| Degrees |
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|---|---|
| Duration |
| Start date | September or January |
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| Location | Streatham Campus |
| Study modes | Full-time, Part-time, Full-time Distance, Part-time distance |
Overview
The study of magic and occult sciences spans historical, literary and social science approaches, covering witchcraft, folklore, Western Esotericism, occult traditions in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as well as links to gender, sexuality, philosophy, metaphysics, nature, and the history of science and medicine. This interdisciplinary programme unites experts across the University of Exeter, building on its internationally recognised strengths.
Partly based in the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies (IAIS) - one of the smallest and most diverse departments at the University - it benefits from a vibrant PhD community representing over 30 countries. This setting ensures that Arabo-Islamic heritage is central to the study of magic and the occult, restoring its influence in the shaping of the “West” and fostering a truly global perspective.
The programme also draws on the History Department’s dynamic expertise, spanning the early medieval to the late 20th century, with research strengths covering Britain, continental Europe, the United States, Africa and India.
As interest in magic and occult science grows in academia, projects such as Arghavan Moharrami’s People of the Wind: On Black Esoteric and Occult Tradition in the Persian Gulf exemplify the programme’s mission to uncover overlooked traditions and reimagine the cultural connections shaping our world.
Top 3 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in all seven themes
National Student Survey 2024
Home to Europe's most important research collection on the Arab world
How to apply
Entry requirements
Before you apply you must meet the Entry requirments of this programme:
Applicants are normally expected to have, or be working towards, a Master's degree at Merit level or above in a subject area that aligns with the expertise of our staff. We also consider applications from candidates who can demonstrate professional or other relevant experience that would make them suited to undertake an MPhil/PhD with us.
Requirements for international students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E: view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
PhD and Research Programme application process
The information below applies to self-funded PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research applicants, but if you are applying for a funded PhD studentship, please follow the specific instructions related to that application.
- Pinpoint your PhD research area
- Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
- Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
- Construct and refine your PhD research proposal
- Approach your potential supervisor(s)
- Apply online
PhD studentships pages can be accessed in our Funding lists on Finance tabs under each research topic page, and are also available from the Postgraduate Research search results pages on this site, on the PhD projects tab.
Full details of the application process can be found on our Apply now webpage.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees per year 2025/26
- Home: £5,022 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £23,500 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Tuition fees per year 2026/27
- Home: £TBA full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £23,750 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our Funded centres.
Current available funding
Supervision
You can expect:
- High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
- A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
- Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
- Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
- 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
- Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors
› Arabic and Islamic Studies staff profiles
You will only be able to pursue a research degree with us if we can offer appropriate supervision. Your supervisors will provide the necessary support and guidance and so need to have expertise in your chosen research field. You may join a research team or work with specific members of staff.
We strongly recommend that you informally approach your potential supervisor(s) with your research proposal before submitting a formal application to study. This will enable you to find out if they feel they would be able to supervise you and whether they believe your research proposal needs further refinement.
Visit our how to apply page for detailed information on the application process.
Careers
A PhD in Magic and Occult Sciences opens the door to an exceptionally diverse range of careers, both within and beyond academia. Our graduates have gone on to inspire in classrooms, guide and support through counselling and mentoring, preserve and interpret the past in museums, archives, and libraries and shape cultural understanding through tourism and arts organisations. Others bring their skills to publishing, social justice and environmental think tanks, or offer spiritual and wellbeing guidance. Many channel their expertise into writing, media, and the creative arts, while some continue to push the boundaries of knowledge through further research.
Wherever your path leads, this degree equips you with the critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and creative insight to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Top 3 in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in all seven themes
National Student Survey 2024
Home to Europe's most important research collection on the Arab world
