Religious Studies and Scottish Literature MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Theology and Religious Studies

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

V6Q3

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

About the degree programme

Studying religion and literature prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important.

You will develop an understanding of the main phenomena of religion, such as belief systems, rituals, mythology, iconography and ethics, through a variety of methodologies as well as an understanding of the main genres and interpretive practices of Scottish literature.  

Why study this programme

  • Religious studies is an interdisciplinary field that studies a wide range of religious tradition, religious beliefs and practices and their relationships with the broader world. 
  • You will have the opportunity to study multiple religious cultures, including Asian traditions, Buddhist and Hindu traditions, Christianity, indigenous religions, Islam, Judaism, New Age spirituality and new religions. Your courses will allow you to delve deeply into the diverse beliefs and practices that forged these religious cultures in both the historical and contemporary world. 
  • Scottish literature allows you to specialise in the poetry, prose and drama of Scottish writers and gives you the tools and critical skills to read, understand and interpret works of literature. 
  • You will gain the essential skills needed for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose, encounter different ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study using a range of methods to examine where religious ideas illuminate literature and where religion is mediated in texts. 
  • You will discover the links between religious questions and the production of literature. You can enhance your knowledge of specific religious traditions by taking language courses. 
  • You will not only acquire a profound knowledge of your subject but also gain a good understanding of research methodologies and develop a range of skills to prepare you for various employment opportunities and continued life-long learning. 

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 third in the UK, and in the world's top 10 universities, for English language and literature in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Programme benefits

  • You will join a vibrant, tight-knit community of around 450 students and 40 staff, based in their own building – the beautiful and historic New College. Divinity has a fantastic onsite library which is one of the largest religion and theology libraries in the UK.
  • Our friendly and approachable teaching staff consist of internationally respected scholars in a wide range of specialisms. 
  • We have the oldest literature department in the UK, and one of the longest-established in the world.
  • Our literature community has lots to offer, including reading and writers' groups, poetry slams, creative writing and publishing opportunities, and student theatre. As well as multiple student societies, we also have a Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme for literature and a Writer in Residence.
  • You will have opportunities to study abroad during the summer and in Year 3. You can study abroad in exchange for up to a year during Year 3, at a wide selection of leading global universities.
  • You do not need qualifications in religious studies to take up the study of religion. Our students come from backgrounds in arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

My programme has given me the opportunity to truly immerse myself in several diverse areas of study. The school itself has such a sense of community and inclusivity. I could not imagine a warmer or more welcoming place in which to spend my undergraduate years.

Rosie Elvidge 4th year MA Religious Studies student

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Religious Studies and Scottish Literature

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Religious Studies and Scottish Literature.

Tuition fees for this programme

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:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See 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

What you will study

As a student of this joint degree programme, you will use a range of methods to examine where religious ideas illuminate literature and where religion is mediated in texts. You will study texts ranging from canonical writings, such as Buddhist sutras and the Hebrew Bible, to classic and modern fiction.

Religious Studies

As a student of religious studies, you will study the concepts and emotions which underpin religious belief and practice, and their role and function in culture and society.

The programme covers historical and contemporary material, and takes as much interest in the groups and people who practice religion as their gods, deities, ancestors and spirits.

Scottish Literature

As a student of Scottish literature, you will gain essential skills for the critical close reading of poetry, drama and prose. You will read works of literature from Scotland and around the world, and in doing so, will encounter different ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study.

In religious studies, you will study two core religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches.

In Scottish literature, you will take two literary studies courses. These will introduce you to the essential skills needed for the critical close reading of the core literary genres of poetry, drama and prose.

You will read works of literature written in English from around the world, encountering a range of ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study.

You can also choose courses from other University subject areas. For example, you can choose to learn a language that allows you to read the primary texts of the religions and cultures you are most interested in.

Language courses on offer include:

  • Scottish Gaelic
  • Arabic
  • Persian
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Italian
  • Latin
  • Russian
  • Ancient Greek
  • Modern Greek
Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In Year 2, you will study two core religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches.

You will be introduced to the study of Scottish literature in its cultural and historical contexts, focusing on a selection of major periods.

These courses will explore the relationship between literary texts and the construction of national, international and imperial cultures.

You can also choose courses from other University subject areas.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In Year 3, you will continue to study one or more religious traditions in international and cross-cultural contexts. You will also take courses in literature at an advanced level.

Some of these courses may focus on further development of your critical skills. They will also help you prepare for the independent dissertation that you will write in your final year.

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In Year 4, you will choose further advanced, honours-level courses.

You will also complete a dissertation with academic guidance on a topic of your choice in either religious traditions or Scottish literature.

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 learning 

Many 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.

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. 

As well as the teaching staff and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD).

Institute for Academic Development

Our academic staff

Academic staff for Religious Studies

Professor Naomi Appleton, Professor of Buddhist Studies and Indian Religions: Ancient Indian literature, South Asian religion

Dr Paul Fuller, Programme Director of the MA in Religious Studies and the MSc in Buddhist Studies: Modern Buddhism, Buddhist ethics, eco-Buddhism, ethnocentric Buddhism

Dr Alysa Ghose, Lecturer in Religion and Decolonisation: Questions of race, gender, kinship, sexuality, and nation

Professor Hannah Holtschneider, Professor of Contemporary Jewish Cultural History: Historian of contemporary Jewish history

Professor Arkotong Longkume: Personal Chair of Anthropology and Modern Asia: Indigenous religions, contemporary Hinduism, religious reform movements

Dr Steven Sutcliffe, Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religion: New Spiritualities, theories of religion, religion in modern Britain

Academic staff for Scottish Literature

Scottish literature at the University of Edinburgh brings together specialists in all periods and genres of literature and literary analysis. Staff are based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures on George Square where our department of Celtic and Scottish Studies is also based. 

We have particular strengths in each of the main periods of Scottish literature:

  • medieval
  • renaissance/early modern
  • enlightenment
  • romantic
  • Victorian
  • modernist
  • post-war
  • 21st century
  • contemporary

Emergent research themes in the department include:

  • the digital humanities
  • the economic humanities
  • the environmental humanities
  • literature and medicine

Given the breadth and depth of our expertise, we are able to support students wishing to specialise at honours level fields such as literary and critical theory, the history of the book, and gender and sexuality studies.

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 Scottish literature teaching will take place in and around the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, located in the University's Central Area.

Academic facilities

Religious Studies facilities

The New College library holds one of the largest theology and religious studies collections in the UK. Its special collections include:

  • historical archives
  • manuscripts
  • printed books and objects

Current collections support the School of Divinity's teaching and research activities in:

  • biblical studies
  • the history of Christianity
  • religious studies
  • theology and ethics
  • world Christianity

The collections continue to develop in new and evolving areas, such as:

  • science and religion
  • Christian-Muslim relations
  • Buddhist and Jewish studies
  • religion and literature
Scottish Literature facilities

The University holds many literary treasures in its extensive collections, including:

  • the Corson Collection of works by and about Sir Walter Scott
  • the libraries of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Hugh MacDiarmid and Norman MacCaig

It is also the Scottish base of The Collected Letters of Thomas and Jane Welsh Carlyle, Duke-Edinburgh edition, one of the major editorial projects in Victorian studies of the last half-century.

Many other study and student support facilities are only a short walk away in George Square, including the University's Main Library.

Virtual tour

 

Watch former student Amy giving you a tour of the building.

Career paths

Studying religion and literature prepares you to contribute to a society in which an understanding of texts of all kinds is crucially important. It shows an openness to ideas and perspectives other than your own, which is an essential attribute in many careers and the global marketplace.

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 will set you apart from other graduates.

Divinity 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. 

Religious Studies and Scottish Literature graduates become: 

  • lawyers
  • politicians
  • teachers and academics
  • civil servants
  • social workers
  • police officers
  • charity workers
  • business analysts
  • management 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 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

Further study

Many of our students go on to study for postgraduate qualifications, including masters degrees and doctorates.

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 qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence 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 website

Key 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:

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

What our students say

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 website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

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

The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.

Within Divinity, 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 class
  • coffee drop-in
  • film club
  • crafters' session
  • a games café

You can also participate in worship/reflections from a range of faith traditions.

EUSA also supports LitPALS (the Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme for Literature) where students across year groups help each other with specific study skills, topics or themes.

Across the University, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in:

  • reading and writers' groups
  • poetry slams
  • creative writing and publishing
  • student theatre

In LLC we also have a fantastic Writer in Residence who organises talks and workshops by visiting writers and runs our annual writing prizes. Their drop-in sessions give you the chance to:

  • share your work
  • get feedback
  • meet other student writers
  • get inspiration and prompts for new work

Over the past half century, Writers in Residence at the University have included:

  • Jenni Fagan
  • Liz Lochhead
  • Sorley Maclean
  • Norman MacCaig
  • Michael Pedersen
  • Alan Warner

Annual student writing prizes include awards for prose and verse in Lowland Scots vernacular.

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.

Home of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the city is the first UNESCO World City of Literature. Its literary highlights include:

  • the Scottish Poetry Library
  • the Writers' Museum
  • the Scottish Storytelling Centre
  • outstanding holdings in the National Library of Scotland

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.

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 adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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