Leeds Church Institute Scholarships for Theology and Religious Studies

Further information

Leeds Church Institute is a faith based organisation working to promote theological education in the city of Leeds. This scholarship is designed to help local people pursue taught postgraduate study in theology and religious studies. It is aimed at students wishing to bridge theological scholarship with faith communities’ responses to social, political and / or environmental challenges. 

For information on Leeds Church Institute, please visit our website www.lcileeds.org 
There you will find information on LCI events and projects, all editions of CITYtheology and other publications, and LCI’s ethos and aims.

Value of the award

•    One £12,000 scholarship for a student studying on the MA Religion degree programme
OR
•    Two £6,000 scholarships for students studying on the MRes (with focus on theology and religious studies)

The scholarship/s will be paid to the student as a contribution to fees or living expenses. A scholarship for part-time study can be awarded pro-rata over two years.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the award, applicants must:
1.    Have secured place on the Religion MA programme or an MRes (full time or part time) with a theology and religious studies focus, studying either full time or part time, in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science at the University of Leeds.
2.   Demonstrate a commitment to theological reflection that is engaged with questions relevant to an urban setting, including themes that connect with social, political and/or environmental challenges (through the application letter).
3.    Demonstrate sympathy with the ethos, aims and activities of Leeds Church Institute (through the application letter).
4.    Be willing to contribute one article to the CITYtheology magazine and make a presentation at an LCI event during the scholarship.

Preference will be given to eligible applicants who live in Yorkshire. Applications are especially encouraged from applicants who would not otherwise have the financial means to support themselves in postgraduate study.

Successful applicants for these awards will be selected in accordance with the University’s processes for recruitment.

How to apply

•    Please submit a letter explaining how you meet each of the listed criteria and the names and contact details of two independent referees to Revd Dr Chris Swift at chris.swift@leedschurchinstitute.org, copying in s.skrimshire@leeds.ac.uk
•    Awarding decisions will be made by a panel of staff and trustees, and the Leeds MA tutor and feedback offered to all applicants. Confirmation of the scholarship will be made by 22 July 2025.

Get in touch

For information on Leeds Church Institute, please visit our website. Here you can find information on LCI events and projects, all editions of CITYtheology and other publications, and LCI’s ethos and aims.

For further information about applying for the MA contact: Dr Stefan Skrimshire (s.skrimshire@leeds.ac.uk) or visit MA Religion.

Student views

“I attended many LCI events, which have allowed me to engage in meaningful conversation with individuals, educated me on local issues and how I can best aid in resolving these. Above all, LCI has broadened by horizons outside of university life. LCI is both an effective facilitator of purposeful conversation, and a vital hub for those who wish to do good. I cannot recommend applying for the Scholarship enough.” Erin Clarke, scholarship recipient 2023-24

An article by Charlotte Lister, MA Scholarship student 2022-23, appears in a previous edition of the LCI magazine here.