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:
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).
By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to...
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Reflect theologically on core questions and issues in Disability Theology, such as what it means to be human, and a theological view of healing.
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Describe and evaluate core ideas of key historical texts that have shaped the context in which Disability Theology is undertaken.
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Explain and justify your own position regarding influential historical texts, scholars, and developmental trajectories in Disability Theology.
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Discuss a range of hermeneutical models that bear on the interpretation of the Bible in relation to disability.
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Analyse how the Bible functions within particular church settings, and how this affects attitudes towards disability and difference.
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Apply a model of theological reflection to practical experience.
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).
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), or
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
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. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
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
Brian Brock is Professor of Moral and Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen. He has written a wide range of scholarly essays on themes related to disability. He is a Managing Editor of the Journal of Disability and Religion.
View Brian’s profile
Professor Grant Macaskill
Grant Macaskill is the Kirby Laing Chair of New Testament Exegesis at the University of Aberdeen. He previously taught at the University of St Andrews. Grant is co-director of the Centre for Autism and Theology and is himself autistic.
View Grant’s profile
Dr Emma Percy
Emma is a Senior Lecturer in Feminist Theology and Ministry Studies at the University of Aberdeen. Her research interests include the theology of the female reproductive body, and the virtue of fortitude and spiritual resilience.
View Emma’s profile
Professor John Swinton
John is Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, and Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen. He has published widely within the area of mental health, dementia, disability theology, spirituality and healthcare, qualitative research and pastoral care.
View John’s profile
Dr Léon van Ommen
Léon is a Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen. His research centres on liturgy and autism. Much of his work focuses on the pastoral aspects of liturgy and church in general. Léon is co-director of the Centre for Autism and Theology.
View Léon’s profileYour support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Emma Percy
Emma is the degree coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Kate Smith
Kate is part of the School’s support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere 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.
I’ve really enjoyed and appreciated the studies so far; they have already got me thinking about my own work/ministry context in far deeper ways than I have previously.
Justyn Towler, PgDip Theology & Disability student
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Master of Theology
180 credits
£11,100
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
£7,220
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 indicative costs include a 5% 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.
Entry requirements
MTh, PgDip, PgCert
- 2:1 UK honours degree in a relevant discipline, or
- equivalent qualifications (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America).
You’re also welcome to apply if you have:
- other relevant qualifications, and
- professional experience with supportive references.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- INDICATIVE COST
- £11,100
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
