Overview

Religious communities, practices and institutions are powerful components in human societies. Understanding their motivations and structures can help produce meaning and search for solutions to major challenges in the contemporary world.

The Religious Studies programme at The University of Edinburgh allows a deepening engagement with theory and method in religious studies, while encouraging in-depth study of one or more religious traditions. This combination of theoretical know-how with studies in specific traditions equips you to make sense of, appreciate and compare religion in a cross-cultural perspective.

You can study:

Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Indian traditions
indigenous religions of Africa, North America and East Asia
new age and Afrodiasporic traditions, particularly those in Latin America and the Caribbean
Sanskrit, Arabic or Persian (subject to availability) through our expertise in Asian Studies and in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Career opportunities

This programme is designed to provide a strong foundation for postgraduate research in the field or for employment in a range of areas requiring critical analysis and empathetic understanding.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory and Method in the Study of Religion

Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies

Approaches to Research: Religious Studies

Contemporary Theories of Religion

Hindu Traditions: Critical Investigations

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-30 00:00:00

More details

It is strongly recommended you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 104 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, a minimum US 3.25 GPA, or its international equivalent, in theology/religious studies or a relevant field within humanities and social sciences.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32000 GBP / year

≈ 32000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

13700 GBP / year

≈ 13700 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time fees:

Home - £6,850

International/EU - £16,000

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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