Theology and Religious Studies MTh by Research, MScR

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Theology and Religious Studies

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Full-time
  • MScR | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
  • MTh by Research | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
Part-time
  • MScR | 2 years | Start date: September 2026
  • MTh by Research | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Divinity

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

New College

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About the degree programme

The Masters by Research in Theology and Religious Studies enables students to undertake individual, supervised research in any of the subject areas in the School of Divinity that are also represented in our PhD programmes: 

  • Hebrew and Old Testament Studies
  • New Testament and Christian Origins
  • History of Christianity
  • Systematic Theology
  • Ethics and Practical Theology
  • World Christianity
  • Science and Religion
  • Religious Studies
  • Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations

As a student on the Masters by Research programme you will conduct short research essays in coordination with some of our masters courses, as well as a longer dissertation with the guidance of a dedicated supervisor.

The degree can be undertaken as a valuable qualification in its own right, or as excellent preparation for doctoral research.

Study options

This programme can be taken either as a:

  • Master of Theology by Research, or
  • Master of Science by Research

The only difference is the name.

Study duration

You can study either:

  • full-time - one year
  • part-time - two years

Rankings

  • 8th in the world for the study of Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for its research power in theology and religious studies
  • Edinburgh is ranked the 6th best student city in Europe and 13th in the world. (QS Best Student Cities 2025) 

Why choose this programme

This programme might be of interest to you if:

  • You want to develop research expertise in a theology and religious studies subdiscipline in which you’ve already done course work
  • You want to bridge theology and religious studies subdisciplines
  • You want to enhance your independent research and writing skills
  • You want to prepare for doctoral level research

When I arrived at New College for the MThR, I expected a rigid academic path, but quickly discovered the freedom to shape my own journey. One week I’d be deep in discussion at a seminar that left me buzzing with new ideas, the next I’d find myself in a study room following research threads late into the evening. 

The professors and staff weren’t distant gatekeepers, but genuine guides who cared about my progress and offered thoughtful advice. The atmosphere encouraged questioning and critical thinking, helping me grow not just as a student, but as a researcher. 

With access to an exceptional library and countless online journals, plus the inspiring college setting, I felt both supported and challenged in the best possible way.

Pedro Feniman Theology and Religious Studies MTh by Research

How to apply

You should contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

If you have any questions, please contact the Programme Director or Postgraduate Admissions team. See the Contact Us section for details.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 30 August 2026

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

We aim to make admissions decisions within 6 to 8 weeks of receiving your completed application. However, decisions may take longer during busy periods.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

and, if applicable:

  • your research topic
  • details of any published work

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit two references with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Divinity scholarships are awarded on academic merit. Most are open to all, but some are ring-fenced for applicants from certain parts of the world.

Awards are made for PhD programmes and, typically, are for full fee costs and a stipend. 

Divinity Scholarships are highly competitive and applicants are advised to apply to other funding agencies in addition to these funds.

School of Divinity scholarships

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.

You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.

View details: UK government loans for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree with a mark of at least 65%, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should also have academic training in the area of your research project.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Research profile

The research interests of academic staff and graduate students in the Theology and Religious Studies department include a range of theoretical and practical approaches to:

  • ethics and practical theology
  • Hebrew and Old Testament studies
  • history of Christianity
  • Islamic studies and Christian-Muslim relations
  • New Testament and Christian origins
  • religious studies
  • science and religion
  • systematic theology
  • world Christianity 

Potential applicants can identify which academic staff work in which subjects by viewing our research study areas:

Research study areas

Academic staff profiles

The ethos of the Graduate School is to promote excellence in postgraduate study, within a stimulating and supportive environment. We value equality and diversity in the School community, and an academic culture that is both critical and constructive.

Research reputation

You will study in a stimulating environment. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School first in Scotland and fifth in the UK for its research power in theology and religious studies. The majority of the research activity of our colleagues is classed as world-leading, reflecting the vibrancy of the School’s research culture.

Research supervisor

You can find out more and identify a potential supervisor by looking at the School’s staff profiles, which give details of research interests and publications, and email addresses.

School of Divinity staff profiles

Our research community

At the School of Divinity, you will join a community of around 150 postgraduate students.  We attract a diverse community of academic staff and students from around the world and access to our magnificent library and archive collections ensures a varied and stimulating research environment.

Our research activity is demonstrably world-leading across a wide range of activities, reflecting the vibrancy of the School’s research culture. We have the largest number of research-active faculty in Scotland, and the third largest in the UK.

Our research environment is enhanced by research seminars: regular occasions enjoyed by academic staff and postgraduate students. The School also has a lively programme of visiting lectures by internationally-known scholars.

Teaching opportunities

If you are a PhD student, after successful completion of your first year, you will be eligible to apply for tutoring opportunities to gain teaching experience.

Programme structure

Your pattern of study can either be:

  • three supervised research essays (two at 4,000 words and one at 7,000 words), and
  • a 15,000 word dissertation

or

  • two supervised research essays (7,500 words each), written in the style of an article for an academic journal, and
  • a 15,000 word dissertation.

Taught courses

For the Masters by Research, you will be able to follow taught courses that contribute to your interests and research needs and have the option of writing some of your short research essays in coordination with selected taught courses. Additionally, you can also take advantage of our many opportunities to learn ancient and modern languages.

You will also receive research training and will be required to audit at least one taught course.

Finally, you will be part of the research seminar that aligns with your area of research interest. These seminars host our own staff, visiting scholars, and PhD students to present research work-in-progress.

Read more about our School research seminars

Support

At the start of the academic year, you will be invited to Welcome Week, an intensive introduction to study and life in Edinburgh. Some events are especially for international students new to Scotland and the UK, but everything is open to all.

In the first weeks, the School provides a general orientation to research skills and to wider opportunities for training and support. From your first days as a research masters student, you will work one-to-one with your research supervisor.

Your progress will be tracked, through regular supervisions and milestone reviews, to ensure that you get the support you need to bring your project to fruition.

Facilities

The School of Divinity, one of the largest centres for the study of religion in the United Kingdom, is located in the historic setting of New College, close to Edinburgh Castle and overlooking Princes Street.

You will have access to excellent study facilities dedicated to postgraduates.

All areas have printing, scanning and computer facilities. The main postgraduate study wing has a kitchen and New College has an on-site cafe that is open during term time. 

Libraries

Our resources for research are excellent. You can draw on the outstanding holdings of:

  • New College Library
  • University of Edinburgh main library
  • National Library of Scotland

New College Library has one of the largest theology collections in the UK, with more than a quarter of a million items and a large and rich manuscript collection.

The University library exceeds 2.25 million volumes.

The National Library of Scotland – a ‘legal deposit’ library like the British Library in London and the university libraries of Oxford and Cambridge – is just around the corner.

Research seminars and events

The School provides an extensive programme of weekly research seminars and special guest lectures. In addition, three research centres provide a special focus for activity:

  • the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins
  • the Centre for Theology and Public Issues
  • the Centre for the Study of World Christianity

Find out more about our research

Virtual tour

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

What our students say

Find out what our students think of New College in these short graduation interviews.

Our community

Community is what sets our School of Divinity apart. Time and time again students tell us that this is what drew them to New College and what they liked the most about studying here.  

From the start we try our very best to make you feel part of our community and help postgraduate students integrate into life at New College, the University, Scotland, and the UK. When you join the School, at the start of the academic year, you will be invited to Welcome Week, an intensive introduction to study and life in Edinburgh.  

Our community benefits from monthly gatherings with faculty and fellow students which offer a supportive forum to discuss issues as diverse as work-life balance, publishing strategies, and dealing with writer’s block. We also have an active postgraduate student committee that organises regular social events.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

Within New College, students join all kinds of university clubs and societies, such as the New College choir, New College Pride, and the five-a-side football team.

The postgraduate committee organises social events, including quizzes and the welcome Ceilidh (a Scottish dance event).

Staff and students meet together for seasonal and community events such as Diwali Potluck, Christmas lunch, Eid Meal and Burns supper.

There are also regular monthly gatherings with faculty and fellow students, and you can participate in worship/reflections from a range of faith traditions.

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

A cultural capital

Edinburgh has an incredibly energetic and diverse cultural life. There are dozens of museums and galleries with unique collections and cinemas specialising in arthouse and world film. Apart from the renowned Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival every August (the largest arts festival in the world), it hosts many other cultural events every year.

Edinburgh's surroundings

A short journey will take you to the old port of Leith and waterfront pubs and cafes, or the fishing villages of Fife, to the Pentland Hills or country parks and beaches. Further afield, Scotland’s magnificent scenery, its villages and coastlines, and other vibrant cities are all easily accessible. Edinburgh is also a haven for cyclists, with quiet and scenic routes crisscrossing the city.

UNESCO world heritage site

With a population of around 450,000, our city mixes architectural beauty and history with a lively and cosmopolitan environment. It is a safe and prosperous city with many parks and green spaces for recreation and reflection. It offers an exciting array of entertainment, arts, culture and sport, with the lush Scottish countryside and dramatic coastline just a few miles away.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 8952

Academic contact

Dr J. Thomas Hewitt

  • School of Divinity
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

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