The School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

Theology has been taught at the University of Edinburgh since its foundation in 1583. The School of Divinity is based at New College, an impressive gothic-style building dating from the 1840s, in the heart of the Edinburgh’s Old Town. It commands spectacular views over the city and is a distinctive feature on the Edinburgh skyline, close to the Castle, the National Gallery, Princes Street and Waverley Station.

The School is ranked in the world’s top 20 universities for theology, divinity and religious studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021). It comprises some 40 academic staff, and students from all over the world and with a variety of religious affiliations.

Our Community

We take personal interest in our students and offer a welcoming and friendly setting in which to pursue the exciting and demanding study of Theology and Religious Studies.

Our Graduate School ethos is to promote excellence in postgraduate study, within a stimulating and supportive environment. We value equality and diversity in the School community, and an academic culture that is both critical and constructive.

Postgraduate students at New College benefit from monthly gatherings with faculty and fellow students, known as “First Fridays” because they take place on the first Friday of the month. These gatherings offer a supportive forum in which to discuss issues as diverse as work-life balance, publishing strategies, or dealing with writer’s block. After these conversations, we share a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Find out more about the diverse range of postgraduate programmes on offer at the School.