Philosophy and Theology MA (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Theology and Religious Studies Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code VV56 Award MA (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location Multiple campuses Start date September 2026 School School of Divinity College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study abroad Available Placement No Open days and events Overview Proposed new programme We would like to hear your views on a potential new undergraduate opportunity in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. Take survey About the degree programme Philosophy and theology frequently overlap. Philosophers have long questioned the nature of existence and agency, whereas theologians have engaged with philosophical traditions in developing their understanding of individual and collective belief. This programme offers you an opportunity to explore these pivotal intersections. You will study the metaphysical, ethical and theological traditions that have shaped contemporary thinking, engaging with fundamental questions about meaning and knowledge, as well as conceptions of God, the world and the relationship between them. Why study this programme?This wide-ranging programme will allow you to address questions about such diverse areas as morality, rationality, language, ethics, doctrine, time, self, agency, and will. You will develop the ability to engage with the views of others, formulate research questions, and articulate arguments which represent different positions and attitudes fairly.This programme will allow you to acquire advanced knowledge and understanding in chosen areas of philosophical and theological traditions. It offers a range of approaches to these study areas, critical engagement with, and evaluation of, texts, issues, and arguments. Edinburgh has a distinguished place in the history of philosophy and theology, having been home to Adam Smith, and Philosophy and Theology as subjects have been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583.Philosophy and theologyOur philosophy programme covers the study of ancient and modern intellectual history, logic, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics and other areas.Theology at the University involves the study of Christian theology, the history of Christianity, biblical studies, Islamic studies, religious studies, and other areas.As a student of theology, you will study different religious traditions, including: Christianity Islam Judaism Buddhism Hinduism indigenous religions new religious movements The study of theology at the University involves using different methods and approaches to the subject, such as: systematic and practical theology classical languages and sacred texts ethics literature and the arts philosophy of religion anthropology and sociology law and politics race and gender science and religion history How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years.A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.How long it takes to complete our degree programmes How a joint degree programme works A joint programme allows you to gain a well-rounded learning experience. You will have more exposure to different disciplines, allowing you to expand your knowledge and expertise.Teaching on joint programmes is split across the two subject areas, and teaching will take place in locations associated with both subjects.You will gain a different perspective through studying more than one subject and have a wider skill set that is highly attractive to future employers. Programme rankings We are ranked in the world's top 8 universities for theology, divinity and religious studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.We are ranked 5th in the UK and 22nd in the world for philosophy in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Programme benefits You will join a vibrant, tight-knit divinity community of around 450 students and 40 staff, based in their own building – the beautiful and historic New College. Our friendly and approachable teaching staff consist of internationally respected scholars in a wide range of specialisms. Divinity has a fantastic onsite library which is one of the largest religion and theology libraries in the UK. The University has a rich history of philosophy teaching, having been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583.You will study over four years, including one abroad (if desired).You do not need qualifications in theology to take up the study of theology. Our students come from backgrounds in arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. My four years studying Philosophy and Theology have been incredibly rewarding. The blend of these two fields has given me a rich perspective on how ideas about existence, morality, and religious traditions have developed over time. The essential courses in Philosophy have cemented a foundational understanding of philosophical concepts like knowledge, reality, and ethics, while the freedom to choose my theology courses has given me the possibility to explore different beliefs, values, and the spiritual side of human experience.In my final years, I’ve had the chance to dive into unique areas of religious and cultural studies like Global Indigenous Religions, and the specialised support from staff in both subjects has allowed me to take an interdisciplinary approach to topics I’m passionate about, like the role of Religion and Philosophy in environmental issues and Peacemaking. I couldn’t recommend it more! Charlotte Brook 4th Year MA Philosophy and Theology student Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study On this joint degree programme, you can choose to focus on philosophy and theology as separate subjects, adjusting the balance between them according to your interests. Year 1 During your first year, you will take three core philosophy courses and two courses in theology. You may also take an outside course in another subject that complements your two degree subjects. You could choose to study a language, or simply pick something that interests you. Philosophy In Year 1, you will take core courses in philosophy, covering the history of philosophy, morality and value, and logic. Theology You will take theology courses in Christianity or other religious traditions. These courses may employ various methods and approaches, such as the study of history, philosophy, ethics, literature, and languages. You may also take the Theology and Religious Studies Foundation Seminar course, which will equip you with the skills you need to succeed at university. Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 During your second year, you will take two further core philosophy courses:Mind, Matter and LanguageKnowledge and RealityYou will also take two courses in theology, as well as two further courses. These can be a continuation of your first year outside courses or other courses that interest you. You will choose theology courses in Christianity or other religious traditions, employing a range of study methods. Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 During your honours years in Years 3 and 4, you will choose six courses, divided between philosophy and theology. Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 You will continue to study higher-level courses in both philosophy and theology. You will also write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with academic supervision. Your chosen topic can be relevant to either programme subject area. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad During your degree, there are a range of opportunities to spend time abroad. This includes exchange programmes, placements abroad and summer opportunities. During Year 3, you will have the opportunity to study abroad in exchange for up to a year at a wide selection of leading global universities. These include two institutions the School of Divinity has ongoing relationships with: Radboud University Nijmegen (Netherlands) Dartmouth College (USA) Going abroad is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and places, improving your confidence and independence, and to experience studying your subject in another country.What are my options for going abroad? Teaching and assessment Teaching Throughout your degree programme you will be taught through a combination of methods.Lectures These are typically larger all-student activities that are delivered in a presentation style by the course organiser or another experienced academic member of staff.Tutorials Tutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. Tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture. Seminars Seminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. There is some teaching but also a lot of interaction. They are designed to encourage and facilitate your active participation in learning. On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in your honours years (Years 3 and 4). Digital learningMany of the resources you encounter during your studies will be based online. Some assessments will be interactive or web-based and teach skills such as wiki creation or blog writing. Assessment You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block. In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation. Sample timetable In Year 1, you will choose three subjects each semester. For each subject, you will have two or three lectures and one tutorial each week. A typical timetable might look something like this: Monday:10am to 11am lecture, subject 111am to 12pm lecture, subject 2Tuesday:10am to 11am lecture, subject 111am to 12pm lecture, subject 22pm to 3pm lecture, subject 3 Wednesday:no classes Thursday:10am to 11am lecture, subject 111am to 12pm lecture, subject 22pm to 3pm lecture, subject 33pm to 4pm tutorial, subject 3Friday:12pm to 1pm tutorial, subject 13pm to 4pm tutorial, subject 2 Support for your studies The School of Divinity has two Student Advisers who will be your first point of contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.We also have a Wellbeing Adviser who can offer support if you are experiencing any issues that are affecting your health, wellbeing, studies or personal life. Our academic staff Courses are taught by a diverse team of academic staff, including many world-leading experts.The School of Divinity has historic strengths in areas related to Christianity (historical, theological, and scriptural), and is at the forefront of new and emerging subject areas (such as decoloniality, interreligious dialogue, and literature and religion). In philosophy, our world-leading academics are especially strong in areas of:philosophy of mind and cognition, language and scienceethicsepistemologyhistory of philosophy Where you will study Study location The School of Divinity is based at New College, an impressive neo-gothic building in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It commands spectacular views over the city centre towards the sea and is a distinctive feature on the Edinburgh skyline, close to Edinburgh Castle. Students benefit from a self-contained college setting less than ten minutes walk away from the main University campus. Teaching takes place in our own lecture theatres and rooms. We also have our own library, study space and on-site café, situated in the grand Rainy Hall. This provides a great place to meet friends and study, and is also the venue for our whole school Christmas dinner and Burns supper. Your philosophy teaching will be on the main campus, a short walk away from the School of Divinity. Academic facilities The New College library holds one of the largest theology and religious studies collections in the UK. Its special collections include:historical archivesmanuscriptsprinted books and objectsCurrent collections support the School of Divinity's teaching and research activities in:biblical studiesthe history of Christianityreligious studiestheology and ethicsworld ChristianityThe collections continue to develop in new and evolving areas, such as:science and religionChristian-Muslim relationsBuddhist and Jewish studiesreligion and literaturePhilosophy facilities include a skills centre and subject library.The Central Area is also home to many other study and student support facilities, including the University's Main Library. Virtual tour Watch former student Amy giving you a tour of the building. Career paths and further study Career paths The transferable skills you will develop during your degree programme will open doors to many different occupations. In an increasingly global economy, the skills of vision, creativity and religious sensitivity developed through the study of philosophy and theology will set you apart from other graduates.Graduates learn to show independence in thought and critical self-awareness about one's own outlook, commitments and prejudices. They can communicate information, ideas, principles and theories and demonstrate key skills such as critical thinking and analytical writing. Philosophy and Theology graduates have become: lawyerspoliticians teachers and academics civil servantssocial workerspolice officerscharity workers business analystsmanagement consultants journalists religious ministers 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 decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Further study Many of our students go on to study for postgraduate qualifications in philosophy or theology, including masters degrees and doctorates. Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh What our students say Find out what our students think Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf 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 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.Social events organised by the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) committees include quizzes and the New College Summer Ball.Staff and students meet together for seasonal and community events such as the welcome week ceilidh, Diwali Potluck, Christmas lunch, Eid Meal and Burns supper.There is also a regular semester time programme including:a move and stretch classcoffee drop-infilm clubcrafters' sessiona games caféYou can also participate in worship/reflections from a range of faith traditions. The city of Edinburgh Edinburgh is a 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 beautiful Scottish countryside and dramatic coastline just a few miles away.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.Located close to the School of Divinity, the National Library of Scotland holds more than 5 million volumes, including every book published since 1710 in the United Kingdom (and numerous volumes published in the United States in cooperation with British presses). Scotland’s National Archives are also nearby.Edinburgh's surroundings A short journey will take you to the old port of Leith and waterfront pubs and cafes, the fishing villages of Fife, or to the Pentland Hills or country parks and beaches. Further afield, Scotland’s magnificent scenery, villages and coastlines, as well as its other vibrant cities, are all easily accessible. Edinburgh is also a haven for cyclists, with quiet and scenic routes crisscrossing the city. Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association 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 servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
