Theology & Religious Studies BD/MA
Theology & Religious Studies encompasses the study of religion, religions, the Bible and theology – not as worlds apart, but as they relate to politics, history, literature, philosophy, art and culture as well as to personal belief and practice.
We are passionate about exploring the way that religion shapes political and cultural life. We will help you understand the impact of religion in the contemporary world, in literature and art, in political conflict, and in responses to urgent challenges such as armed conflict and climate change.
- September start
- Session dates
- Theology & Religious Studies BD (Hons): V600 4 year degree
- Theology & Religious Studies MA (Hons): V621 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Degree options
- Study abroad available
Programme structure
We offer two programmes, MA and BD, which differ in how the first two years of study are organised.
Students who wish to specialise in Christianity, or who are training for the ministry, often take the BD.
MA
You will explore the role of religion in the rich textual, cultural, artistic and philosophical heritage of humankind, and the influence of religion in politics, conflict and social attitudes.
You can choose from a variety of subjects across the sub-disciplines of theology and religious studies.
The programme can be structured to introduce you to a variety of religions or to focus on the Christian tradition.
MA: Year 1
In year 1 you will take at least two of these four courses and you may take Greek or Hebrew:
- Creation to apocalypse offers a whirlwind tour through the Bible, exploring stories that have influenced literature, music and the arts, politics and popular culture.
- The God question explores big questions of faith, life and death, and how Christians through the ages have been challenged by and responded to them.
- The search for meaning: Judaism, Christianity & Islam considers the origins of the monotheistic religions, how their scriptures and doctrines developed and their influence in the world today in spheres such as gender and politics.
- The search for meaning: understanding Asian traditions explores how Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism make sense of life, the universe and everything. How appropriate are western assumptions about religion, God and faith when seeking to understand eastern worldviews and practices?
MA: Year 2
In year 2 you will take at least two of these four courses, and a language if you wish:
- Christian traditions & transformations explores the history of the church, focusing on how Christianity has related to political structures, how this shapes theology.
- Texts & cultures of the Bible introduces you to some of the many different ways that the Christian Scriptures have been interpreted: how do political context, gender or ideology influence readings of the Bible?
- Religion, culture & controversy investigates the role of religion in cultural conflicts, for instance in Jerusalem.
- Mysticism & spirituality probes religious experience and how it can be talked about.
You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.
BD
If you are hoping to work in pastoral ministry, a caring profession or a voluntary organisation, the BD could be suitable for you. It combines academic study with practical application and placements, and offers the opportunity for in-depth reflection on your experience in a supportive and challenging environment.
BD: Year 1
Introductory courses in the Bible and Theology & religious studies introduce you to some of the basic concerns of those practising religion today and give you tools for analysis and critical thinking.
You will also explore worship and liturgy, considering how theology is “put to work” in the practice of the church. You may choose to study a Biblical language: Hebrew or Greek.
BD: Year 2
You will take further courses in the Bible, history and theology. You will also study ethics and reflect on pastoral practice and explore some of the issues that confront believers as they seek to reconcile their faith with the challenges presented by contemporary technological, social and environmental change.
MA and BD: Years 3 and 4
If you successfully complete years 1 and 2 , you may be admitted to Honours.
You can choose from courses including:
- Media Bible
- Bible, literature & culture
- Theology through creative writing
- Genesis
- Wisdom literature
- Tanakh texts
- New Testament theology
- New Testament texts
- New Testament topics
- Women in the Bible
- Doctrine of God
- Jesus Christ since 1900
- Issues in contemporary Catholicism
- Existentialism
- Studies in the early church & patristics
- Studies in Reformation history
- History of the church in Scotland since 1500
- Sectarianism in Scotland & Ireland
- Current issues in the Scottish churches
- Pastoral theology
- Political theology
- Christianity & bioethics
- Modern Judaism
- Holocaust and the ethics of representation
- Buddhism
- Sufism
- Reading Islam
- Religion & trade in premodern Asia
- Religion in modern Iran
- Understanding Muhammad.
You will also write a 12,000-word dissertation.
Course details
MA
Year 1
In Year 1, you will study two courses from Theology & Religious Studies with courses from two other subjects. You may also take Greek or Hebrew.
- Worship & Liturgy 1
- TRS 1 : Classical Hebrew Language
- TRS 1: Creation To Apocalypse: Introduction To The Bible
- TRS 1: The God Question: Exploring Christianity
- TRS 1: The Search For Meaning: Judaism, Christianity & Islam
- Religions in Asia
- Engaging the Bible
- Eldership & Local Church Leaders in a Changing Context
- Hebrew 1
Year 2
In Year 2, you must study at least 2 courses from Theology & Religious Studies, but you can choose up to 4 courses in this subject. Your remaining courses will come from other subjects.
You will take at least two of these courses, and a language if you wish:
- TRS 2: Christian Traditions and Transformations
- TRS 2: Mysticism And Spirituality
- TRS 2: Texts and Cultures of the Bible
- TRS: Religion, Culture, and Controversy
- Preaching in Church Contexts
- Liturgy and Prayer in Church Worship
BD
Year 1
You must take at least 4 courses from Theology & Religious Studies. Your remaining courses will come from Theology & Religious Studies or other subjects.
- Worship & Liturgy 1
- TRS 1 : Classical Hebrew Language
- TRS 1: Creation To Apocalypse: Introduction To The Bible
- TRS 1: The God Question: Exploring Christianity
- TRS 1: The Search For Meaning: Judaism, Christianity & Islam
- Religions in Asia
- Contemporary Visual Art and Worship
- Designing and Leading Christian Worship
- Introduction to Ministry & Mission in Digital Culture (Online Distance Learning)
- Creative Writing as Spiritual Reflection: Models, Methods and Practice
- Listening in Mission
- Eldership & Local Church Leaders in a Changing Context
- Hebrew 1
Year 2
You must take at least 4 courses from Theology & Religious Studies. Your remaining courses will come from Theology & Religious Studies or other subjects.
- TRS 2: Christian Traditions and Transformations
- TRS 2: Mysticism And Spirituality
- TRS 2: Texts and Cultures of the Bible
- Preaching in Church Contexts
- Liturgy and Prayer in Church Worship
MA and BD
Years 3 and 4 (Honours)
Example courses
These are examples of courses you may study in Years 3 and 4. Courses may not run every academic year due to staff research interests, student interest, timetabling etc.
- Existentialism: Atheism, Reason, and Faith
- Bible, Literature and Culture
- Introductory Classical Hebrew for Honours
- Genesis
- New Testament Texts
- New Testament Texts with Greek
- New Testament Themes and Topics
- New Testament Themes and Topics with Greek
- Old Testament / Tanakh Texts
- Old Testament / Tanakh Texts with Hebrew
- Wisdom Literature
- Wisdom Literature Honours with Hebrew
- Christianity and Bioethics
- Pastoral Theology
- Theology through Creative Writing
- Worship, Liturgy and Preaching
- Holocaust Narratives and the Ethics of Representation
- Modern Judaism: Aspects of Life and Literature
- Reading Islam
- Religion in Modern Iran
- Sufism
- Understanding Muhammad
- Issues in Contemporary Catholicism
- Doctrine of God
- Jesus Christ since 1900
- John Calvin and his Theology
- Political Theology
- Studies in Early Church History and Theology
- Studies in the History and Theology of the Reformation
- The Church in Scotland since 1500
- Muslims in Multicultural Britain
- Jewish Literature in the Graeco-Roman World
- Women and Gender in the Bible and the Ancient World
- Religion and Trade in Premodern Asia
- Law, Religion and the Rights of the Child
- Religious practice in Japan
- South Asian Epic Traditions
- Theology of Thomas Aquinas
- Dissertation
- Applied Dissertation with Placement in Theology and Religious Studies
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.
Our international links
You may study for one semester or one year (usually your third year) of your degree at an overseas university as part of a student exchange programme.
In recent years our students have studied in countries including Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden and the United States, returning with a fantastic experience of different cultures and traditions.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
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.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Minister
- Archives & Special Collections Assistant
- Assistant Clinical Psychologist
- Teacher
- Communications Officer
- Digital Marketer
- Energy Specialist
- Financial Planning Associate
- Youth & Community Worker
- Pastor.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 93.3% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 75.4% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,161.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2023–24 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing the beliefs, practices and historical development of world religions using textual, philosophical and cultural approaches.
- Evaluating religious texts, ideas and traditions critically, understanding how meaning changes across time, cultures and audiences.
- Interpreting the role of religion within wider social, political and cultural movements, both historically and today.
- Researching independently in theology and religious studies, applying academic methods to produce a sustained, evidence‑based dissertation.
- Communicating complex ideas clearly and sensitively in written and spoken formats, engaging with diverse viewpoints.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Isabella Linton, Policy Assistant, School of Critical Studies, 2025
My degree helped me develop strong transferable skills that I use every day, including researching complex issues, analysing evidence critically, communicating clearly and understanding different perspectives. These have been invaluable in my role, particularly when turning complex information into practical recommendations.
The programme’s focus on people also helped me develop empathy, cultural awareness and the ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives. It taught me to ask good questions, challenge assumptions and approach complex issues with curiosity and compassion. My degree provided a strong foundation for a career focused on positive social change.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BD (Hons)
MA (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
