
  3. Once you have submitted your form, send documentary proof that you have secured a doctoral place at your chosen university. (i.e. an offer letter, details of the course and your acceptance) to fiona@cstg.org.uk
What happens next?
  1. When we have received your application form and supporting document we will request two references. These will be the two referees you will have been named on your application form.
  2. All applications, supporting documents and references are then considered by the Trust in their next Grants and Education Committee meeting.
  3. You will normally be notified of the outcome of your application as soon as the committee have met.
  4. When you begin your studies it is very important that you ask your university finance department to send two invoices, one to Culham St Gabriel’s and one to you. It is very important that you make clear to the university finance department exactly who they should send invoices to, and how much they should charge in each case.
  5. We will send you a welcome pack explaining how to become part of the virtual community of practice and details of ongoing support and advice offered for scholars.

Chat to us!!

If you are interested in our doctoral scholarship programme we strongly advise you contact us for an informal conversation before submitting an application. To set this up, please email fiona@cstg.org.uk

Apply for a Doctoral Scholarship