Postgraduate taught 

Church History & Theology MTh/PgDip/PgCert

An old church in Glenfinnan, Scotland.

This Masters engages students in the history of the Christian Church, its theology, and the influence of changing theological and historiographical traditions. The programme gives equal weight to the study of history, theology, history of ideas and historiography, enabling students to develop robust critical skills for analysing changing ideas, customs and intellectual traditions. What makes this programme distinctive is its engagement with not just the history of Christianity, but the changing historiography of Christianity, and its impact upon theology. This Masters is delivered by an international collaboration with Stellenbosch University (South Africa).

  • MTh: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time
  • PgDip: 6 months full-time; 12 months part‑time
  • PgCert: 3 months full-time; 6 months part‑time
  • January intake available
Ask a question

Why this programme

  • The University established one of the world’s first professorial chairs in Church History in 1716.
  • The core staff are Church Historians with diverse expertise who have published widely and edit internationally recognised journals and book series.
  • The University has a world-class library with exceptional special collections, archives and rare books, including first-century papyri, over 1,000 early incunabula, first editions of key reformation texts, and one of the largest collections of bibles in the world.
  • Parts of this programme are delivered by Stellenbosch University, joint-oldest university in sub-Saharan Africa and ranked among the best universities for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies on the African continent.

Programme structure

The core courses include discipline specific training while the optional courses are taught via lectures and seminars. The taught component is followed by a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice.

The programme runs from January to December and the second block of teaching (April to June) can be undertaken at Stellenbosch University.

Core courses

Optional courses

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

Students may take this programme while on secondment from an on-going teaching or professional education position. Students will typically continue to doctoral study, Christian ministry, school teaching or to posts in the culture and heritage sector.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2022-23

MTh

UK

  • Full-time fee: £9500
  • Part-time fee: £1056 per 20 credits

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £20400

PgDip

UK

  • Full-time fee: £6333
  • Part-time fee: £1056 per 20 credits

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £13600

PgCert

UK

  • Full-time fee: £3167
  • Part-time fee: £1056 per 20 credits

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £6800

Tuition fees for January 2022 intake

MSc

  • UK full time fee: £9,000
  • EU/International full time fee: £19,350

PGDip

  • UK full time fee: £6,000
  • EU/International full time fee: £12,900

PGCert

  • UK full time fee: £3,000
  • EU/International full time fee: £6,450

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships - EU & EEA Students (January 2022 Entry)

Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships is a programme of scholarships offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities. Our chosen scholars are people who aspire to become influential leaders in their future careers. They have wide ranging interests outside their studies and a desire to broaden their personal and academic experience in Scotland. In order to support students from the EU & EEA, the Scottish Government is now offering scholarships to students who wish to start their studies on a postgraduate taught degree course in academic year 2021/22.

Scholarships are available to citizens of the following regions EU and EEA. Saltire Scholars will also have the opportunity to take part in a programme of activities over and above their studies, including dialogue with the academic and business community in Scotland.

CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)

The University of Glasgow offers a 25% discount to all successful CONICyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement

CONACYT offers a non-refundable scholarship, a monthly stipend and medical insurance of an approximate total of $20,000 USD (in the case of the UK, no medical insurance grant is given since students are already covered by the National Health System) The University of Glasgow offer a 30% discount to all successful CONACyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

British Marshall Scholarships

The Marshall Scholarships offer top quality US students the opportunity to study at any British University for at least two years. Up to 40 new Scholarships are awarded annually. A Marshall Scholarship is tenable for 22 months (two academic years). Candidates may apply in any discipline leading to the award of a degree from any British University. The closing date is normally in October. Full details on regional application centres and online application forms are available from the Marshall website.

Graham Trust Bursary Scheme

The Fund is open to students with the surname Graham, or descendants of the Graham family, who are studying at a higher education institute in Glasgow.  Further information about the fund can be found on the Graham Trust website. 

Clark (Mile-End) Bursary Fund

The Clark (Mile-End) Bursary Fund is a charitable endowment which was established in 1868 by a Victorian philanthropist by the name of John Clark. He was a thread manufacturer and prominent citizen from Paisley. The fund is now governed by Rules laid down in a 1974 Scheme (as varied with the consent of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in 2013).

Please see the Clark (Mile-End) Bursary Fund for more information.

Humanitarian Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is offering four scholarships (one per college) for applicants to the University who are staying in the UK on humanitarian grounds and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students of the University of Glasgow applying for entry in 2022/23. The scholarship meets the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme as well providing an additional £5,000 per year stipend, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met this will also be provided for the duration of your degree. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.

We are also offering eight scholarships to students who hold refugee status. This scholarship is awarded as a £2,500 stipend towards study costs, per year of study.

The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Clan Gregor Society are offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified.

 

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0. 
  • Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

  • 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23. 
  • Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic or home)

  • 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
  • Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months, combined scores from 2 tests sat within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

  • 65%.
  • Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
  • Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
  • Masters degree from English speaking country
  • Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

 

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application then you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

January 2023

  • TBC
Apply now

Related programmes

Theology & Religious Studies

Related links

Postgraduate events

Open Days, information sessions, campus tours, events near you

Download

Postgraduate prospectus 2021