Join a uniquely flexible distance-learning Theology degree.
Our 100% online Theology programme offers you the chance to study with one of the UK’s six ancient universities, wherever you are in the world.
Theology has been taught here since our founding in 1495.
With our flexible online Theology degree, you can choose to:
- study part-time or full-time
- qualify with an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate
- pick and mix individual courses from within the degree to study on their own.
Training for Ministry
This degree includes the eight Church of Scotland-accredited courses you need to qualify as a Reader or Ordained Local Minister.
The programme is ideal if you wish to undertake vocational studies relevant to church ministry and convocation.
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).
Readers and Ordained Local Ministers
The University of Aberdeen is among the approved academic providers of the Church of Scotland.
If you are training to become a Reader or Ordained Local Minister in the Church of Scotland, you are required to complete a Certificate Programme (120 credits at Level 1) of selected courses in the following eight areas:
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Systematic Theology
- Practical Theology
- Sacramental Theology
- Mission
- Worship
- Scottish Church History
We’ll update you each year as to which courses you can choose from that will count towards your Certificate.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your online Theology degree
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).
Over 525 years of excellence
Join a university founded in 1495, where Divinity has been taught for more than five centuries.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Bachelor of Theology (Honours) (480 credits)
- Bachelor of Theology (360 credits)
- Undergraduate Diploma in Theology (240 credits), or
- Undergraduate Certificate in Theology (120 credits).
Our range of available courses alternate on a two-year rolling cycle.
How you’ll study
Online learning
Our distance-learning BTh Theology is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
- You can study with us anywhere, with no need for a study visa.
- Set your own study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
Your 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:
- recorded lectures to stream or download
- live online seminars
- discussion boards with your online colleagues and tutors
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library. 
Live online seminars
You’ll have live online seminars to discuss your set texts, issues and questions with your tutors and classmates. The number of seminars you’ll have each week varies by course, but they are always held between 18:00 and 21:00 GMT, Monday to Friday.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from subject specialists within our School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History.
Assessments
You’ll be assessed entirely online. We use several types of assessment throughout your degree, including:
- coursework, such as essays and reports
- online presentations
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies you’ve learned
- online examinations at the end of each course.
Assessment methods differ between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Jakub Zbrzezny
Jakub is the programme coordinator. He’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies. Please feel free to contact him at theologyonline@abdn.ac.uk.
Dr Joel Pierce
Joel is part of the School’s support team. He’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
Studying Theology at Aberdeen will help you prepare for a wide range of careers.
The University places a strong emphasis on applied learning and the skills that you learn will help you meet the requirements of top employers.
Our Theology graduates have found employment in a wide range of areas, including:
- the churches
- media and journalism
- teaching
- public service and administration
- the NGO sector
- business
- government, and
- publishing.
Further study and research
Many of our graduates continue their studies at postgraduate level and go on to be involved in internationally recognised research programmes.
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
Bachelor of Theology (Honours)
480 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£7,200
All other students
£37,760
This indicative cost is based on 480 credits of study over eight years, starting in September 2025.
Bachelor of Theology
360 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£5,400
All other students
£26,900
This indicative cost is based on 360 credits of study over six years, starting in September 2025.
Undergraduate Diploma
240 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£3,600
All other students
£17,060
This indicative cost is based on 240 credits of study over four years, starting in September 2025.
Undergraduate Certificate
120 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£1,800
All other students
£8,120
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
The fees quoted above are based on part-time study starting in the 2025/26 academic year.
Why are fees lower for Scottish domiciled students?
The reduced rate for students domiciled in Scotland is possible due to a funding contribution from the Scottish Funding Council. Funding is not provided to the University for students who are domiciled outside of Scotland.
Fees for Scottish domiciled students starting in academic year 2025/26 are £225 per 15 credits.
Future fee increases for students who are domiciled outside of Scotland
In line with other universities, tuition fees are subject to annual review and the University reserves the right to routinely increase these from year to year. You should budget for an increase of between 5% and 9% per annum.
The indicative costs quoted above for students who are domiciled outside of Scotland are based on a fee of £990 per 15 credits in academic year 2025/26 and a 5% increase per annum.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for flexible online degrees
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
Flexible
Flexible hours and 24/7 access, so you can study when it suits you.
Learn anywhere
On smartphone, desktop and laptop, with no need for a student visa.
Entry requirements
BTh, UgDip and UgCert
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers or Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers or Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers or Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on widening participation criteria and adjusted entry qualifications.
A Levels
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H, with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
You’re also welcome to apply if you have:
- other relevant qualifications, and
- professional experience with supportive references.
This is a summary of our entry requirements. For more information, including information on advanced entry to Divinity and Theology degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
Indicative Costs
This indicative cost is based on 480 credits of study over eight years, starting in September 2025.
Apply now
