School of Divinity

The School of Divinity is one of the largest centres for the teaching and research of theology and religious studies in the UK.

We are ranked 8th in the world for the study of Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

The School 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. 

Our 450 strong student population and about 40 academic staff come together at New College, from all over the world, to create a great sense of community. 

Studying at Edinburgh, with world class academics, will allow you to investigate religion at a time when its influence and importance have never been greater.

The impressive New College building
New College

Degree programmes and structures

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

Theology and Religious Studies degree programmes: 2025 entry 

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 is available below. 

 

Theology and Religious Studies degree structures 2025/26

This is an example of what your timetable could look like in Semester 1 of Year 1 in Philosophy and Theology (MA Hons) if you took Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft as one of your option courses. There is a high level of flexibility in the optional courses you can study. You can discuss this with your academic cohort lead and student adviser. 

Courses may be subject to change and availability and your timetable may be different.

Monday 

  • 10am to 10:50am Morality and Value (Lecture)
  • 1:10pm to 2pm Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe (Lecture)

Tuesday

  • 1:10pm to 2pm Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe (Lecture)
  • 2:10pm to 4pm Theology and Religious Studies Foundation Seminar (Lecture and Tutorial)

Wednesday

  • 10am to 10:50am Morality and Value (Lecture)

Thursday

  • 12:10pm to 1pm Morality and Value (Tutorial)

Friday

  • 10am to 10:50am Morality and Value (Lecture)
  • 1:10pm to 2pm Popular Religion, Women and Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe (Tutorial)

Why study Theology and Religious Studies at Edinburgh?

Students benefit from a self-contained college setting just a five-minute walk away from the University Central Area. We have our own library, study space and on-site cafe, 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! 

Take a tour with former student Amy

Diverse community 

Our warm and inclusive college community offers a vibrant programme of social and academic events to help you settle in quickly. We welcome students from around the world, from religious and non-religious backgrounds, and we take pride in our status as a renowned research centre in a broad spectrum of subject areas.

Two students chatting and working in Rainy Hall

A wide range of courses 

Being one of the largest centres for the study of theology and religious studies in the UK means we can offer a broad range of courses such as; 

  • Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism;
  • indigenous religions in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean;
  • new religious movements or spiritualities; and
  • atheism and non-religion.

Belief systems, rituals, mythology, iconography, practices and ethics and the part they play in human culture: these are at the heart of theology and religious studies. Studying them gives you an insight into humanity's history and its present. This also helps you develop essential skills in critical thinking, debate and analytical writing.

New College Library

New College Library has one of the largest collections for theology and religious studies in the UK. We hold more than a quarter of a million printed items, including many rare and historic books. We also have a large and rich manuscript collection, including the papers of Thomas Chalmers, John Baillie, JH Oldham and James S Stewart.

Have you applied for a joint honours degree? Don't forget to look at the information for each of your subjects. 

Not sure which School looks after the other subject of your degree? Check our School list for information on the subjects they manage. 

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences: Schools and subjects 


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