Introduction
Theology at Aberdeen focuses on the study of the Christian faith and tradition in the context of its history, institutions and its role today. Whether you have a personal, vocational or intellectual interest in learning more about the Christian faith, or want to explore the world's major religions, Aberdeen is the place for you. You will gain accreditation with the Church of Scotland and great transferable skills which open a wide range of career options, in addition to ministry.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BTh
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- V612
Theology and Divinity degrees at Aberdeen both concentrate on the study of Christian faith, life and doctrine in its historical, institutional and contemporary contexts and both the Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degrees are accredited by the Church of Scotland.
Theology has been taught at Aberdeen since the university was founded in 1495. You will join an international community of students and leading academics carrying forward this 500+ years of tradition in the highest-quality teaching and researching all aspects of theology and ministry and with close links to experts in all the world’s major religions.
You will explore the history of the church, Old and New Testaments, practical theology and theological ethics and choose from 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.
You will get to grips with the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek and Latin, study the Quran, Confucian and Daoist sacred texts, explore the anthropology and sociology of religion and examine the links between spirituality, health and healing.
In addition to ministry and other roles in the church, your career options will be wide due to the intellectual skills you will have gained, media and journalism, public service and administration, the NGO sector, business, government service, publishing, education and research.
What You'll Study
Theology at Aberdeen is a diverse programme that offers a range of fascinating courses. The analytical and comparative skills that you will develop will help prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Some of the topics that you will study on this course include the Hebrew Bible; The Founders of Christianity, the New Testament, Ancient Israel, Christian Doctrine and Practice, Anthropological Theories of Religion, The Origins of Christology and The Reformation in Scotland.
- Year 1
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Year 1
Compulsory Courses
During the first year of study students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
- Academic Writing for Divinity, History & Philosophy (AW1007)
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This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
View detailed information about this course - Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points from DR/RS courses of choice at level 1, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
-
Year 2
Compulsory Courses
During the second year of study students take a number of Divinity and Religious Studies courses (a minimum of 60 credits) from a specified list.
Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points from DR/RS courses of choice at level 2, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Year 3
Optional Courses
Select 90 credit points from DR/RS courses of choice at level 3 or above, plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 4
-
Year 4
Optional Courses
Select one of the following dissertation options:
- DR4044 Dissertation
- DR4544 Dissertation
Plus 90 credit points from courses of choice, at least 60 of which must be from DR/RS courses at level 4.
- Dissertation (DR4044)
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30 Credit Points
This course involves the writing of a dissertation in one of the sub-disciplines in Divinity and Religious Studies. Independent Research work is done under the supervision of a member of staff. The dissertation is an extended essay, of no more than 10,000 words inclusive of bibliography and references.
View detailed information about this course - Dissertation (DR4544)
-
30 Credit Points
This course involves the writing of a dissertation in one of the sub-disciplines in Divinity and Religious Studies. Independent Research work is done under the supervision of a member of staff. The dissertation is an extended essay, of no more than 10,000 words inclusive of bibliography and references.
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
The School of Divinity, History and 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.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Theology?
- According to the 2018 National Student Survey (NSS), Theology and Religious Studies is one of six subjects at the University of Aberdeen to receive a 100% student satisfaction rating.
- The University of Aberdeen has a tradition of theological study and excellence dating back to when it first opened in 1495.
- This programme offers a vast array of courses, including Biblical languages, the history of the Church in the West and the Reformation in Scotland.
- You will benefit from having the opportunity to study courses that particularly interest you, ensuring that you achieve the highest grade you can.
- Our department is host to an international community of scholars who study all aspects of theology and ministry.
- You will benefit from the department's close links to religious studies specialists.
- You will have access to excellent library facilities, beautiful surroundings, and a warm welcome.
- At Aberdeen, we keep our class sizes small, so that you can share your thoughts and ideas with teaching staff and other students.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2020 Entry
- 2021 Entry
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SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Divinity and Theology degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU | £1,820 |
| All Students | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Students Admitted in 2020/21 | |
| International Students | £17,200 |
| Students Admitted in 2020/21 |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- 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.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Studying Theology at Aberdeen will help you prepare for a wide range of careers. The University places a strong emphasis on applied learning and the skills that you learn will help you meet the requirements of top employers. Many of our graduates continue their studies at postgraduate level and go on to be involved in internationally recognised research programmes. Other 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.
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
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.
Features
Aberdeen’s Department of Divinity and Religious Studies is one of the highest ranked departments in the United Kingdom for research. Many of our Theology graduates have gone on to study at postgraduate level and are now involved in internationally recognised research. The School of Divinity, History and Philosophy is home to one of the largest populations of postgraduate students at the University of Aberdeen.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX