Program Overview

---

Theology and Disability

Overview

Study religion and disability online with experts in Disability Theology. Join our renowned department of Divinity and Religious Studies for a flexible Masters programme that’s ideal CPD for faith leaders.

Qualifications

• MTh
• PgDip
• PgCert

Key Info - MTh

Learning Mode

Online

Study Level

Postgraduate SCQF Level 11

Credits

180

Typical Duration

32 - 36 months

Start Month

September or January

Indicative Cost

£10,860

This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.

Key Info - PgDip

Learning Mode

Online

Study Level

Postgraduate SCQF Level 11

Credits

120

Typical Duration

20 - 24 months

Start Month

September or January

Indicative Cost

£7,140

This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.

Key Info - PgCert

Learning Mode

Online

Study Level

Postgraduate SCQF Level 11

Credits

60

Typical Duration

8 - 12 months

Start Month

September or January

Indicative Cost

£3,520

This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.

Programme Description

Join an online Masters in Theology that explores disability studies from a theological perspective.

The experience of disability opens a fresh space for re-thinking and re-narrating what it means to be human.

Our Masters in Theology and Disability assumes that the form of human difference some choose to name ‘disability’ is a key to new transformative ways of looking at humanity and the nature of the good life.

MTh Theology and Disability draws on expertise from:

• the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability, and
• the Centre for Autism and Theology.

Join us online to study at your own pace with highly experienced Disability Theology scholars, and students from around the world.

Flexible Study Options

• Study for the MTh or exit early with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma.
• Set your own study hours with this flexible online degree that’s designed to fit around work and life commitments.

Who Can Join This Online Masters in Theology?

This distance-learning Theology degree is aimed at anyone interested in approaching questions of disability and what it means to be human from a theological perspective.

While the dominant religious perspective is Christian, students of all faiths and none are welcome.

It’s ideal CPD (Continuous Professional Development) for leaders of religious communities, and professionals working in faith communities and organisations.

It’s also excellent preparation for pursuing PhD studies in Disability Theology.

Outstanding Theology Research

We’re rated 1st in the UK for the quality of our research in Theology in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

Programme Outcomes

By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to:

• Reflect theologically on core questions and issues in Disability Theology, such as what it means to be human, and a theological view of healing.
• Describe and evaluate core ideas of key historical texts that have shaped the context in which Disability Theology is undertaken.
• Explain and justify your own position regarding influential historical texts, scholars, and developmental trajectories in Disability Theology.
• Discuss a range of hermeneutical models that bear on the interpretation of the Bible in relation to disability.
• Analyse how the Bible functions within particular church settings, and how this affects attitudes towards disability and difference.
• Apply a model of theological reflection to practical experience.

Why Choose the University of Aberdeen for Your Online Theology Degree?

Over 525 Years of Excellence

Join a university founded in 1495, where Divinity has been taught for more than five centuries.

2nd in the UK for Theology

We’re rated 2nd in the UK and 1st in Scotland for Theology by the Complete University Guide 2025.

25th in the World

We’re rated 25th in the world for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings 2024).

Programme Structure

You can choose to study for a:

• Masters (180 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), or
• Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

Master of Theology - 180 Credits

You’ll work through four 30-credit courses and a dissertation to gain your MTh.

You can start your studies in September or January and progress at a pace that suits you.

Duration

It takes a minimum of 32 months to complete the MTh. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. In this flexible MTh, you can also take breaks between courses.

Courses

Each course runs every second year, rather than every year.

• 30 credits: Contemporary Issues and Developments in Disability Theology (September)
• 30 credits: Disability: Reflective Practices in Context (January)
• 30 credits: Historical Texts in Disability Theology (September)
• 30 credits: Disability Theology and Scripture (January)

Dissertation

60 credits: Research Skills and Dissertation Writing (September)

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to change. Further information about potential changes can be viewed here.

Postgraduate Diploma - 120 Credits

You’ll work through four 30-credit courses to earn your PgDip.

You can start your studies in September or January and progress at a pace that suits you.

Duration

It takes a minimum of 20 months to complete the PgDip. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. In this flexible PgDip, you can also take breaks between courses.

Courses

Each course runs every second year, rather than every year.

• 30 credits: Contemporary Issues and Developments in Disability Theology (September)
• 30 credits: Disability: Reflective Practices in Context (January)
• 30 credits: Historical Texts in Disability Theology (September)
• 30 credits: Disability Theology and Scripture (January)

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to change. Further information about potential changes can be viewed here.

Postgraduate Certificate - 60 Credits

You’ll work through two 30-credit courses to gain your PgCert.

You can start your studies in September or January and progress at a pace that suits you.

Duration

It takes a minimum of 8 months to complete the PgCert. To study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term. In this flexible PgCert, you can also take breaks between courses.

Courses

Choose two of these courses. Each course runs every second year, rather than every year.

• 30 credits: Contemporary Issues and Developments in Disability Theology (September)
• 30 credits: Disability: Reflective Practices in Context (January)
• 30 credits: Historical Texts in Disability Theology (September)
• 30 credits: Disability Theology and Scripture (January)

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to change. Further information about potential changes can be viewed here.

How You’ll Study

Online Learning

This distance-learning Masters in Theology and Disability is delivered flexibly, 100% online.

You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.

Your Teaching

Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies.

You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:

• videos and video lectures
• live online tutorials
• podcasts
• discussion boards with your tutors and peers
• online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.

Live Online Tutorials

There are six live online tutorials for each of the 30-credit courses that make up this degree. Attendance is compulsory for these sessions, as they’re an important part of your learning.

Tutorial times will be organised flexibly at the start of each course. Your coordinator will consider everyone’s circumstances and time zones before setting up times that best suit the class.

Your Tutors

You’ll learn from leading experts in Theology and Disability, based in our School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History (DHPA).

• Professor Brian Brock
• Professor Grant Macaskill
• Dr Emma Percy
• Professor John Swinton
• Dr Léon van Ommen

Assessment

This degree is assessed entirely online via:

• essays
• book reviews
• discussion boards
• practical assignments
• creative assessment, eg, poster presentations and creative writing.

Study Hours

Live Online Tutorials

Each 30-credit course in this degree features six online tutorials.

You’ll be required to attend these tutorials at their scheduled times.

Tutorial times will be organised flexibly at the start of each course. Your coordinator will consider everyone’s circumstances and time zones before setting up tutorial times.

Study Hours

If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take no more than one 30-credit course per term.

30 credits: Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.

You’ll study 15 – 20 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.

This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes. This includes time for independent study, as well as teaching and assessments.

You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.

Activities at Fixed Times

There will be some activities scheduled at a fixed time, such as your live online tutorials and assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.

Support

Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.

We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:

• Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
• Disability support
• IT support
• Library support
• Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
• Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
• Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
• Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.

Study Experience

When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.

But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.

Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.

Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:

• Be realistic
• Create a weekly schedule as a guide

Use Your Local University Libraries

We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).

Access Study Spaces, Books and Journals in Your Area

The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.

You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.

Your Support Team

Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.

• Dr Emma Percy
• Kate Smith

Where This Will Take You

Careers

This Masters in Theology and Disability will enhance your practice, leadership, and understanding.

The qualification is ideal for those looking to progress within careers:

• in faith communities and organisations, including ministers, priests, and volunteers in churches or faith-based organisations
• as disability advisors, and
• in organisations that work with people with disabilities.

PhD Preparation

This MTh is also excellent preparation for those looking to pursue further PhD studies in the area of Disability Theology.

Fees and Funding

Master of Theology

180 credits: £10,860

This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.

Postgraduate Diploma

120 credits: £7,140

This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.

Postgraduate Certificate

60 credits: £3,520

This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.

The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.

Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.

Pay as You Go

This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.

You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.

You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.

How It Works

• You decide how many credits to study for each term.
• At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
• This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.

Your Personalised Cost Breakdown

Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.

Additional Costs

Learning Resources

Access to all the books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.

Printing

You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.

Funding Your Studies

There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:

• Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
• Student loans
• Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships

Entry Requirements

MTh, PgDip, PgCert

• 2:2 UK honours degree in a relevant discipline, or
• equivalent qualifications.

You’re also welcome to apply if you have:

• other relevant qualifications, and
• professional experience with supportive references.

International Students

Entry Requirements

We welcome students from all over the world.

See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.

Visa Requirements

You do not need a student visa to study online with us.

English Language Requirements

Teaching is delivered in English.

If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.

English Language Tests and Scores

If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept.

These are our Postgraduate Higher requirements.

• IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, or IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training): 6.5 overall, 5.5 for listening and speaking, 6.0 for reading and writing
• TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 90 overall, 17 for listening, 21 for reading, 20 for speaking, 21 for writing
• Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency: 176 overall, 162 for listening and speaking, 169 for reading and writing
• LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT: 70 overall, 60 for listening and speaking, 65 for reading and writing
• Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online: 7.0 overall, 5.0 for listening and speaking, 6.0 for reading and writing
• PTE Academic (online test not accepted): 62 overall, 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
• Skills for English: SELT: B2 pass with merit
• Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward: 120 overall, 95 for listening and speaking, 105 for reading and writing
• University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE): Pass, valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
• Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities: Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1), B2 in all four skills, certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course

For more information about language qualifications see our English Language Requirements page.

How to Apply

You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.

There is no application fee for our online degrees.

What You Need to Apply for This Degree

• Degree transcript
• Personal statement
• Degree certificate

When to Apply

You can apply to start in either September or January.

Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.

September 2025 Intake

For our September 2025 intake, the application deadline is 8 September 2025.

You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 15 September 2025.

Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.

January 2026 Intake

Teaching starts on 26 January 2026.

Application deadlines will be announced in due course.

IT Requirements

You will need access to:

A Computer (PC, Laptop or Mac) with an Up-to-Date Operating System

Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.

Reliable Internet Access

We recommend:

• a wired connection
• a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.

Speakers or Headphones

• We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
• A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.

Software

We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive and install these programs on up to five personal devices.

If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.

See our detailed IT requirements for more information.