About us

Located in the city centre, the School of Divinity, based in the iconic New College, offers an inspiring setting to study with a real sense of community

We take personal interest in our students and offer a welcoming and friendly setting in which to pursue the exciting and challenging study of Theology and Religious Studies. We have our own library, café and social space in New College, which all contribute to our close sense of community.

The School of Divinity is one of the largest centres for the teaching and research of theology and religious studies in the UK. This means that the School offers the chance to engage with cutting-edge research in a wide range of areas.

Our community of 430 undergraduate and postgraduate students and about 40 full-time academic staff come from all over the world and with a variety of religious affiliations. They include internationally respected scholars working in a wide range of specialisms.

The School of Divinity is housed in New College. An iconic part of Edinburgh's skyline, New College is located right in the city centre and is close to Edinburgh Castle, the National Gallery, Princes Street and Waverley Station. However, we are only a few minutes walk from the main University campus including the University library.

We were ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK* for Theology and Religious Studies in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The School is also ranked in the world’s top 20 universities for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

School of Divinity REF results