Eligibility

Only candidates within, or applying to, the Department of Theology and Religion at

Durham University for:

MA in Theology and Religion (V8K407)[1]

OR

MA in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning) (V8K807)

PG Diploma in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning) (V8K812)

PG Certificate in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning) (V8K814)

CPD in Catholic Theology (Distance Learning) (V8K118)

CPD in Catholic Social Thought and Practice (Distance Learning) (V8K218)

CPD in High Medieval Franciscan Theology (Distance Learning) (V8K318)

OR

MA by Research, M.Litt, DThM[2], Integrated PhD[3], PhD

each with a clear focus in Catholic Studies / Catholic Theology are eligible to apply [4]

(For information about bursaries for the Distance Learning programmes please contact theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk )

The CCS at Durham University invites applications from full-time and part-time candidates (both existing students and new candidates) for fixed-term Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries in Catholic Theology / Catholic Studies as listed below.

Please note: All applicants, except those on Distance Learning Programmes, must be able to commit to regular in-person participation in the academic programme of the CCS during the period of any award. [See note (g) here.] In certain circumstances, where PhD students studying at distance are being supervised by a CCS staff member applications will be considered for up to £5,000 per annum towards tuition fees. (See note (i) here.]

An application form may be obtained from the CCS Manager, theresa.phillips@durham.ac.uk, or downloaded here: CCS Scholarship Bursaries Application Form 2026-27 Oct 2025 and must be returned to the CCS Manager by the deadline given below.                   

Before submitting an application, applicants who are new candidates for a postgraduate degree within the Department of Theology and Religion must complete a standard DU application for postgraduate admission on-line (citing ‘CCS Scholarship’ in the Field of Study area and in the Finance/funding section). Applicants must have been formally offered a place on an eligible course of study before their application for a CCS Scholarship/Bursary can be considered. The advised deadlines for completing the online programme application with all supporting documents are given below. (For details on how to apply see Application Process - Durham University)

Before applying for any of the above awards, new candidates for a postgraduate degree within the Department of Theology and Religion must complete a standard DU application for postgraduate admission with all supporting documents by Sunday 10 May 2026.

Closing date for applications for the above CCS Postgraduate Scholarships  for 2026/27 is Sunday 31 May 2026.

Please read the Notes on Scholarships carefully before submitting your application for a CCS Scholarship/Bursary.

More than one award may be made from each of the scholarship funds in a given year.

Applicants may also be considered for other awards that become available.

In all cases, applicants are required to state their financial position and to update the CCS Manager of any changes to their financial situation after submitting their application and during the period of any award.

[1] See note (b) here.

[2]Applications from students on the DThM programme are only invited after the first taught phase of the programme.

[3] First year IPhD students who satisfy the eligibility criteria for the MA in Theology and Religion may apply (see note (b) here).  Other students are only eligible to apply after the taught MA phase.

[4] In exceptional circumstances, a PhD candidate’s primary supervisor may be located in another academic department at Durham University other than the Department of Theology and Religion.  However, at Masters level (including the first year of any proposed I-PhD) candidates must be pursing the MA in Theology and Religion (V8K407) within the Department of Theology and Religion and meet the requirements under note (b) to be eligible to apply.