Why study this course?
You will engage at a high level with Christian theology in its historical, systematic and constructive dimensions.
You will have the opportunity to gain a chronological and substantive overview of theological thought, to focus on key topics, and to discuss contemporary scholarship.
Your studies will balance coursework and research, giving you the tools to explore a significant subject or question of your choice.
Your experiences and learning will prepare you for doctoral study in systematic, historical or philosophical theology, or enable you to deepen your ministry in the church or society.
The School’s core area of Theology is enriched by the Logos Research Institute, which promotes research in analytic and exegetical theology.
Teaching
Delivered through weekly seminars that include input and discussion.
Class sizes
Groups typically range from 6 to 12 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with supervisory support.
Assessment
A mix of seminar presentations, extended essays, and end-of-semester exams.
Modules
Every year, we offer a range of modules in historical, systematic, philosophical and constructive theology from which you can choose four. In the summer, you will write a 15,000-word dissertation under the supervision of a member of our faculty.
In addition to your coursework, you are encouraged to attend the weekly Theology Research Seminar or the Logos Institute Research Seminar or both. The Theology and Logos Institute Research Seminars sometimes run jointly.
You may also, if you wish, enrol in language classes and attend other lectures, seminars and reading groups as appropriate. The School offers classes in Hebrew and Greek, which are open to all students. You may also take languages classes offered by other Schools or by the University’s language extension programme.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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Students choose four of the following modules:
- Reconciliation: Divine and Human: explores the concept of reconciliation in relation to atonement theory and interpersonal relationships.
- Analytic Theology: God, History and Revelation: introduces the methods and approaches of analytic theology in relation to key questions in Christian theology.
- The Christian Doctrine of God: explores how ethical concepts, and their practical application, relate to various (and often competing) theological and philosophical conceptions of the Good life and the Good Death, using a range of important historical and contemporary moral theologians and philosophers.
- The Good Life and the Good Death: Theological and Practical Ethics: explores central questions in ethics, considering theological, philosophical, psychological and sociological sources and arguments.
- Texts and Methods in Early and Medieval Theology: traces the development of Christian theology by looking at selected texts and methods of the early modern and/or modern period.
- Texts and Methods in Modern Theology: traces the development of Christian theology by looking at selected texts and methods of the early modern and/or modern period.
You may take up to 30 credits of advanced third, fourth or fifth-year Divinity modules with permission of the programme director and module coordinator. In this case, you would choose three of the modules listed above.
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Over the course of the year, but with particular focus over the last three months, you will research and write a 15,000-word dissertation. Student dissertations are supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance during the research process. The completed dissertation must be submitted by a date specified in August.
There is no exit award option, such as a PGCert or PGDip, for this programme. In order to complete the MLitt, students must pass the dissertation element of their course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Students on the MLitt programme are taught the skills they need to succeed in an international job market, both academic and non-academic.
Regular workshops, both general and subject-specific, in areas such as publishing, conference presentations, and job searches are offered by the School of Divinity and the University.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development.
Further study
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year residential Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Christian Theology.
Many Divinity graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Why St Andrews?
The School of Divinity (St Mary's College) at St Andrews has been a centre of theological learning since its foundation in 1537, and is one of the most highly regarded faculties of theology worldwide.
The School is a vibrant academic community and centre of research, which regularly hosts international conferences and smaller symposia on themes across the field of biblical and theological studies. It has a rich weekly offering of open research seminars, as well as informal reading groups and social events.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University’s worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in Theology or a closely related discipline. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
Application requirements
- CV that includes a history of your education and employment to date
- optional personal statement
- sample of your own, single-authored academic work of 2,000 words in English
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Fees and funding
UK:
£12,630
Rest of the world:
£27,200
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
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.
Tuition fees
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.
Page last updated: 31 October 2025