Introduction
Theology and Religion includes both the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, cross-cultural and contemporary contexts, and the comparative study of the major and local religious traditions of the world, which focuses on the origin, function, and meaning of religion.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- V605
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
The MA in Theology and Religious Studies at Aberdeen gives students a cutting-edge understanding of Christianity and the other major religious traditions of the world, including their historical development and contemporary importance. The degree also gives students the opportunity to explore a wide diversity of courses in the Arts and Social Sciences. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and Religious Studies may be taken as a Designated or Honours degree, and may also be studied part-time (in this case applications are made directly to the University, not through UCAS).
Part Time Study
Part time study options are available for this programme.
What You'll Study
Theology and Religion at Aberdeen is a diverse programme that offers a range of courses relating to Christian theology and history, as well as exploring major and local religious traditions of the world.
- Year 1
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Compulsory Courses
During the first year of study, students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
Courses that you may study at level 1 may include:
- Jesus in History and Culture
- Atheism and Atheisms
- Global Issues / Global Religions
- What does it mean to be dead?
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- The History and Religion of Ancient Israel
Optional Courses
Select at least 60 credit points from level 1 courses in Divinity or the following approved courses plus, select further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credit points.
- Latin 1 (LT1009)
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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)
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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.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
During the second year of study students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
Courses which you may study at level 2 may include:
- God, Sex and Death in a Technological Age
- Does God Exist? Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
- From Jesus to Calvin
- Exploring the Tradition of Western Ethics
- Film as a Public Ethical Arena
- God, Sexualities and Identity
Optional Courses
Select at least 60 credit points from level 2 courses in Divinity, plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.
- Year 3
-
Optional Courses
Select 120 credit points worth of courses of which 90 credit points must be from level 3 courses in Divinity.
- Year 4
-
Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
- DR4044 Dissertation
- DR4544 Dissertation
Plus a further 90 credit points from level 4 courses in Divinity.
- Dissertation (DR4044)
-
30 Credit Points
This course involves the writing of a dissertation in one of the sub-disciplines in Divinity and Religious Studies. Independent Research work is done under the supervision of a member of staff. The dissertation is an extended essay, of no more than 10,000 words inclusive of references. Please note the 10,000 words does not include the bibliography
- Dissertation (DR4544)
-
30 Credit Points
This course involves the writing of a dissertation in one of the sub-disciplines in Divinity and Religious Studies. Independent Research work is done under the supervision of a member of staff. The dissertation is an extended essay, of no more than 10,000 words inclusive of references. Please note the 10,000 words does not include the bibliography
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
The School has a flexible approach to teaching and assessment, utilising a combination of small and large group teaching assessed through examinations, essays and personal dissertation. The acquisition of communication, IT and team working skills is emphasised.
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Theology and Religion?
- Divinity and Theology at Aberdeen received 100% for overall student satisfaction by the National Student Survey (NSS) 2021.
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A wide variety of courses are on offer: from biblical languages to the Reformation in Scotland, and from Buddhist philosophy to the stories of the prophets in Islam.
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You will become part of an international community of scholars, exploring all aspects of theology, ministry and religious studies. You will also benefit from the close links that the University has to religious studies specialists.
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The Theology and Religious Studies teaching staff at Aberdeen have a range of professional and academic backgrounds and you will benefit from their unique insights into their subject areas.
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By studying Theology and Religious Studies at Aberdeen, you will become part of a unique group of students who have studied at a university recognised for its tradition of theological excellence.
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At Aberdeen, you will have access to the world-class teaching and research facilities that the University offers.
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Through analysis and evaluation, you will develop a range of skills that will enable you to work in a variety of different sectors.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ 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/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Minimum: BCC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £19,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- 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 and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Our previous 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.
Career Opportunities
- Charity Director
- Charity Fundraiser
- Development Officer
- NGO Worker (Charity Worker)
- Researcher
- Support Worker
- TEFL Teacher
- Teacher
- Youth Pastor
Our Experts
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.
Facilities
Since the University was founded in 1495, it has been one of the centres of theological study in Scotland. This programme is taught in the late-medieval King’s College campus, which provides the perfect surroundings to learn about the history and culture of Christianity.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX