Program Overview

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Politics and Theology & Religion, MA

Introduction

Politics and Theology & Religion at Aberdeen gives you solid grounding in politics and political systems across the world, and combines it with a fascinating exploration of the origin, function, and meaning of religion, studying and comparing the major religions across the world, and with special focus on Christian faith in historic and contemporary contexts. You’ll graduate with highly-developed specialist and academic skills applicable in many roles.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: LVG6
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
• Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)

Optional Courses

• Select 60 credit points from level 1 courses in Divinity or the approved courses shown below,
  • Latin 1 (LT1009)
  • Latin 2 (LT1507)

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
• Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)

Optional Courses

• Select a further 60 credit points from level 2 courses in Divinity.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• Research Methods in Politics and International Relations (PI3084)

Optional Courses

• One Term 2 level 3 Politics and International Relations course from the Politics and International Relations Annexe.
• Plus 60 credit points from course(s) from level 3 courses in Divinity

Year 4

Optional Courses

• EITHER:
  • Dissertation (DR4044)
  • Plus one Term 1 level 4 Politics and International Relations course from the Politics and International Relations Annexe
  • 30 credit points from level 4 Divinity courses
  • Plus one Term 2 level 4 Politics and International Relations course from the Politics and International Relations Annexe
• OR:
  • Dissertation (DR4544)
  • 30 credit points from level 4 Divinity courses
  • Plus one Term 1 level 4 Politics and International Relations course from the Politics and International Relations Annexe
  • Plus one Term 2 level 4 Politics and International Relations course from the Politics and International Relations Annexe
• OR:
  • Dissertation (PI4071)
  • One Term 2 level 4 Politics and International Relations course from the Politics and International Relations Annexe
  • Plus 60 credit points from level 4 Divinity courses

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learned on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Politics and Theology & Religion?

Why Politics and International Relations

• A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy
• Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU
• Staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy, energy politics, European integration and regionalism, human rights and development issues, interest groups, nationalism, conflict resolution and more
• Opportunities to take advantage of spending your second year studying abroad, in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining a top-class study environment with state-of-the-art technology, and extensive reference collections for your studies
• A packed campus programme of events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May festival, engaging prominent influencers, interest groups and public in debating major political issues such as Scottish independence and EU membership
• All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change, and emerging democracy

Why Theology

• A wide variety of courses: from biblical languages to the Reformation in Scotland, and from Buddhist philosophy to the stories of the prophets in Islam
• An international community of eminent professors, including leading author and influential thinker Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics
• Specialist research and teaching centres include the Aberdeen University Centre for Ministry Studies, the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, and the Kairos Forum for people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities
• The inspiration of the beautiful King's College Chapel, begun in 1495 by University founder Bishop Elphinstone, a treasure-house of history and religious turbulence and today a precious interfaith space for a multifaith University community
• Major historic treasures of national and international significance, including the archives of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland pre-1878 and fascinating local records of local estates and families through 500 years of religious turmoil
• Spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining top-class study facilities with state-of-the-art technology, and our beautiful Divinity Library with an extensive collection of theological material
• A packed programme of events, including theological lectures, café discussions, exhibitions and the annual WayWord literary festival

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability
• The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond

Our Experts

• You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors
• Information About Staff Changes: You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.