UNIVERSITY OF EXETER · UNITED KINGDOM
PhD Magic and Occult Science
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€27k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
This PhD program offers a unique opportunity to delve into the interdisciplinary study of magic and occult sciences. It encompasses historical, literary, and social science approaches, exploring topics such as witchcraft, folklore, Western Esotericism, and occult traditions within Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The program also examines the connections between these subjects and gender, sexuality, philosophy, metaphysics, nature, and the history of science and medicine. Exeter's program brings together leading experts from various departments, including the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, which holds a significant research collection on the Arab world, and the History Department, with strengths spanning medieval to late 20th-century global history. This diverse academic environment fosters a global perspective, highlighting the influence of Arabo-Islamic heritage on Western esotericism and unearthing overlooked traditions. As interest in these fields grows in academia, this PhD provides a platform to contribute to groundbreaking research, uncovering hidden connections and reimagining the cultural forces that shape our world.
Careers
A PhD in Magic and Occult Sciences equips graduates with a diverse skill set, opening doors to a wide range of careers both within and outside academia. The critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and creative insight gained are highly valued in various sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles in teaching, counseling, mentoring, museum and archive work, cultural heritage interpretation, tourism, arts organizations, publishing, social justice advocacy, environmental research, and creative fields such as writing and media. The degree also provides a strong foundation for further research.
- Academic researcher/lecturer
- Museum/archive curator
- Cultural heritage consultant
- Writer/journalist
- Policy advisor
- Counsellor/mentor
- Arts administrator
- Publishing professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Magic and Occult Science?
- Applicants should normally hold a Master's degree with a Merit level or above in a relevant subject area, or possess equivalent professional or other relevant experience. All applicants must be able to secure appropriate supervision for their research area.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- For 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for international students is £23,500 per year. These fees are expected to increase modestly annually in line with Consumer Price Inflation.
- What is the application deadline for a September intake?
- The application deadline for a September intake is June 30th for international applicants and July 31st for home applicants. Applications received after these deadlines and before October 1st may be considered for a January start.
- What is the application process for this PhD program?
- The application process involves identifying a research area, checking for supervisor availability, meeting English language requirements, developing a research proposal, contacting potential supervisors, and submitting an online application. It is strongly recommended to contact potential supervisors informally before applying.
- What career paths can I pursue with a PhD in Magic and Occult Science?
- Graduates are prepared for diverse careers both within and outside academia, including roles as academic researchers, museum curators, cultural heritage consultants, writers, and policy advisors. The program also provides skills for social justice advocacy, environmental research, and creative fields.
Entry requirements
Master's degreeNormally Merit level or above in a relevant subject area, or equivalent professional or other relevant experience.
Profile ERefer to the international equivalency pages for specific test scores and country equivalencies.
International students should check the 'international equivalency pages' to ensure their qualifications meet the entry requirements. Applicants must be able to secure appropriate supervision for their research area.
Fees
Tuition (international)£23,500 per year (full-time) for 2025/26. Expected to increase modestly annually.
Tuition (home)£5,022 per year (full-time) for 2025/26. Expected to increase modestly annually.
Living—
Tuition fees are subject to modest annual increases in line with Consumer Price Inflation. Further details can be found on the Student Finance webpages.
How to apply
1. Identify Research AreaPinpoint your specific PhD research area within Magic and Occult Sciences.
2. Check Research AvailabilityInvestigate whether your research area aligns with the expertise and available supervision at the University of Exeter.
3. Meet English Language RequirementsEnsure you meet the required English language proficiency standards (for international students).
4. Develop Research ProposalConstruct and refine a detailed research proposal outlining your intended study.
5. Contact Potential SupervisorsInformally approach potential supervisors with your research proposal to gauge their interest and suitability. This is strongly recommended before formal application.
6. Apply OnlineSubmit your formal online application through the university's application portal.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Magic and Occult Science?
+
Applicants should normally hold a Master's degree with a Merit level or above in a relevant subject area, or possess equivalent professional or other relevant experience. All applicants must be able to secure appropriate supervision for their research area.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
For 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for international students is £23,500 per year. These fees are expected to increase modestly annually in line with Consumer Price Inflation.
What is the application deadline for a September intake?
+
The application deadline for a September intake is June 30th for international applicants and July 31st for home applicants. Applications received after these deadlines and before October 1st may be considered for a January start.
What is the application process for this PhD program?
+
The application process involves identifying a research area, checking for supervisor availability, meeting English language requirements, developing a research proposal, contacting potential supervisors, and submitting an online application. It is strongly recommended to contact potential supervisors informally before applying.
What career paths can I pursue with a PhD in Magic and Occult Science?
+
Graduates are prepared for diverse careers both within and outside academia, including roles as academic researchers, museum curators, cultural heritage consultants, writers, and policy advisors. The program also provides skills for social justice advocacy, environmental research, and creative fields.