Theology and Religion MSc This programme is not yet open for applications. We expect to open applications in late 2026. Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Theology and Religious Studies Year of entry: 2027 Study options Mode of study On campus Key facts School School of Divinity College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study location New College Awaiting approval We are currently finalising the details of this new programme.If you would like to hear more about the programme, or when applications open, please contact us. Contact us Overview About the degree programme The new MSc Theology and Religion programme offers a clear and structured path to deepen your knowledge, built upon the wide-ranging expertise of our School of Divinity. It provides a strong postgraduate foundation in theology and religion, building interdisciplinary skills and exploring diverse approaches and current trends.A rich history, a global communityWith a tradition spanning nearly 450 years, our university offers you a strong foundation in theology and religion. You will join an internationally recognised community of experts right here in Edinburgh, learning from a diverse range of perspectives.Learn from leading experts You will be guided by active researchers who are leaders in their fields. Whether you choose to specialise in a specific area or explore broadly, your studies will be grounded in various methods and disciplines.Meet our academic staffBuild your skillsOur mix of compulsory and optional courses is designed to help you gain specific subject expertise. Unique opportunities include:Language study: Learn ancient and modern languages such as Biblical Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Sanskrit, or Tibetan.Research projects: Develop your research skills through smaller projects throughout the year.Final dissertation: Complete your degree with a substantial 15,000-word dissertation on a topic you are passionate about.Why join us? This programme combines deep traditional learning with modern methods. Our goal is to equip you to think clearly, ambitiously, and with empathy. You will be prepared to understand and discuss religion in today's complex and often divided world. Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees We are still finalising tuition fees for this programme. 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 Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Costs Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Funding opportunities 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 moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Featured scholarshipsDivinity 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 masters programmes. Typically, awards are for full or partial fee costs.School of Divinity scholarships 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 Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. We are still finalising entry requirements for this new programme. English language requirements We are still finalising English language requirements for this new programme. Programme details What you will study We are still finalising the structure of this new programme. Teaching and assessment Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Careers and further study Career opportunities This programme is designed to provide a strong foundation for postgraduate research in the field or for employment in a range of areas requiring critical analysis and empathetic understanding. Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) 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 strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply This programme is not yet open for applications. We expect to open applications in late 2026. 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: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. 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 applicationWe 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 decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh What our students say Find out what our students think of New College in these short graduation interviews: 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 programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf 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.SocietiesSport Clubs 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 Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) 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 adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply. Contact us Phone:+44 (0)131 650 8952 Academic contact Dr Alex Chow Senior Lecturer in Theology and World Christianity University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: alexander.chow@ed.ac.uk
