Introduction
The Masters in Theology (MTh) allows students to choose either a specialist or a more generalist study route. Depending on the combination of courses taken, students can graduate with either the more general Masters in Theology (MTh) or a specialist degree in one of the following subject areas: MTh Biblical Studies, MTh Church History, MTh Systematic Theology, or MTh Theological Ethics.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MTh
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
The University of Aberdeen has an international reputation for excellence in the study of Christian Theology and the Department of Divinity is a leading centre of biblical and theological training and research. On entry to the MTh in Theology, you will join a lively, collegial, international and ecumenical community.
What You'll Study
- Degree Content
-
Degree Content
Students who choose a specialisation route and who successfully complete all 180 credits, on approval by the School, will be able to graduate with one of the following degrees:
MTh Biblical Studies
MTh Church History
MTh Systematic Theology
MTh Theological EthicsStudents who choose not to specialise will graduate with a Masters in Theology, MTh.
Part-time study runs over the course of two years. Up to 120 credit points can be taken in a single academic year, with students taking a maximum of 180 credits in total over the two years. Students on this route will also be able to select from the optional courses below.
Compulsory Courses
Students must complete:
- Dissertation (DR502G)
-
60 Credit Points
20,000 word dissertation written on a topic related to the student's taught Master's programme and agreed to by the supervisor and the programme co-ordinator.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Students on the full-time route will be required to complete 120 credit points, 60 per half session, to be chosen from the list of course options below.
- Creation and Christian Ethics (DR502T)
-
30 Credit Points
This course examines the account of creation in the biblical book of Genesis in order to explore the theological account of human moral action it offers. By exploring different movements of the creation story, the course lays out the basic structure of Christian moral theology. The aim is to develop a theological approach to the fundamentals of Christian ethics, clarifying its relevance for issues of sexuality and procreation, economics, work, governance, health, animals and the environment. The course offers a broad theoretical framework for thinking about the whole scope of ethical questions in contemporary society.
View detailed information about this course - Jewish History and Culture (DR502V)
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30 Credit Points
The course provides a survey of Jewish History (from the Persian and Hellenistic periods to the present day) and of Jewish culture (Jewish identity, rites and other aspects of religious life) through the ages. It provides students with a full overview of Judaism from its inception to the present.
View detailed information about this course - Recent Developments in New Testament Study (DR504T)
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30 Credit Points
This course will engage with a significant area of development within the field of New Testament Studies, by means of close and sustained evaluation of a particular work, or by a thematically arranged series of discussions. The course will position these recent developments in relation to their backgrounds, considering the contexts that have given rise to fresh approaches, and will evaluate the developments themselves. The course will therefore allow students to develop an awareness of the major questions that currently dominate New Testament Studies and their backdrop in the history of the discipline, as well as helping them to identify ongoing challenges and prospects for future research. The specific development under consideration will vary in each delivery of the course, but notice of the topic will be given through the programme director.
View detailed information about this course - Topics in Systematic Theology: God, Christ, and Salvation (DR504U)
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30 Credit Points
This course engages at length and in depth with the classic topics of God, Christ, and salvation in the Christian theological tradition, aiming to foster critical reflection on the scope and coherence of Christian teachings as well as on the defining concerns and conventions of Christian systematic theology, and to cultivate in students the interpretative and analytical skills required for advanced work in the discipline. In this course, students will engage intensively with one or more major texts from the Christian doctrinal tradition, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary sources.
View detailed information about this course - Great Thinkers in Theological Ethics (DR551Q)
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30 Credit Points
This course will introduce students to a number of major thinkers in the area of Theological Ethics. Its focus will be on reading and discussing texts by prominent figures who are of ongoing significance. Moreover, this course will include figures from different theological and confessional backgrounds (Catholic, Reformed, Lutheran, non-Conformist, etc.), and explore whether and how their theological commitments connect with practical stances and approaches (i.e. on issues of war and peace, sexual ethics, bioethics, etc.)
View detailed information about this course - Topics in Systematic Theology: Spirit, Church, and World (DR554U)
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30 Credit Points
This course engages at length and in pdeth with the classic topics of Spirit, church and world in the Christian theological tradition, aiming to foster critical reflection on the scope and coherence of Christian teaching as well as on the defining concerns and conventions of Christian systematic theology, and to cultivate in students the interpretative and analytical skills required for advanced work in the discipline. In this course, students will engage intensively with one or more major texts from the Christian doctrinal tradition, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary sources.
View detailed information about this course - Isaiah and the New Testament (DR554V)
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30 Credit Points
This course will bridge OT/Hebrew Bible and New Testament studies by examining the book of Isaiah in its own right alongside Isaiah’s influence on and use by New Testament authors. It will introduce the student to major Isaianic themes and how they are reflected or reinterpreted in the NT. The student will also be equipped to critically consider various methodological approaches to the biblical material along with exploring issues of intertextuality, canonicity, and early Christian exegesis.
View detailed information about this course - Significant Movements in Church History (DR554W)
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30 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to explore in depth a period of church history from the patristic to the reformation period. It will critically analyse the contexts, causes, key figures and sources, and the resultant trajectories of particular historical ecclesiastical phenomena. Of note, alongside this will be the theological concerns at stake and the influence of given movements on wider Christian thought and practice.
View detailed information about this course - Special Subject (DR502X)
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30 Credit Points
This course allows a student to do in-depth study in a specific area in Divinity or Religious Studies agreed upon with his or her supervisor and approved by the Head of School. It may be offered in conjunction with the student sitting in on level 4 lectures relating to the subject material.
View detailed information about this course
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The taught courses will be assessed by coursework, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The dissertation module will be assessed by submission of the dissertation. An oral examination may be held at the discretion of the examiners.
Why Study Masters in Theology?
- The Masters in Theology allows academic flexibility, enabling students to determine their own path of study.
- The University of Aberdeen has a reputation as one of the foremost research institutions in Theology, offering a variety of career options and further academic research.
- Teaching on the programme is closely integrated with Aberdeen’s research expertise and offers access to internationally recognised scholars in a broad range of sub-disciplines.
- Aberdeen’s Department of Divinity has a large postgraduate community and there are several vibrant postgraduate research seminars open to students and staff.
- The Department of Divinity regularly hosts events and conferences through which you will gain access to a range of internationally renowned scholars.
- The Department of Divinity is linked to a number of active research centres.
- Our students come from across the globe and contribute to a diverse and multi-cultural context.
View further videos about the programme:
Entry Requirements
For more information about the application process, including details about which supporting documents you will be asked to provide, please click here.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Candidates must normally have an Honours degree to at least 2.1 standard in an appropriate discipline or equivalent qualifications (normally a 3.0 GPA in North America).
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught 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 - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fee Information
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £21,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year | |
| Home / RUK | £9,400 |
| Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year |
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- 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 InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Careers
An Aberdeen MTh in Theology prepares students for a wide variety of careers. Our students have gone on to teaching, ministry, church leadership, charitable organisations. Many of our students also progress to doctoral studies here at Aberdeen and at a wide range of institutions around the world.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Dr Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner
- Professor Joachim Schaper
- Professor Grant Macaskill
- Dr Tomas Bokedal
- Professor Paul Nimmo
- Professor Tom Greggs
- Professor Philip Ziegler
- Professor Brian Brock
- Dr J. Thomas Hewitt
- Dr Kenneth Jeffrey
- Dr Edward Epsen
- Dr Daniel Pedersen
- Dr Robert Heimburger
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Michael Laffin
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX