A major opportunity has opened for students passionate about exploring some of the deepest questions of human existence, spiritual reality, and the philosophical traditions of diverse cultures. The University of Birmingham has announced the William Paton MA Stipends in Global Philosophy of Religion, offering £2,000 to selected MA students enrolling in the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics programme for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Backed by the John Templeton Foundation, Birmingham alumni, and the William Paton Trust, this award directly supports the Global Philosophy of Religion Pathway, a rapidly growing and internationally influential branch of philosophical study.
What This Funding Opportunity Is All About?
The William Paton MA Stipends support students who want to deepen their understanding of philosophical questions related to spirituality, human purpose, and ethical living—from non-Western, Indigenous, Abrahamic, Indic, East Asian, and other global wisdom traditions.
This stipend is tied to the landmark project, Global Philosophy of Religion: Fundamental Spiritual Reality, Human Purpose, and Living Well (GPR-2), which aims to reshape how philosophy of religion is studied by elevating voices and traditions traditionally underrepresented in Anglo-American contexts.
Over the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 academic years, 10 stipends of £2,000 each will be awarded to exceptional students who select this pathway and contribute to the global research themes of GPR-2.
What the Award Offers?
Award Value: £2,000 (one-time stipend)
Study Level: Postgraduate Taught (MA)
Programme: MA in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics (Global Philosophy of Religion Pathway)
Institution: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Campus
The stipend helps offset study costs and allows scholars to commit deeply to research that connects philosophical questions with diverse world traditions.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This stipend is open to students from any country who meet the following criteria:
- Have an offer to join the MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics programme at the University of Birmingham.
- Choose the Global Philosophy of Religion Pathway within the programme.
- Plan to write an MA thesis aligned with the research themes of GPR-2, such as: Spiritual reality, human purpose, living well, and comparative philosophy of religion.
- Submit a complete application package by the deadline.
Students are welcome to apply regardless of whether they are Home or International fee-paying students.
Selection Will Be Based On:
- The overall quality of the application (personal statement, CV, references)
- Academic record at the undergraduate level
- Alignment of research interests with the GPR-2 project
- Preference for students not receiving other University of Birmingham funding
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the William Paton MA Stipends in Global Philosophy of Religion is 30 April 2026.