This flexible programme looks at the Christian past from a variety of perspectives – theological, philosophical and historical – and provides options for special study of themes from the early Church to modern times.
This programme will enable you to understand and reflect critically upon the historical contexts in which Christian thought has developed.
Our approach is interdisciplinary: instructors include historians, philosophers of religion and systematic theologians.
Our work is enriched by the School’s guest lectures and regular research seminars in theology and ethics, and the history of Christianity.
Programme structure
This programme is run over one year full-time (or two years part-time). From September to April you follow courses and are given training in research methods.
From April onwards you will work on your 15,000-word dissertation. All students have one-to-one dissertation supervision.
Compulsory courses:
The compulsory courses (Creeds, Councils and Controversies I and II) focus on the most authoritative ecclesiastical constructions of Christian thought, from the beginnings to the present day, and explore the debates and challenges that have shaped belief and practice.
Students also take Approaches to Research, which offers a practical approach to improving postgraduate-level skills of critical thinking and writing.
Option courses:
We offer a wide range of special options in early Christianity, late medieval religion, the Reformation and puritan studies, Scottish theology, German philosophy from Kant to Hegel, modern religious history, and the theology of figures such as Friedrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth.
You may choose at least two of three options from the Theology in History offerings, but are able to take a course from elsewhere within the School or College. You may opt to take a year-long course in an ancient or modern language relevant to your dissertation.
Career opportunities
The programme can be taken as an end in itself or as preparation for a research degree and provides transferable skills which can be applied in a wide range of careers.
The minimum entry requirement is a UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in theology or history.
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Recipient: University of Edinburgh
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