Religion Theology & Peace Studies - Research

The School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies tackles the questions facing humanity by seeking to understand the roles of religion, peace-making and theology in both their historical settings and contemporary life. Committed to interdisciplinarity, academic rigour, dialogue and civic engagement, the School pursues its goals through teaching, collaborations with the public and academic research. The School consists of two disciplines: (1) Peace Studies and (2) Religious Studies, the latter of which includes: Biblical Studies, the Cultural Study of Religions, Ethics, and Christian Theology – including Theology in the Catholic Tradition and Ecumenics; the School also has a growing reputation in Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist Studies. Postgraduate research students can specialise in Peace Studies or in one of the above fields of study within Religious Studies or they can work on the synergies and inter-connections between them.

Longstanding research synergies in the School and across its two disciplines are furthered by two special academic entities plus two Centres hosted in the School or associated with the School.



Irish School of Ecumenics (https://www.tcd.ie/ise/)

The Irish School of Ecumenics is committed to applied and theoretical research relating to dialogue, peace and reconciliation in Ireland and other contexts worldwide.



Loyola Institute (https://www.tcd.ie/loyola-institute/)

The Loyola Institute is dedicated to education and research in theology in the broad Catholic tradition and in the creative intersection of theology, Church and contemporary society.



Trinity Centre for Biblical Studies (https://www.tcd.ie/tcbs/)

The Centre for Biblical Studies provides a focus for research in a variety of areas, including the study of the Bible in its ancient contexts, its interpretation in Late Antiquity and the Medieval period, and its reception in the visual and performing arts.



Trinity Centre for Post-Conflict Justice (https://www.tcd.ie/cpcj/)

The Centre for Post-Conflict Justice fosters interdisciplinary research exploring how societies come to terms with episodes of extreme violence in war, civil war, and periods of prolonged civil and political unrest.



The School and its associated research bodies maintain an active programme of research seminars and public lectures and regularly welcome research fellows from Europe and around the world. With more than 100 postgraduate students and more than 20 research-active staff across its various disciplines, the School is a leading centre for research in religious studies (in its many forms) and peace studies and warmly welcomes enquires from those interested in studying with us.

March 2025 Entry

Master in Letters, Peace Studies (Full-Time) - Full-Time 31/Mar/2025

Master in Letters, Peace Studies (Part-Time) - Part-Time 31/Mar/2025

Master in Letters, Religious Studies (Full-Time) - Full-Time 31/Mar/2025

Master in Letters, Religious Studies (Part-Time) - Part-Time 31/Mar/2025

Doctor in Philosophy, Peace Studies (Full-Time) - Full-Time 31/Mar/2025

Doctor in Philosophy, Peace Studies (Part-Time) - Part-Time 31/Mar/2025

Doctor in Philosophy, Religious Studies (Full-Time) - Full-Time 31/Mar/2025

Doctor in Philosophy, Religious Studies (Part-Time) - Part-Time 31/Mar/2025



September 2025 Entry

Master in Letters, Peace Studies (Full-Time) - Full-Time 30/Sep/2025

Master in Letters, Peace Studies (Part-Time) - Part-Time 30/Sep/2025

Master in Letters, Religious Studies (Full-Time) - Full-Time 30/Sep/2025

Master in Letters, Religious Studies (Part-Time) - Part-Time 30/Sep/2025

PhD in Peace Studies - Full-Time 30/Sep/2025

PhD in Peace Studies - Part-Time 30/Sep/2025

PhD in Religious Studies - Full-Time 30/Sep/2025

PhD in Religious Studies - Part-Time 30/Sep/2025



In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to register retrospectively. Applicants wishing to be considered for retrospective admission should contact the Graduate Studies Office by emailing research.admissions@tcd.ie

Next Intake: March 2025 / September 2025

School Description:


The School of Religion tackles the questions facing humanity by seeking to understand the roles of religion, peace-making and theology in both their historical settings and contemporary life. Committed to interdisciplinarity, academic rigour, dialogue and civic engagement, the School pursues its goals through teaching, collaborations with the public and academic research. The School consists of two disciplines: (1) Peace Studies and (2) Religious Studies, the latter of which includes: Biblical Studies, the Cultural Study of Religions, Ethics, and Christian Theology – including Theology in the Catholic Tradition and Ecumenics; the School also has a growing reputation in Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist Studies. Postgraduate research students can specialise in Peace Studies or in one of the above fields of study within Religious Studies or they can work on the synergies and inter-connections between them.

Longstanding research synergies in the School and across its two disciplines are furthered by two special academic entities plus two Centres hosted in the School or associated with the School.



Irish School of Ecumenics (https://www.tcd.ie/ise/)

The Irish School of Ecumenics is committed to applied and theoretical research relating to dialogue, peace and reconciliation in Ireland and other contexts worldwide.


Loyola Institute (https://www.tcd.ie/loyola-institute/)

The Loyola Institute is dedicated to education and research in theology in the broad Catholic tradition and in the creative intersection of theology, Church and contemporary society.


Trinity Centre for Biblical Studies (https://www.tcd.ie/tcbs/)

The Centre for Biblical Studies provides a focus for research in a variety of areas, including the study of the Bible in its ancient contexts, its interpretation in Late Antiquity and the Medieval period, and its reception in the visual and performing arts.


Trinity Centre for Post-Conflict Justice (https://www.tcd.ie/cpcj/)

The Centre for Post-Conflict Justice fosters interdisciplinary research exploring how societies come to terms with episodes of extreme violence in war, civil war, and periods of prolonged civil and political unrest.


The School and its associated research bodies maintain an active programme of research seminars and public lectures and regularly welcome research fellows from Europe and around the world. With more than 100 postgraduate students and more than 20 research-active staff across its various disciplines, the School is a leading centre for research in religious studies (in its many forms) and peace studies and warmly welcomes enquires from those interested in studying with us.