Christianity and the Visual Arts, MLitt

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.

MLitt Christianity and the Visual Arts is also available to study full-time or part-time online.

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

Compulsory Courses

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
EU / International students £22,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions
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

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 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

Campus Students

For those taking the degree on campus at Aberdeen, teaching will take place in Kings College with the medieval chapel and the Divinity Library operating as key spaces for classes and informal meetings, as well as organising displays as part of the assessment. We will also teach out on location, making use of the University's world-class resources and rich cultural heritage.

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.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

A 2:1 (upper-second) honours degree or equivalent (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America). We also welcome alternative qualifications combined with relevant professional experience.

If you don’t have a formal degree qualification, please submit a supporting personal statement with your application. These are our minimum entry requirements. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.

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 - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; 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 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. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

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.

25th in the World

We rank 25th in the World for Divinity, Theology and Religious Studies.

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Our Experts

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

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
School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History
University of Aberdeen
50-52 College Bounds
Aberdeen
AB24 3DS