Introduction
What does it mean to be human? Thinking theologically from a disability perspective.
The Theology and Disability programme studies the reality of what some call ‘disability’ in contemporary cultural contexts. It explores the underlying reasons for stigmatisation and oppression. The programme offers theological ways of seeing ‘disability’ as transformative for understanding what it means to be human and the nature of the good life. Situated in the Department of Divinity and Religious Studies, the programme approaches the questions and issues studied theologically, whilst drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- Online Learning
- Degree Qualification
- PgDip
- Duration
- 24 months
- Study Mode
- Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
This programme will be available in September 2021
The experience of disability opens up a fresh space for re-thinking and re-narrating what it means to be human. Beginning with that premise, this programme in Theology and Disability starts to re-think questions about the nature of society, community, and authentic human living. Many approaches to disability and human diversity work with the assumption that people living with disabilities are a sub-group, that is, a group that is specifically marked out by specific differences that are often negatively framed by society.
Disability studies advocate liberating practices to facilitate forms of social, political and relational action intended to bring about fairness, justice, citizenship and inclusion. This approach is important, powerful and necessary. However, the deeper questions are why such an oppressive and stigmatising culture exists in the first place and why the majority of people live within it but don’t seem to be able to see its oppressive power. The issue seems to be a distorted view of humanness and human difference that emerges from a particular kind of worldview which is inherent to cultures in the Modern West/Global North, specifically those which define the individual human being according to their capacities and autonomy. This programme assumes that the form of human difference that some choose to name “disability” is not inevitably problematic, but may, in fact, be a key to new transformative ways of looking at humanity and the nature of the good life.
Available Programmes of Study
- PgDip 24 months Online Learning Part Time September View
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Programme Information
- Degree Content
-
Degree Content
Full programme: 120 Credits. 4 courses of 30 Credits, not required in any sequence. Exit points PG Cert (60 Credits), PgDip (120 Credits). The duration of the programme is 24 months, one course per term.
Compulsory Courses
- Contemporary Issues and Developments in Disability Theology
- Disability: Reflective Practices in Context
- Key Texts in Disability Theology
- Disability Theology and Scripture
Programme Fees
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact dhp-pgs@abdn.ac.uk.
- PgDip 24 months Online Learning Part Time January View
-
Programme Information
- Degree Content
-
Degree Content
Full programme: 120 Credits. 4 courses of 30 Credits, not required in any sequence. Exit points PG Cert (60 Credits), PgDip (120 Credits). The duration of the programme is 24 months, one course per term.
Compulsory Courses
- Key Texts in Disability Theology
- Disability Theology and Scripture
- Contemporary Issues and Developments in Disability Theology
- Disability: Reflective Practices in Context
Programme Fees
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact dhp-pgs@abdn.ac.uk.
Theology and Disability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to change. Further information about potential changes can be viewed here.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Lectures
Assessment Methods
The taught courses will be assessed by essays, book reviews, discussion boards, practical assignments, creative assessment, e.g. poster presentations, and creative writing as prescribed for each course.
Why Study Theology and Disability?
The University of Aberdeen is home to world-leading scholarship in Disability Theology, situated in the renowned Department of Divinity and Religious Studies. Moreover, the programme draws on the expertise from the Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability and the Centre for the Study of Autism and Christianity. Questions are approached from a range of theological and interdisciplinary perspectives, critically but constructively engaging with both fundamental and practical issues.
This programme is aimed at leaders of religious communities, in particular Christian faith communities and organisations, and professionals working in faith communities and organisations for their Continuous Professional Development. Individual courses, as well as the full programme, can be taken to fulfil CPD requirements. Moreover, it will be possible after taking the full programme to transition to the MTh in Divinity.
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
Should your programme necessitate a visit to the University you may find the following information helpful.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including 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
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 and Employability 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 and Employability Service
Our Experts
Study Disability Theology online with scholars from the world leading department of Divinity and Religious Studies at the University of Aberdeen.
- Other Experts
- Professor John Swinton
- Professor Brian Brock
- Professor Grant Macaskill
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Leon van Ommen
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.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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School of Divinity, History and Philosophy
University of Aberdeen
50-52 College Bounds
Aberdeen
AB24 3DS