BD Divinity

Year 1

You will choose courses from a range offered in the subject areas of biblical studies, the history of Christianity, and theology and ethics.

Year 2

As Year 1, with the option to take a course in religious studies.

Year 3

In Years 3 and 4 you will choose from a range of advanced-level courses offered in the subject areas of biblical studies, the history of Christianity, and theology and ethics.

You may choose to focus on one subject area in depth, or continue to study several subject areas. You have the option of graduating after Year 3 with a general degree.

Year 4

You will continue to take advanced-level courses, and also write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, with the one-to-one supervision of an academic in the School.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Our facilities

Teaching takes place primarily in the School of Divinity, based in New College. You will also have access to all the University's libraries and computer facilities.

Study abroad

There is a varied range of opportunities to spend time abroad. For shorter periods, these include summer programmes and work abroad. 

During Year 3, you will also have the opportunity to study abroad on exchange for up to a year at a wide selection of leading global universities. These include Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands and Dartmouth College, United States, with which the School has ongoing relationships.

Going abroad expands your horizons and is great fun, as well as bringing academic and career benefits.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

Courses are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and online learning.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including examinations, coursework, participation in seminars, presentation of your work and an honours dissertation.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2019/20)

Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers within a variety of settings, including the creative arts, non-governmental organisations, finance, teaching, management, administration, the ministry, the armed forces, government, counselling and the voluntary sector.

Many of our students go on to study for postgraduate qualifications, including masters and doctorates.

Typical offer

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. National 5 English at Grade C and Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: English at Grade C or 4 and Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C or 4.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics or an approved science at 4.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This programme is also available as a part-time programme. For more information and an application form, contact Undergraduate Admissions.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BD Divinity

Additional costs

None.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
• Email: CAHSS.UGAdmissions@ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565
• Web: Theology & Religious Studies website
• International enquiries