Divinity

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Divinity

Introduction

Steeped in history, the study of Divinity and Theology has been undertaken since the foundation of the University on 1495.

Classical, generous and world-leading, Divinity and Theology at Aberdeen focus on the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, institutional and contemporary contexts.

A PhD in Divinity at Aberdeen gives you all the benefits of quality, reputation and 500 years of tradition.

Today, we are a dynamic research centre, highly ranked in the UK with a leading international profile. There are also exciting opportunities to work with leading experts in other world religions.

We attract students of all ages, backgrounds, interests and aspirations from around the world to join our friendly and supportive international community, working closely with world-leading academics.

There are 36 and 48-month full-time options for the PhD programme: the 48-month option allows you to take 12 months of classes before commencing on the 36 months of research that will lead to the production of your dissertation (“thesis”). If you are unable to commit to full-time study on campus there are also part-time and distance-learning opportunities.

September and January start dates available

Our Research

Research opportunities encompass all the major sub-disciplines of theology.

Research is supported by regular seminars in each discipline and by a vibrant programme of interdisciplinary seminars. There are frequent opportunities to hear prominent visiting speakers, including the annual Gifford Lectures.

Supervision and support are directly provided by faculty, who will work with you to develop your emergent research interests into a critical academic thesis. Applicants are strongly advised to correspond with potential supervisors about their interests and ideas prior to starting an application.

Research Interests

Systematic Theology

The sources and norms of Christian doctrine and scripture, including creation, providence, soteriology and ecclesiology, public theology, patristic, Reformation and post-Reformation historical theology, and modern German Protestant thought, especially Barth, Bonhoeffer and Tillich. The University of Aberdeen also hosts The Aberdeen Centre for Protestant Theology.

Specialists: Professor Tom Greggs, Professor Paul Nimmo, Professor Philip Ziegler, Professor David Clough, Dr Daniel Pedersen and Dr Bruce McCormack

Theological Ethics

Scripture and ethics, the ethics of the Lutheran tradition, political ethics, medical, social and economic ethics, ethical questions concerning disability, and animal and environmental ethics.

Specialists: Professor Brian Brock and Professor David Clough.

Church History and Historical Theology

Research in Church History concentrates on patristic history and theology, Augustine and Augustinianisms, Medieval church and theology, female spirituality, the Reformation, Scottish church history, the history of missions, and the interactions between literacy, perceptions of monastic space and religious practices.

Contact Professor John Behr, Dr Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner, Dr Kenneth Jeffrey

Old Testament and Hebrew Bible

Deuteronomistic history, exilic and post-exilic prophecy, and texts such as Leviticus, the minor prophets, the psalter, monotheism, the Wisdom of Solomon and the Septuagint. We hold the Biesenthal Collection (one of the most complete Judaica collections in the UK), and the Daube collection of Roman and Ancient Jewish Law.

Specialists: Professor Joachim Schaper, Dr Nathaniel Greene, Dr Jakub Zbrzezny

New Testament

New Testament theology, Second Temple Judaism, Apocalyptic, Philo, the Johannine corpus, Pauline literature, Christianity in the classical world, and early Christian writing practices. The school is also home to serious theological interpretation of the New Testament, particularly in relation to pastoral theology.

Specialists: Dr Katherine Hockey, Professor Grant Macaskill, Dr Sam Newington

Divinity research centres

Philosophical Theology and Religion

The study of philosophical sources and concepts that inform theological and religious discourse over the centuries, the study of theology and science, the study of key figures in the history of thought as it relates to theology and religion, including Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Seneca, Lucretius, Leibniz, Spinoza, German idealists, Kierkegaard, and 20th-century phenomenology.

Specialists: Prof. John Behr, Prof. Beth Lord, Prof. Phil Ziegler, Dr Sam Newington, Dr Daniel Pedersen

Research Projects

Aberdeen Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability

The Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability focuses on the relationship between spirituality, health and healing, and the significance of the spiritual dimension for contemporary healthcare practice.

Led by former mental health nurse Rev Professor John Swinton, the Centre helps academics, researchers, practitioners and educators to work together on innovative and creative research and teaching projects.

Find out more

Kairos Forum

The Kairos Forum focuses on the spiritual and religious needs of people with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, facilitating the crafting and empowerment of ‘communities of belonging’, both within religious and secular settings. It also provides specialist services and resources to enable and empower people with disabilities to experience dignity, respect, care, access and participation within well-formed and empathic communities.

Christ's College

The principal role of Christ's College in Aberdeen is to oversee the preparation of ministerial candidates for the Church of Scotland. The College works with academic staff in Divinity to ensure candidates are well prepared for the ministry, and organises extramural lectures and seminars and an annual lecture. It also maintains the Divinity Library, and distributes bursaries and prizes to outstanding students.

Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare (CEFAW)

The CEFAW project is an AHRC-funded interdisciplinary research project exploring the implications of Christianity for the ethics of farmed animal welfare. The initial funded period ran from 2018–2021. The research team included three theologians, a veterinary animal welfare specialist, and a geographer. The project involved 13 institutional partners, including major UK churches. An AHRC follow-on project during the 2022 calendar year is working with teachers, schools, and staff at theological education institutions to develop educational resources based on the project’s findings.

Find out more

Our Experts

At Aberdeen you join a vibrant international research community with world-leading expertise.

Today our experts cover the full range of speculative, textual, historical and practical inquiries in theology including systematic theology, theological ethics, Church history, practical theology, and Old and New Testament.

To our strength in Christian faith we add high-level expertise in all the world's great religions - creating a wide range of fascinating options for your PhD.

Other Experts
Professor Brian Brock, The University of Aberdeen
Professor David Clough, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Katie Cross, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner, The University of Aberdeen
Professor Tom Greggs, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Katherine Hockey, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Kenneth Jeffrey, The University of Aberdeen
Professor Grant Macaskill, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Sam Newington, The University of Aberdeen
Professor Paul Nimmo, The University of Aberdeen
Professor Joachim Schaper, The University of Aberdeen
Professor John Swinton, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Leon van Ommen, The University of Aberdeen
Professor Philip Ziegler, The University of Aberdeen
Professor John Behr, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Nathaniel Edward Greene, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Jakub Zbrzezny, The University of Aberdeen
Dr Daniel Pedersen, The University of Aberdeen
Bruce McCormack, The University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Entry Requirements

Normally, the minimum entrance requirement for admission to the PhD is a degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in an appropriate field, or equivalent. It is preferable that you hold a Masters in the chosen area of study as well.

Alongside your application form, you will need to upload the following supporting documents online:

  • Copies of your undergraduate and graduate degree certificates
  • Academic transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees.
  • Two academic references; either the details of your referees provided on your application form or uploaded online with your application.
  • Your research proposal
  • If English is not your first language and you have not studied previously at an institution in the UK, you will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE academic test.

International Applicants

Fees and Funding

View the tuition fee rates

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

500 Years of Divinity and Theology

Bishop Elphinstone founded the University in 1495. The study of Divinity was a major subject innovation at that time.  Aberdeen is now widely considered to be a world-leader in the study of Divinity.

25th in the World

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

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Image for useful fact about this Research Area

1st for Research in Theology

We rank 1st in the UK for Research in Theology. 

Source: The Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Careers

Aberdeen graduates have the benefit of a wide choice of career, taking advantage of the transferable skills and personal growth gained during their student experience at Aberdeen. This may include ministry, teaching, academic research, nursing, social work, the armed forces, journalism, and law.

You may already be embarked on a profession, and are looking for a flexible, top-quality doctorate for professional and personal benefit? We have the answer!

Career Opportunities

  • Healthcare Professional
  • Minister
  • Social Care Professional

Features

At Aberdeen you'll be inspired, guided and supported by world-leading thinkers, authors and teachers, taking advantage of their unique expertise and deep knowledge in areas of interest which have great significance in our world today.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) is one of the most prominent voices in modern theology and at Aberdeen we have special expertise in his work, which continues to be at the centre of important theological developments and debates.

Find out more

Karl Barth

The theology of Karl Barth (1886-1968) continues to provoke vigorous discussion and engagement. Our library holds the David Lewis collection of Karl Barth literature and we have a unique concentration of Barth scholars.

Find out more

Get in Touch

Contact Details

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