Divinity

Whether you have a personal, vocational or intellectual interest in a deeper knowledge of the Christian faith, its sources and its history, or are interested in exploring the historical, social and political development of the world's religions, Aberdeen is the place for you.

Why Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has -

• A tradition of theological study and excellence going back to 1495
• A vast array of courses including, Biblical languages, the history of the Church in the West, the Reformation in Scotland, classical and contemporary Christian doctrine, the role of religion in ethical and political debates, and religious aspects of disability
• An international community of scholars, studying all aspects of theology, ministry, and close links to religious studies specialists
• Excellent library facilities, beautiful surroundings, and a warm welcome!

Programmes

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degrees have been accredited by the Church of Scotland.

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.

Divinity Structure

These are the courses currently running, however, they may be subject to change:

First Year

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible; The Founders of Christianity: Introduction to the New Testament; The Rise of Christianity (0-600); Basic Christian Doctrine;  What Does it Mean to be Human: Learning from the Margins; Religion at Ground Zero; Christian Belief: Its Critics and Defenders. Introduction to Religions of the World I and II. Sustained Studies: Hebrew 1 and 2; New Testament Greek 1 and 2; Latin 1 and 2.

Second Year

History and Religion of Ancient Israel; Earliest Portraits of Jesus; The Mission and Message of Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles; The Pilgrim City (Mediaeval Church); Christian Doctrine and Practice: Major Christian Thinkers; Exploring the Tradition of Christian Ethics. Economic and Psychological Theories of Religion; Sociological and Anthropological Theories of Religion; Islam; Buddhism. Sustained Studies: Hebrew Language III and IV; Reading New Testament Greek 1 and 2; Intermediate Latin 1 and 2.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Old Testament Theology; Comparative Semitic Linguistics; Contemporary Issues in the Study of the Hebrew Bible. Luke Acts in Context; The Gospel and Letters of John; New Testament Theology; Heavens, Seers and the End: Apocalypticism and the New Testament; Recovering the Historical Jesus; The Graeco-Roman Environment of the New Testament; The Jewish Environment of the New Testament.The Reformation in Scotland; Luther, Calvin and the Shaping of Protestantism; Reformation Reason and Revolt; The Followers of Lady Poverty: St Francis and His Disciples. These Three are One: Introduction to The Christian Doctrine of God; Theology of Karl Barth; Justice and Reconciliation; Christian Ethics and Creation; New Directions in Natural Theology; Religion, Secularism and Public Life; Spirituality, Health and Healing. Social Anthropology of Religions; Atheism; Critical Theories of Religion: The Frankfurt School; Quran; The Life of Muhammad; Understanding Confucianism; Reading Confucian and Daoist Sacred Texts; Understanding New Religious Movements. 

Students will also be expected to complete an Honours Dissertation

Religious Studies Structure

Please see MA Religious Studies.

Teaching and Assessment

The School of Divinity, History & Philosophy emphasises a flexible approach to teaching and assessment, utilising a combination of small and large group teaching assessed through examinations, essays and presentations. Honours students write a dissertation on a subject of their choice approved by a supervisor.

Careers

Our 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.

Entrance Requirements

SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS (SQA)
4H at BBBB or 3AH at BCC
S at levels 1, 2 or 3 in English.

Advanced Entry - For those seeking entry into second year classes, with a view to taking an accelerated Honours degree, the normal requirement will be BC at H plus A at AH or 2AH at AB. This must include AH at A in Religious Studies. Where a combination of H and AH has been studied, individual subjects will be counted at one level only.

For more detailed information on entrance requirements please click here


GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (GCE)
3 A Levels at BBB
GCSE in English or English Language

Advanced Entry - For those seeking entry into second year classes, with a view to taking an accelerated Honours degree, the normal requirement must include A Level at A in Religious Studies.

IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE/ ARDTEISTIMEIREACHT (ILC)
4H at BBBB O in English

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
SL in English 30 points including an average of 5 at HL

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