Theology, BTh

Introduction

Theology at Aberdeen focuses on the study of the Christian faith and tradition in the context of its history, institutions and its role today. Whether you have a personal, vocational or intellectual interest in learning more about the Christian faith, or want to explore the world's major religions, Aberdeen is the place for you. You will gain accreditation with the Church of Scotland and great transferable skills which open a wide range of career options, in addition to ministry.

BTh Theology is also available to study in September or January, full-time or part-time online.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BTh
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: V612

Theology and Divinity degrees at Aberdeen both concentrate on the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, institutional and contemporary contexts and both the Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degrees are accredited by the Church of Scotland.

Theology has been taught at Aberdeen since the university was founded in 1495. You will join an international community of students and leading academics carrying forward this 500+ years of tradition in the highest-quality teaching and researching all aspects of theology and ministry and with close links to experts in all the world’s major religions.

You will explore the history of the church, Old and New Testaments, practical theology and theological ethics and choose from a vast array of courses including Biblical languages, the history of the Church in the West, the Reformation in Scotland, classical and contemporary Christian doctrine, the role of religion in ethical and political debates, and religious aspects of disability.

You will get to grips with the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek and Latin, study the Quran, Confucian and Daoist sacred texts, explore the anthropology and sociology of religion and examine the links between spirituality, health and healing.

In addition to ministry and other roles in the church, your career options will be wide due to the intellectual skills you will have gained, media and journalism, public service and administration, the NGO sector, business, government service, publishing, education and research.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Theology at Aberdeen is a diverse programme that offers a range of fascinating courses. The analytical and comparative skills that you will develop will help prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Some of the topics that you will study on this course include the Hebrew Bible; The Founders of Christianity, the New Testament, Ancient Israel, Christian Doctrine and Practice, Anthropological Theories of Religion, The Origins of Christology and The Reformation in Scotland.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credit points.
  • Plus at least 60 credit points from level 1 courses in Divinity or the following approved courses
    • Latin 1 (LT1009)
    • Latin 2 (LT1507)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • At least 60 credit points from level 2 courses in Divinity.
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • 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 of Divinity, History and Philosophy emphasises a flexible approach to teaching and assessment, utilising a combination of small and large group teaching assessed through examinations, essays and presentations. Honours students write a dissertation on a subject of their choice approved by a supervisor.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• 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.
• 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?

• Divinity and Theology at Aberdeen received 100% for overall student satisfaction by the National Student Survey (NSS) 2021.
• The University of Aberdeen has a tradition of theological study and excellence dating back to when it first opened in 1495.
• This programme offers a vast array of courses, including Biblical languages, the history of the Church in the West and the Reformation in Scotland.
• You will benefit from having the opportunity to study courses that particularly interest you, ensuring that you achieve the highest grade you can.
• Our department is host to an international community of scholars who study all aspects of theology and ministry.
• You will benefit from the department's close links to religious studies specialists.
• You will have access to excellent library facilities, beautiful surroundings, and a warm welcome.
• At Aberdeen, we keep our class sizes small, so that you can share your thoughts and ideas with teaching staff and other students.

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.

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

Studying Theology at Aberdeen will help you prepare for a wide range of careers. The University places a strong emphasis on applied learning and the skills that you learn will help you meet the requirements of top employers. Many of our graduates continue their studies at postgraduate level and go on to be involved in internationally recognised research programmes. Other 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.

Accreditation

• This degree holds accreditation from:
  • Church of Scotland

Excellence in Theology Dates Back to 1495

The University has a tradition of theological study and excellence dating back to 1495.

Our Experts

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors.

Features

Aberdeen’s Department of Divinity and Religious Studies is one of the highest ranked departments in the United Kingdom for research. Many of our Theology graduates have gone on to study at postgraduate level and are now involved in internationally recognised research. The School of Divinity, History and Philosophy is home to one of the largest populations of postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen.

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• BD Divinity
• BTh Theology (Online)
• MA Theology and Religion

Discover Uni

Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.

• 100% of students were satisfied overall with their course.
• 100% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

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Degree Overview:

The University of Aberdeen offers a diverse program in Theology, focusing on the study of Christian faith and its history, institutions, and contemporary relevance. This program is well-suited for individuals seeking personal, professional, or academic exploration of Christian faith. The program is accredited by the Church of Scotland and offers transferable skills for various career options, including ministry-related roles.

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Objectives:

• Equip individuals with a strong foundation in Christian faith and theology.
• Develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Foster intercultural and interfaith dialogue.
• Prepare students for diverse careers in ministry and beyond.

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Program Description:

This dynamic program blends historical, theological, and practical aspects of Christian faith. Students engage in a stimulating learning environment through lectures, seminars, and independent research. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from biblical studies and church history to ethical debates and religious practices.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Courses: Academic Writing, Getting Started at Aberdeen University.
• Optional Courses: Select from a variety of Divinity courses at level 1 and electives from other disciplines.

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Year 2:

• Optional Courses: Select from Divinity courses at level 2 and electives from other disciplines.

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Year 3:

• Optional Courses: Select from Divinity courses at level 3 or above and electives from other disciplines.

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Year 4:

• Dissertation: Students choose from two dissertation options.
• Optional Courses: Select from Divinity courses at level 4, including a minimum of 60 credits from Divinity and 30 from other disciplines.

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Assessment:

The assessment methods vary based on the specific courses. Students are typically evaluated through a combination of:

• Coursework: Essays, reports, and other written assignments.
• Practical assessments: Demonstrations of skills and competencies learned in the course.
The weighting of these methods differs depending on the course, year of study, and individual subjects. Honors projects are assessed based on a written dissertation.

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Teaching:

The School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy emphasizes an interactive learning approach. Small-group discussions, tutorials, and independent projects are integral parts of the curriculum. Students receive individual feedback and guidance from experienced faculty members. The department boasts an international community of scholars specializing in various areas of theology and ministry, providing students with diverse perspectives.

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Careers:

This degree prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

• Ministry-related roles within churches and religious organizations
• Education: Teaching religious studies, ethics, and related subjects
• Media and Journalism: Contributing expertise in religious affairs and ethical issues
• Public Service and Administration: Working with government agencies on issues related to faith, ethics, and social justice
• NGO Sector: Engaging with organizations focused on social development, human rights, and interfaith dialogue
• Business: Applying ethical principles and communication skills in various business settings
• Government: Contributing to policy development and implementation
• Publishing: Editing, writing, and contributing to publications on religious and theological topics
• Research: Pursuing further academic studies and research in theology, religious studies, or related fields
Graduates are equipped with critical thinking, communication, research, and intercultural competence, making them valuable assets in diverse fields.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes a flexible approach, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests and career aspirations.
• Students benefit from access to excellent library resources, historical and theological collections, and modern facilities.
• The program fosters a supportive learning environment, with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members.

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Fee category

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RUK | £9,250 EU / International students | £20,800 Home Students | £1,820

University of Aberdeen

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Overview:

The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.

Student Life:

Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:

Sports:

Participation in various sports teams and leagues.

Societies and Clubs:

Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.

Events and Activities:

Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.

Global Reputation:

It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.

Vibrant City:

Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.

Strong Research Focus:

The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Degrees:

Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.

Postgraduate Taught Degrees:

Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.

Postgraduate Research Degrees:

PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.

Online Learning:

Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.

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Other:

The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.

Key Reasons to Study There:

The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.