Divinity

Divinity concentrates on the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in a historical, cross-cultural and contemporary context.

Why Aberdeen?

• A tradition of theological study and excellence going back to 1495
• Courses for a vast range of interests: from the languages of early Christianity, to the historical struggles of Reformation Scotland
• An international community of scholars, studying all aspects of theology, ministry and religious studies
• Excellent library facilities, beautiful surroundings, and a warm welcome! 

Programmes

You may also be interested in

Anthropology, Celtic Civilisation, Sociology

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

The Master of Arts (MA) in Divinity may be taken as a Designated or as an Honours degree, and may be studied part-time (in this case applications are made directly to the University, not through UCAS).

These are the courses currently running. However, please note that they may be subject to change:

First Year

Church History (The Rise of Christianity); Old Testament (Introducing the Hebrew Bible); Practical Theology (Religion at Ground Zero); Systematic Theology (Basic Christian Doctrine); New Testament (Jesus and the Gospels).

Sustained Studies courses of particular interest to Divinity students are: Biblical Hebrew I and II; New Testament Greek I & II; Latin 1 and 2.

Second Year

Old Testament Theology; The Pilgrim City (Medieval Church); Christian Doctrine and Practice; What is Truth? John’s Gospel and Letters (English or Greek texts); Paul of Tarsus (English or Greek Texts); History and Religion of Ancient Israel; The Mission and Message of Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles; Power and Piety; The Pilgrim City; Major Christian Thinkers; What Does it Mean to be Human: Learning from the Margins.

Sustained Studies: Hebrew Language III and IV; Reading New Testament Greek 1 and 2; Intermediate Latin 1 and 2.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Church History (Luther, Calvin and the Shaping of Protestantism; Reformation and Revolutions; The Theology of the Early Church; Scottish Theology); Hebrew Bible III & IV; Practical Theology (Spirituality, Health and Healing; Christian Ethics; Transforming Mission; Theological & Pastoral Perspectives on the Contemporary Family; Theological Explorations in Disability, Community, and Humanness); Systematic Theology (Contemporary Issues in Christian Doctrine); New Testament (Set Texts; Advanced Greek; The Historical Background of the New Testament; New Testament Theology).

In all years students also have access to a wide range of courses in Religious Studies, which may be incorporated into their degree.

Applicants to the MA in Divinity may also be interested in the Bachelor of Divinity, Bachelor of Theology and MA in religious Studies degrees.

The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) is a degree with a specific focus on a future in the Church of Scotland.

The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) is specifically directed at people who are interested in a future as a teacher.

Teaching and Assessment

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.

Careers

Our graduates have gone on to enjoy careers in a wide range of fields, including the ministry, media, journalism, teaching, administration, government and publishing.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Divinity.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB (B2 or above required)

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide