Program Overview

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Theology and Religion, MA

Introduction

Theology and Religion includes both the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, cross-cultural and contemporary contexts, and the comparative study of the major and local religious traditions of the world, which focuses on the origin, function, and meaning of religion.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: V605
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

The MA in Theology and Religious Studies at Aberdeen gives students a cutting-edge understanding of Christianity and the other major religious traditions of the world, including their historical development and contemporary importance. The degree also gives students the opportunity to explore a wide diversity of courses in the Arts and Social Sciences. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and Religious Studies may be taken as a Designated or Honours degree, and may also be studied part-time (in this case applications are made directly to the University, not through UCAS).

Part-time Study

Part-time study options are available for this programme.

What You'll Study

Theology and Religion at Aberdeen is a diverse programme that offers a range of courses relating to Christian theology and history, as well as exploring major and local religious traditions of the world.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses: During the first year of study, students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
• Optional Courses: Select at least 60 credit points from level 1 courses in Divinity or the following approved courses plus, select further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credit points.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses: During the second year of study students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
• Optional Courses: Select at least 60 credit points from level 2 courses in Divinity, plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.

Year 3

• Optional Courses: Select 120 credit points worth of courses of which 90 credit points must be from level 3 courses in Divinity.

Year 4

• Optional Courses: Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
  • DR4044 Dissertation
  • DR4544 Dissertation
• Plus a further 90 credit points from level 4 courses in Divinity.

How You'll Study

The School has a flexible approach to teaching and assessment, utilising a combination of small and large group teaching assessed through examinations, essays and personal dissertation. The acquisition of communication, IT and team working skills is emphasised.

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
• written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Theology and Religion?

• Divinity and Theology at Aberdeen received 100% for overall student satisfaction by the National Student Survey (NSS) 2021.
• A wide variety of courses are on offer: from biblical languages to the Reformation in Scotland, and from Buddhist philosophy to the stories of the prophets in Islam.

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

Our previous graduates have found employment in a wide range of areas, including the churches, media and journalism, teaching, public service and administration, the NGO sector, business, government and publishing.

Career Opportunities

• Charity Director
• Charity Fundraiser
• Development Officer
• NGO Worker (Charity Worker)
• Researcher
• Support Worker
• TEFL Teacher
• Teacher
• Youth Pastor

Facilities

Since the University was founded in 1495, it has been one of the centres of theological study in Scotland. This programme is taught in the late-medieval King’s College campus, which provides the perfect surroundings to learn about the history and culture of Christianity.