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
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)
- Research Skills and Dissertation Writing (DR505W)
Optional Courses
- DR502T Creation and Christian Ethics (30 credit points)
- DR504U Topics in Systematic Theology: God, Christ and Salvation (30 credit points)
- DR505C New Testament Studies in Process: Currents and Themes (30 credit points)
- DR505T A History of Spiritual Formation Literature and Practices (30 credit points
- DR551Q Great Thinkers in Theological Ethics (30 credit points)
- DR554U Topics in Systematic Theology: Spirit, Church, and World (30 credit points)
- DR555L The Old Testament – Mundane Mechanics & Heavenly Concepts (30 credit points )
- DR555R Significant Figures and Places in Early Christianity
- DR5045/DR5545 Special Subject (15 credit points)
- DR502X/DR552X Special Subject (30 credit points)
NB: students require special permission from the programme coordinator to take these Special
Subject coursesA 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)
- Latin 2 (LT1507)
- Hebrew Language 1 (DR1042)
- Hebrew Language 2 (DR1536)
- Ancient Greek Language 1 (DR103X)
- Ancient Greek Language 2 (DR153X)
- Creation and Christian Ethics (DR502T)
- Topics in Systematic Theology: God, Christ, and Salvation (DR504U)
- New Testament Studies in Process: Currents and Themes (DR505C)
- A History of Spiritual Formation Literature and Practices (DR505T)
- Great Thinkers in Theological Ethics (DR551Q)
- Topics in Systematic Theology: Spirit, Church, and World (DR554U)
- The Old Testament – Mundane Mechanics & Heavenly Concepts (DR555L)
- Significant Figures and Places in Early Christianity (DR555R)
- Special Subject (DR5045)
- Special Subject (DR5545)
- Special Subject (DR502X)
- Special Subject (DR552X)
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 for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship 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 pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
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, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Joachim Schaper, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Grant Macaskill, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Paul Nimmo, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Tom Greggs, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Philip Ziegler, The University of Aberdeen
- Professor Brian Brock, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Kenneth Jeffrey, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Edward Epsen, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Daniel Pedersen, The University of Aberdeen
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