Course and degree finder

Science and Religion

Apply for this Degree

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc Science and Religion - 1 Year (Full-time)

MSc Science and Religion - 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 Mark Harris (Programme Director)
Email: Mark.Harris@ed.ac.uk; Address: School of Divinity
New College
Mound Place
Edinburgh
EH1 2LX

This programme is intended for students who wish to engage in the advanced interdisciplinary study of science and religion, including those who wish to prepare for subsequent PhD work.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in theology/religion or in a natural or human science.

International students

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

Programme description

Much of the recent debate surrounding ‘New Atheism’ has taken place within a poorly informed view of the history and philosophy of science and its relationship with religion. This dedicated programme aims to inform and engage with the debate in depth, looking at it from scientific, philosophical, historical, ethical

and theological perspectives. It provides a strong grounding in these issues. The history of science is studied from ancient times through the modern scientific revolution, together with philosophical trends in our understanding of reality.

The main areas of dialogue between science and religion are explored indepth, including cosmology, evolution, divine action and miracles, consciousness and the human person.

Programme structure

This programme is run over 12 months full time (or 24 months part time). You will be taught mainly in small groups in a seminar setting. You will be given training in research methods and will receive individual supervision for your 15,000-word dissertation.

Compulsory courses

The History of Science and Religion in the Christian Tradition
Cosmos, Cell and Creator: Current Debates in Science and Religion
Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies.

Optional courses

You will choose three further courses. Options include:

Creation and Providence
Ecology, Ethics and Spirit
Philosophical Issues in Evolution
Man and the Natural World in Enlightenment.

You may also opt for optional courses from elsewhere in the University, at the discretion of the Programme Director and subject to availability.

Career Opportunities

The programme can be taken as preparation for a research degree, or can form useful preparation for a career in education, journalism, public policy, or the civil service, to name just a few.

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