Religion, Culture and Society MA (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Theology and Religious Studies Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code V627 Award MA (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location New College 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 About the degree programme Religion has a long history and remains a powerful force in the contemporary world. This degree in Religion, Culture and Society provides the tools and skills to help you get to grips with this vital field of study. It has a focus upon ethics and philosophy, art and literature, and on those factors of culture which shape our history. It is key to understanding an individual's identity, ethnicity, and relationships across different cultures. You will study the ideas and concepts, the doctrines and the ethical systems, and the material culture and the rituals which underpin religious belief and practice, as well as their role and function in culture and society. This degree enables students to encounter different world views and to challenge dominant narratives about the nature of human existence. It can involve an encounter with politics and ethics, with gender and sexuality, and with creative interpretations of human and non-human existence in literature, art and poetry. Studying Religion, Culture and Society at Edinburgh allows students to develop: knowledge and understanding of the histories, practices, society and culture of ancient religious tradition, indigenous religions, and how they are practiced in contemporary societiesskills in collecting and analysing materials from a wide range of sources such as those derived from field studies, texts, artefacts, oral traditions, archaeology and testimonies of adherentsthe ability to evaluate and critique work with a range of methods including lived religion, the study of religious texts, and the study of ethics and culturethe ability to formulate research questions and develop arguments which represent different attitudes and positions in religion, culture and society the ability to engage with views different from their own and express ideas and arguments clearly, both orally, in writing 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 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. 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. Our friendly and approachable teaching staff consist of internationally respected scholars in a wide range of specialisms. The School of Divinity has a fantastic onsite library which is one of the largest religion and theology libraries in the UK.You will study over four years, including one abroad (if desired).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 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) Religion, Culture and Society View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA(Hons) Religion, Culture and Society. 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 You will have the opportunity to study a wide range of religious traditions in the contemporary world. Our programme covers historical and contemporary material, and it is interested in the groups and people practicing religion as their gods, deities, ancestors and spirits. You will choose courses that cover a range of religious traditions, such as Asian, Buddhist and Hindu traditions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, indigenous, New Age and new religions.You will study the concepts, emotions and rituals which underpin religious belief and practice and their role and function in culture and society. You will also look at practices and texts, consider a range of expressions of religion from popular culture to systematic ideas, and approach religion individually and collectively. You will develop an understanding of the main phenomena of religion, such as belief systems, rituals, mythology, iconography and ethics, through various methodologies. You can additionally enhance your knowledge of specific religious traditions by taking language courses. Year 1 In Year 1, you will study two core religion courses. These will cover a range of religious traditions and methods of study.You will also choose from a range of courses on religious traditions, including:Buddhist and Hindu traditionsJewish studiesspirituality and new religionsChristianityIslamOption coursesYou can also choose courses from other subject areas across the University. For example, you might choose courses:in a subject that complements your programmethat help you to learn a languagethat simply interest you Find Year 1 courses Year 2 In Year 2, you will study two core religion courses, covering a range of religious traditions and approaches.You will also take courses following on from your Year 1 choices. Find Year 2 courses Year 3 In Year 3, you will choose advanced courses on one or more religious traditions. You will also take other courses in the study of religion.Typical course options involve the advanced study of topics such as:South Asian religionsJewish studiesnew forms of spirituality and new religionsatheism and the rejection of religiontheories of religionYou may also take advanced courses in the study of Christianity and Islam. Find Year 3 courses Year 4 In Year 4, you will choose further advanced courses on one or more religious traditions. You will also write a dissertation on a topic of your choice with academic supervision. Find Year 4 courses 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 In the School of Divinity 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. Sample timetable Monday:9am to 10am Religion in Modern Britain 4pm to 5pm Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern EuropeTuesday:9am to 10am Religion in Modern Britain2pm to 3pm Buddhism in Global Contexts4pm to 5pm Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern EuropeWednesday:2pm to 3pm Buddhism in Global Contexts Thursday:9am to 10am Religion in Modern Britain2pm to 3pm Buddhism in Global Contexts4pm to 5pm Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe 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 Professor Naomi Appleton, Professor of Buddhist Studies and Indian Religions: Ancient Indian literature, South Asian religionDr Paul Fuller, Programme Director of the MA in Religion, Culture and Society and the MSc in Buddhist Studies: Modern Buddhism, Buddhist ethics, eco-Buddhism, ethnocentric BuddhismDr Alysa Ghos, 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 historyProfessor Arkotong Longkumer, Personal Chair of Anthropology and Modern Asia: Indigenous religions, contemporary Hinduism, religious reform movementsDr Steven Sutcliffe, Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religion: New Spiritualities, theories of religion, religion in modern Britain 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. 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 literatureMany 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 and further study Career paths The transferable skills you will develop during your degree 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 theology and religious studies 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. Theology and religious studies graduates have become: lawyerspoliticiansteachers and academicscivil servantssocial workerspolice officerscharity workersbusiness analystsmanagement consultantsjournalistsreligious 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, 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 Divinity part-time applicationThis degree programme is also available as a part-time degree. For more information and an application form, contact the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions. College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions 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
