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Theology in History

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MSc Theology in History - 1 Year (Full-time)

MSc Theology in History - 2 Years (Part-time)

MTh Theology in History - 1 Year (Full-time)

MTh Theology in History - 2 Years (Part-time)

Information on fees & costs

Individual programme fees are linked above. For detailed information on fee status, policies, payment and funding opportunities see:

Contact information: Postgraduate Admissions
Phone: +44 (0)131 650 8952
Email: divinity.pg@ed.ac.uk; Dr Paul Nimmo (Programme Director)
Email: Paul.Nimmo@ed.ac.uk; Address: School of Divinity
New College
Mound Place
Edinburgh
EH1 2LX

The programme aims to enable students to understand and reflect critically on the historical context in which Christian theology is developed, tested and affirmed.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in theology or history.

International students

All applicants must meet our general entry and language requirements. Detailed advice for international students is available here:

Programme description

This flexible programme looks at the Christian past from a variety of perspectives – theological, philosophical and historical – and provides options for special study of themes from the early Church to modern times.

Our aim is to enable you to understand and reflect critically upon the historical contexts in which Christian thought has developed. Our approach is interdisciplinary: instructors include historians, philosophers of religion and systematic theologians.

Our work is enriched by the School’s guest lectures and regular research seminars in theology and ethics, and in the history of Christianity.

Programme structure

This programme is run over 12 months full-time (or 24 months part time). From September to April students will follow courses and are also given training in research methods. From April onwards, students work on their 15,000-word dissertation. All students have access to 1:1 dissertation supervision.

Compulsory courses

The compulsory courses (Creeds, Councils and Controversies I and II) focus on the most authoritative ecclesiastical constructions of Christian thought, from the beginnings to the present day, and explore the debates and challenges that have shaped belief and practice.

Students also take Approaches to Research, which offers a practical approach to improving postgraduate-level skills of critical thinking and writing.

Optional courses

We offer a wide range of special options in early Christianity, late medieval religion, the Reformation and puritan studies, Scottish theology, German philosophy from Kant to Hegel, modern religious history, and the theology of figures such as Friedrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth.

You may choose at least two of three options from the Theology in History offerings, but are able to take a course from elsewhere within the School or College. You may opt to take a year-long course in an ancient or modern language relevant to your dissertation.

Career Opportunities

The programme can be taken as an end in itself or as preparation for a research degree and provides transferable skills which can be applied in a wide range of careers.

Funding

Please see Scholarships and Student Funding Services for information about funding opportunities:

Scholarships and Student Funding Services

Further Information

This article was published on Apr 25, 2013