The Dharmanath Scholarship in Jain Studies

The “Global Philosophy of Religion: Fundamental Spiritual Reality, Human Purpose, and Living Well” (GPR-2 project; grant ID number: 62817) is a major international initiative funded by the John Templeton Foundation to make the philosophy of religion a truly global field. The project will enhance and promote cutting-edge research on central issues in the philosophy of religion by creating opportunities for researchers and students representing regions of the world and religious and wisdom traditions that are currently underrepresented in Anglo-American philosophy of religion.

In 2022 the University of Birmingham launched a world-leading teaching and research programme in Jainism, made possible by generous supporters from the global Jain community. Jainism is an ancient religion originating from India, emphasising non-violence, self-control, compassion and non-possessiveness. Named after an apostle of unconditional nonviolence, the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies is developing teaching and research in relation to contemporary issues, such as environmental protection, human rights and interfaith dialogue.

Scholarship details

As part of these exciting initiatives, we are offering a scholarship to support an exceptional candidate to undertake a Master by Research Degree in Theology and Religion in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham, with a dissertation on Jainism.

The MA by Research in Theology and Religion is full-time fixed-term for 12 months for either campus or distance learning researchers. Students on this course will usually have an option to progress onto a second year. However, the Dharmanath MA by Research in Jain Studies Scholarship is available in year one only.

You will investigate central topics in Jainism, which can range from any study area, from philosophy and philosophy of religion to textual and cultural studies that have a philosophical impact.

You'll contribute to the better representation of Jainism, as well as to reshaping traditional fields of investigation from a global approach. You'll join a lively and flourishing research community in a collegiate and highly ambitious environment. Since we support early career scholars working in the field, our hope is that this Masters dissertation and experience will then enable the successful candidate to apply to a doctoral grant.

Value of Award

Successful students will be awarded up to 100% of their tuition fees (the scholarship is available at the home fees rate). Please visit our website for fees and course details for September 2026 entry.

The Dharmanath MA by Research in Jain Studies Scholarship is generously supported by Drs. Jasvant N. Modi and Meera Modi and family, and by the William Paton Trust, which is managed by the University of Birmingham.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you'll need to:

• Have applied for the full-time, 12 month MA by Research in Theology and Religion (on campus or by distance learning) at the University of Birmingham and intend to write an MA thesis on Jainism that is relevant to the theme of GPR-2.

• Be classed as a Home student for tuition fee purposes. 

• Commit to taking part in engagement activities related to the Dharmanath Network in Jain Studies and GPR-2. For example funder meetings and public lectures and related activities.

• Be self-funded: You must be self-funding and have sufficient funds to cover the full cost of living at the University of Birmingham.

Please visit the Global Philosophy of Religion Project website for more information on GPR-2 and our research topics.

How to Apply

You need to complete and submit an application to our full time MA by Research in Theology and Religion and include in your research proposal that you are interested in conducting research into Jain Studies.

You then need to submit the following items written in English as a single PDF file by 23:55 on 30/04/2026 (GMT):

• A CV that includes the applicant’s academic record
• A personal statement

Please email your completed applications to gpr@contacts.bham.ac.uk with the following subject heading: “Jain Studies MA by Research Scholarship [YOUR NAME]”.

We will assess each application according to the following selection criteria:

• The quality of the application, including the personal statement
• The applicant’s academic record as an undergraduate student

For your application to be considered we need to have received a complete application by the deadline. Your application will then be graded and ranked by School Panels.

We will let you know as soon as possible the outcome of your application - usually within the period from early May to the end of June.