Introduction
The Masters in Theology (MTh) allows students to choose either a specialist or a more generalist study route. Depending on the combination of courses taken, students can graduate with either the more general Masters in Theology (MTh) or a specialist degree in one of the following subject areas: MTh Biblical Studies, MTh Church History, MTh Systematic Theology, or MTh Theological Ethics.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MTh
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
The University of Aberdeen has an international reputation for excellence in the study of Christian Theology and the Department of Divinity is a leading centre of biblical and theological training and research. On entry to the MTh in Theology, you will join a lively, collegial, international and ecumenical community.
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
-
Students who choose a specialisation route and who successfully complete all 180 credits, on approval by the School, will be able to graduate with one of the following degrees:
- MTh Biblical Studies
- MTh Church History
- MTh Systematic Theology
- MTh Theological Ethics
Students who choose not to specialise will graduate with a Masters in Theology, MTh.
Students who choose the Biblical Studies specialist route will be required to take up to 30 credits of biblical language courses in order to have facilities in both Greek and Hebrew. The programme of study will be decided on an individual basis in consultation with the programme coordinator and will take account of demonstrable previous language learning. In cases where the student can demonstrate proficiency in both Greek and Hebrew, this requirement may be waived.
Part-time study runs over the course of two years. Up to 120 credit points can be taken in a single academic year, with students taking a maximum of 180 credits in total over the two years. Students on this route will also be able to select from the optional courses below.
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
- DR504U: Topics in Systematic Theology: God, Christ & Salvation (30 credits)
- DR502T: Creation & Christian Ethics (30 credits)
- DR505T: A History of Spiritual Formation Literature and Practices (30 credits)
- DR505N: Israel’s Scriptures at the Turn of the Common Era (30 credits)
- DR505C: New Testament Studies in Process: Currents & Themes (30 credits)
- AH501B: Art and Christianity (30 credits)
A maximum of 30 credits during the degree programme may be taken from the level one language courses below. Please note that Latin 1, Ancient Greek Language 1 and Hebrew Language 1 run in the first term; Latin 2, Ancient Greek Language 2, and Hebrew Language 2 run in the second term.
- LT1009: Latin 1 (15 credits)
- LT1507: Latin 2 (15 credits)
- DR103X: Ancient Greek Language 1 (15 credits)
- DR153X: Ancient Greek Language 2 (15 credits)
- DR1042: Hebrew Language 1 (15 credits)
- DR1536: Hebrew Language 2 (15 credits)
- Latin 1 (LT1009)
-
15 Credit Points
Latin 1 is an introductory, intensive course for those with little or no previous exposure to Latin. Students completing this course should have a Latin vocabulary of about 400 words and a basic understanding of Latin grammar and syntax. Students successfully completing this course will be adequately prepared to attend Latin 2. Students will very likely discover that their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar/syntax is improved by their study of Latin. The etymological roots of many English words can be traced to the Latin language.
- Latin 2 (LT1507)
-
15 Credit Points
Latin 2 picks up where Latin 1 finished in first term. By the end of this course students should have a more or less comprehensive understanding of Latin syntax and grammar, a Latin vocabulary of 700-800 words, and should be capable of translating simple Latin texts into idiomatic English. Students will very likely discover that their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar/syntax is improved by their study of Latin.
- Hebrew Language 1 (DR1042)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to classical biblical Hebrew without presupposing any prior knowledge. It involves the study of grammar and syntax and the translation of simple Hebrew prose texts.
- Hebrew Language 2 (DR1536)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is the second part of an introduction to classical biblical Hebrew. It involves the study of grammar and syntax and the translation of simple Hebrew prose texts. Only students who have taken DR1042 or equivalent are eligible to take this course.
- Topics in Systematic Theology: God, Christ, and Salvation (DR504U)
-
30 Credit Points
This course engages at length and in depth with the classic topics of God, Christ, and salvation in the Christian theological tradition, aiming to foster critical reflection on the scope and coherence of Christian teachings as well as on the defining concerns and conventions of Christian systematic theology, and to cultivate in students the interpretative and analytical skills required for advanced work in the discipline. In this course, students will engage intensively with one or more major texts from the Christian doctrinal tradition, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary sources.
- Art and Christianity (AH501B)
-
30 Credit Points
The course offers an introduction to the intersections of art and Christianity, from the earliest days of the institution to the present. Through detailed examination of art and architecture, students will engage with some the church’s earliest debates and conversations, defining the spaces in which Christians worshipped and central identity of Christianity as it existed both in experience and in the imagination of people throughout its 2000-year history. Whereas Judaism and Islam restrict the making of images, Christianity was one of the greatest patrons of the arts, recognising visual culture’s intrinsic power in shaping the minds of the faithful and potential converts. The strategies the Church employed were innovative and successful, but always remined debated and significantly contributing the urge towards Reformation in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
- Semester 2
-
Optional Courses
- DR554U: Topics in Systematic Theology: Spirit, Church and World (30 credits)
- DR551Q: Great Thinkers in Theological Ethics (30 credits)
- DR555L: The Old Testament: Mundane Mechanics & Heavenly Concepts (30 credits)
- DR555U: Close Readings in Early Christian Literature (30 credits)
- DR555R: Significant Figures and Places in Early Christianity (30 credits)
- AH551H: Theology and Aesthetics (30 credits)
A maximum of 30 credits during the degree programme may be taken from the level one language courses below. Please note that Latin 1, Ancient Greek Language 1 and Hebrew Language 1 run in the first term; Latin 2, Ancient Greek Language 2, and Hebrew Language 2 run in the second term.
- LT1009: Latin 1 (15 credits)
- LT1507: Latin 2 (15 credits)
- DR103X: Ancient Greek Language 1 (15 credits)
- DR153X: Ancient Greek Language 2 (15 credits)
- DR1042: Hebrew Language 1 (15 credits)
- DR1536: Hebrew Language 2 (15 credits)
- Latin 1 (LT1009)
-
15 Credit Points
Latin 1 is an introductory, intensive course for those with little or no previous exposure to Latin. Students completing this course should have a Latin vocabulary of about 400 words and a basic understanding of Latin grammar and syntax. Students successfully completing this course will be adequately prepared to attend Latin 2. Students will very likely discover that their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar/syntax is improved by their study of Latin. The etymological roots of many English words can be traced to the Latin language.
- Latin 2 (LT1507)
-
15 Credit Points
Latin 2 picks up where Latin 1 finished in first term. By the end of this course students should have a more or less comprehensive understanding of Latin syntax and grammar, a Latin vocabulary of 700-800 words, and should be capable of translating simple Latin texts into idiomatic English. Students will very likely discover that their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar/syntax is improved by their study of Latin.
- Hebrew Language 1 (DR1042)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is an introduction to classical biblical Hebrew without presupposing any prior knowledge. It involves the study of grammar and syntax and the translation of simple Hebrew prose texts.
- Hebrew Language 2 (DR1536)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is the second part of an introduction to classical biblical Hebrew. It involves the study of grammar and syntax and the translation of simple Hebrew prose texts. Only students who have taken DR1042 or equivalent are eligible to take this course.
- Topics in Systematic Theology: Spirit, Church, and World (DR554U)
-
30 Credit Points
This course engages at length and in pdeth with the classic topics of Spirit, church and world in the Christian theological tradition, aiming to foster critical reflection on the scope and coherence of Christian teaching as well as on the defining concerns and conventions of Christian systematic theology, and to cultivate in students the interpretative and analytical skills required for advanced work in the discipline. In this course, students will engage intensively with one or more major texts from the Christian doctrinal tradition, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary sources.
- Great Thinkers in Theological Ethics (DR551Q)
-
30 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to a number of major thinkers in the area of Theological Ethics. Its focus will be on reading and discussing texts by prominent figures who are of ongoing significance. Moreover, this course will include figures from different theological and confessional backgrounds (Catholic, Reformed, Lutheran, non-Conformist, etc.), and explore whether and how their theological commitments connect with practical stances and approaches (i.e. on issues of war and peace, sexual ethics, bioethics, etc.)
- Theology and Aesthetics (AH551H)
-
30 Credit Points
This core course considers the aesthetic tradition within biblical and systematic theology. Traditions of iconography will be discussed as will ideas of participation and semiotic theory. It offers an overview of the figures and movements in theological aesthetics beginning in Hebrew and bronze age concepts of the representation of the deity running to figures such as Augustine, Aquinas, Eastern traditions, The Reformers, Counter Reformers, Barth, von Balthasar featuring along the way.
- Semester 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation (DR502G)
-
60 Credit Points
20,000 word dissertation written on a topic related to the student's taught Master's programme and agreed to by the supervisor and the programme co-ordinator.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £22,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| UK | £10,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The taught courses will be assessed by coursework, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of the dissertation. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners.
Why Study Masters in Theology?
- The Masters in Theology allows academic flexibility, enabling students to determine their own path of study.
- The University of Aberdeen has a reputation as one of the foremost research institutions in Theology, offering a variety of career options and further academic research.
- Teaching on the programme is closely integrated with Aberdeen’s research expertise and offers access to internationally recognised scholars in a broad range of sub-disciplines.
- Aberdeen’s Department of Divinity has a large postgraduate community and there are several vibrant postgraduate research seminars open to students and staff.
- The Department of Divinity regularly hosts events and conferences through which you will gain access to a range of internationally renowned scholars.
- The Department of Divinity is linked to a number of active research centres.
- Our students come from across the globe and contribute to a diverse and multi-cultural context.
View further videos about the programme:
Entry Requirements
For more information about the application process, including details about which supporting documents you will be asked to provide, please click here.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Candidates must normally have an Honours degree to at least 2.1 standard in an appropriate discipline or equivalent qualifications (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America).
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
An Aberdeen MTh in Theology prepares students for a wide variety of careers. Our students have gone on to teaching, ministry, church leadership, charitable organisations. Many of our students also progress to doctoral studies here at Aberdeen and at a wide range of institutions around the world.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Dr Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner
- Professor Joachim Schaper
- Professor Grant Macaskill
- Professor Paul Nimmo
- Professor Tom Greggs
- Professor Philip Ziegler
- Professor Brian Brock
- Dr Kenneth Jeffrey
- Dr Edward Epsen
- Dr Daniel Pedersen
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX