Program Overview

---

Christianity and the Visual Arts, MLitt

Introduction

The MLitt in Christianity and the Visual Arts combines the study of art and faith in the Christian world from medieval to modern times. Explore faith and the interpretation of Christian artworks in and beyond the western European context, with access to world-class ecclesiastical, artistic and cultural resources at the University.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MLitt
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September

The programme combines historical and theological approaches allowing students to develop critical skills and a sensitivity to the demands of a lived religion and its visualised expression. Examine a broad spectrum of objects, images, texts, and aesthetic discourses to deepen your knowledge of Christian art and its histories.

The MLitt has strategic cultural relationships with organisations, including Blairs Museum, offering unique opportunities to receive valuable vocational training and undertake original research in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Taught by leading experts in Divinity and Art History, this programme aligns art historical expertise in religious art with Divinity’s innovative and accessible approaches to the study of faith, vocational training of the profession and working with faith communities.

Our programme provides bespoke taught content and robust research training, giving you the ideal preparation for further research, future employment or vocational training – or simply to be enjoyed out of interest. The programme is also open to those working in the professional sectors seeking upskilling opportunities, such as the clergy and those employed in museums and galleries.

Campus teaching will take place in Kings College with the chapel and the Divinity Library operating as key spaces for classes and informal meetings, as well as organising displays as part of the assessment. For students studying online, interaction will take place in the virtual classroom, utilising digitised resources and discussion boards. In both formats, this degree aims to provide a unique experience to study art and Christianity in a meaningful way.

What You'll Study

Semester 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
  • Art and Christianity (AH501B)

Semester 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Theology and Aesthetics (AH551H)
  • Researching Art and Faith (AH501E)

Semester 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Christianity and the Visual Arts Dissertation (AH591B)

Fee Information

• EU / International students: £22,000
• UK: £10,000

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (with 5.5 in Listening, 5.5 in Reading, 5.5 in Speaking, and 6.0 in Writing)
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 (with 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic: 62 (with 59 in Listening, 59 in Reading, 59 in Speaking, and 59 in Writing)
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: 176 (with 162 in Listening, 162 in Reading, 162 in Speaking, and 169 in Writing)

Careers

Our programme provides bespoke taught content and robust research training, giving you the ideal preparation for further research, future employment or vocational training – or simply to be enjoyed out of interest.

Our Experts

• Head of Department: Dr Joanne Anderson
• Head of Discipline: Professor Tom Greggs
• Other Experts: Karl Patrick Kinsella, Professor John Behr

Why Study Christianity and the Visual Arts?

• Explore the intertwined relation of art and Christianity, with access to rare artistic and cultural resources at the University.
• The programme draws on cutting edge research and expertise from the departments of Art History and Divinity.
• Develop critical skills and a sensitivity to the demands of a historic and lived religion and its visualised expression.
• Theology has been taught at the University of Aberdeen since its foundation in 1495.
• Excellent opportunities to gain practical training and undertake original research through our regional cultural partners including Blairs Museum, Scotland's Museum of Catholic Heritage.