History of Christianity in Scotland

Applications are now open

Christianity has played a pivotal role in shaping Scotland from its arrival. This course explores these enigmatic origins and charts:

  • the history of the Christianity in Scotland,
  • the role of Medieval Catholicism in shaping and consolidating the medieval state,
  • the transformation of society through the Scottish Reformation and its role in shaping national identity,
  • the diversification of Protestant traditions, the role of Scottish Christianity in British imperialism,
  • the development of deeply rooted sectarianism, and the rapid and significant secularization of Scotland in the last fifty years.

Thus the course represents a traditional Church History approach, shaped by recent developments in cultural and social history. For those interested in the history of Christianity in Scotland and its global significance, this three-week intensive summer school will provide a rich and broad overview.

Moreover, the course will provide an opportunity to visit some of the key sites first-hand.

For North Americans coming from universities with religious affiliations, this course has been taken to fulfil core-requirements in Religious or Christian studies. 

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Key information

Arrival date: Saturday 29 June 2024

Orientation day: Monday 1 July 2024

Classes start: Monday 1 July 2024

Classes end: Friday 26 July 2024

Accommodation check out: Saturday 27 July 2024

Credits: 15

Tuition fee: £3360

Accommodation cost: £660

Application Deadline: 30th April 2024

What you will learn

The course will provide the opportunity to:

  • examine the beliefs and practices of Scotland’s inhabitants from the introduction of Christianity to the present
  • critically assess some of the historical and cultural influences of Christianity on Scotland
  • identify the ongoing development of these traditions and compare them with modern influences of secularization.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  • describe and analyse some of the main features of Scotland’s Christian history
  • evidence an appreciation of Scotland’s diverse traditions and their distinct contributions to Scottish culture
  • discuss some of the historical and contemporary challenges that have shaped religion in Scotland
  • articulate some of the particularly Scottish expressions of global religions traditions.

Teaching pattern

The course will be a mixture of lectures and independent study. There will also be a field trip.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
  • you should be currently enrolled at an international higher education institution.

If your first language is not English, you must meet our minimum proficiency level:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) overall score of 6.0, with no sub test less than 5.5
  • we also accept equivalent scores in other recognised qualifications such as ibTOEFL, CAE, CPE and more
  • visit eligibility

This is a guide, for further information email internationalsummerschools@glasgow.ac.uk