The Distance Learning PG Diploma/MLitt in Bible and the Contemporary World is a part-time virtual learning programme that connects biblical and theological studies with other disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Postgraduate; leading to a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Letters (MLitt)
15 weeks part time (single module); minimum 18 months part time, maximum 4 years part time (PGDip); minimum 2 years part time, maximum 5 years (MLitt)
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. You do not need to have a degree in Theology in order to apply for a place on this programme; however, all applicants will be expected to have sufficient knowledge to equip them for postgraduate level of study in the field of theology.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
UK and EU: £1,670 by module; £2,490 MLitt dissertation
Overseas: £3,800 by module; £5,690 MLitt dissertation
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
Bible and the Contemporary World is also offered as a full-time residential programme.
If you started this programme in 2016, you can find information about 2016 entry on the 2016 Bible and the Contemporary World PGDip/MLitt (part-time distance) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
Martina, Slovakia - 2016
The possibility to study with flexibility at a distance without compromising the quality, being taught and guided by some of the most excellent scholars in the field and being part of one of the most diverse group of students I have ever encountered made it a unique and wonderfully enriching experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
The PGDip/MLitt in Bible and the Contemporary World is a part-time distance learning programme aimed at both lay people seeking personal development and clergy seeking continued professional development.
Studying Bible and the Contemporary World
Each semester begins with a residential study week held at St Mary's College, the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews. A typical residential study week includes lectures, seminars, sessions on using the Moodle and MMS internet platforms and study skills training. It is also a good opportunity for you to meet your distance learning peers and tutors in person.
Attendance is required at each Study Week from Monday through Wednesday, but students are encouraged to stay for the remainder of the week. You will need to pay for your own travel and accommodation costs to attend these mandatory study weeks.
Both MLitt and PGDip students take three taught modules over the course of their programme. Each module comprises 15 weeks of study (typically divided into four units) and focuses on independent learning.
In each unit of a module, students are supplied a number of scholarly articles and extracts from books which are supplemented by two written lectures available online in digital format; you will also have access to the library's extensive online subscriptions of journals and ebooks. In lieu of seminars, you will participate in online bulletin board discussions with your peers (not held in real time).
Students typically write four essays for each module (one for each unit) and receive written feedback. Students will have one personal tutorial (usually via online video messaging or telephone) with a tutor per module where they can discuss their recent essay.
The MLitt programme is followed by a 15,000-word dissertation submitted at the end of two years study. Students are assigned an individual supervisor for their dissertation, and meetings with supervisors are normally held via online video messaging or telephone.
Further particulars regarding curriculum development.
Each module typically comprises:
For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue; there is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 entry.
Students will take the modules in different orders depending on their point of entry.
Residential study week in St Andrews, 4 to 8 September 2017.
Residential study week in St Andrews, 22 to 26 January 2018.
Residential study week in St Andrews, 3 to 7 September 2018.
MLitt students take a fourth module for their dissertation. Dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of 15,000 words must be submitted at the end of the course.
Those on the PGDip programme will finish their studies after the third semester, and suitably qualified candidates will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
The School of Divinity regularly hosts international conferences and smaller symposia on themes across the field of biblical and theological studies.
There are many potential scholarships or support schemes available to postgraduates applying for any programme at St Andrews.
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year residential Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Bible and the Contemporary World.
Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% reduction in postgraduate tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.
Students on this programme have gone on to work in the charitable sector and to further studies. Previous students have had professional occupations in education, law, business, administration, charities and ministry.
School of Divinity
St Mary's College
South Street
St Andrews
Scotland
KY16 9JU
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2841
Email: divinitydistance@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).