Divinity (BD Ordinary or Honours)

This programme traditionally prepares candidates for professional ministry. It has also been studied by students interested in Christian theology who plan to pursue careers in a variety of contexts, including:

• ‎chaplaincy

• ‎the creative arts

• ‎teaching

• ‎counselling

• ‎the voluntary sector

• ‎the private sector

• ‎the armed forces

• ‎government

Why study this programme

• This programme will help you develop a broad range of core skills (history, language, critical conceptual thinking, research and presentation), which are also useful to other careers.

• This programme is tailored to students looking to move towards ministry – in either the Church of Scotland or other denominations – within the setting of a world-class research university.

• You will be taught by world-renowned outstanding scholars, some of whom have also served in ordained ministry covering a range of Christian traditions and cultural settings.

• We offer a rich and stimulating formation in Christian theology, with emphases on theology and ethics, Church history, biblical languages, and practical theology.

• Edinburgh has a fascinating ecclesiastical and theological history and is a cosmopolitan, diverse and exciting setting for theological study.

The Divinity BD programme has five main goals:

• To provide breadth of acquaintance with the disciplines that make up the academic study of Christian theology, and more advanced study of selected subject areas according to your interests, abilities and preferences.

• To provide understanding of Christianity as a world religion. Our historical approach takes account of Christianity in various cultures.

• To provide opportunities to reflect on Christianity’s historic and continuing encounter with other major world religions

• To develop your experience and abilities in research, comprehension, analysis, critical thinking, and oral and written communication.

• To equip students for ordained ministry or a variety of other appropriate careers or further academic study.

Programme benefits

• You will join a vibrant, tight-knit community of around 450 students and 40 staff, based in their own building, the beautiful and historic New College.

• Our friendly and approachable teaching staff consist of internationally respected scholars in a wide range of specialisms.

• Divinity has a fantastic onsite library which is one of the largest religion and theology libraries in the UK.

Deferred entry

You cannot apply for deferred entry for this degree.