Course Overview

This is one of the only postgraduate courses dedicated to the Sikh religion in the UK.

Complete your own independent research project in any aspect of Sikh Studies, as agreed by your supervisor. The programme’s taught element will seek to provide you with an understanding of the Sikh religion in a theological, anthropological and ‘case-by-case’ context with particular reference to the contemporary scene.

The focus of this programme is issue-based rather than, say, linguistic; thus, texts studied will be in English and there are no requirements barring entry with regard to languages (eg, Punjabi). It aims to develop your critical reasoning skills to enable you to objectively analyse Sikh writings as well as writings about Sikhism by both Sikh and non-Sikh scholars.

General Eligibility

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.

Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

If you are applying for distance learning research programmes, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.

If your qualifications are non-standard or different from the entry requirements stated here, please contact the admissions tutor.

International students

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries - use our handy guide below to see what qualifications we accept from your country.

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to:

  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 21 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 59 in all four skills

  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component