Join a uniquely flexible distance-learning Theology degree.
Our 100% online Theology programme offers you the chance to study with one of the UK’s six ancient universities, wherever you are in the world.
Theology has been taught here since our founding in 1495.
With our flexible online Theology degree, you can choose to:
- study part-time or full-time
- qualify with an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate
- pick and mix individual courses from within the degree to study on their own.
Training for Ministry
This degree includes the eight Church of Scotland-accredited courses you need to qualify as a Reader or Ordained Local Minister.
The programme is ideal if you wish to undertake vocational studies relevant to church ministry and convocation.
Courses accredited by the Church of Scotland
Eight ministry-focused courses in this degree are accredited by the Church of Scotland.
They provide the academic training you need to become a Reader or Ordained Local Minister.
- Exploring the New Testament
- Exploring the Tradition of Western Ethics
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- Literature and Society in Ancient Israel
- Pastoral Care
- Sacramental Theology
- Scottish Church History and Theology
- Theology and Practice of Preaching
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Bachelor of Theology (Honours) (480 credits)
- Bachelor of Theology (360 credits)
- Undergraduate Diploma in Theology and Religion (240 credits)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Theology and Religion (120 credits), or
- choose to study any of the degree’s component courses standalone.
Our range of available courses alternate on a two-year rolling cycle.
How you’ll study
Online learning
Our distance-learning BTh Theology is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
- You can study with us anywhere, with no need for a study visa.
- Set your own study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- recorded lectures to stream or download
- live online seminars
- discussion boards with your online colleagues and tutors
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Live online seminars
You’ll have live online seminars to discuss your set texts, issues and questions with your tutors and classmates. The number of seminars you’ll have each week varies by course, but they are always held between 18:00 and 21:00 GMT, Monday to Friday.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from subject specialists within our School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History.
Assessments
You’ll be assessed entirely online. We use several types of assessment throughout your degree, including:
- coursework, such as essays and reports
- online presentations
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies you’ve learned
- online examinations at the end of each course.
Assessment methods differ between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Reverend Dr Ken Jeffrey
Ken is the programme coordinator. He’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Dr Joel Pierce
Joel is part of the School’s support team. He’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
Our online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Careers
Studying Theology at Aberdeen will help you prepare for a wide range of careers.
The University places a strong emphasis on applied learning and the skills that you learn will help you meet the requirements of top employers.
Our Theology graduates have found employment in a wide range of areas, including:
- the churches
- media and journalism
- teaching
- public service and administration
- the NGO sector
- business
- government, and
- publishing.
Further study and research
Many of our graduates continue their studies at postgraduate level and go on to be involved in internationally recognised research programmes.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
Access our free careers service while you study, and for up to five years after you graduate.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
Fees and funding
The fees quoted above are based on part-time study starting in the 2022/23 academic year.
Future fee increases
In line with other universities, tuition fees are subject to annual review and the University reserves the right to routinely increase these from year to year. You should budget for an increase of between 5% and 9% per annum.
The indicative costs quoted above are based on a 5% increase per annum.
Why are fees lower for Scottish domiciled students?
The reduced rate for students domiciled in Scotland is possible due to a funding contribution from the Scottish Funding Council. Funding is not provided to the University for students who are domiciled outside of Scotland.
Why study Theology online with the University of Aberdeen?
Founded in 1495
Divinity has been taught at the University of Aberdeen for more than five centuries.
1st in the UK
We’re rated 1st in the UK for Theology and Religious Studies in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
Entry requirements
BTh, UgDip and UgCert
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers or Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers or Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers or Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on widening participation criteria and adjusted entry qualifications.
A Levels
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H, with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
You’re also welcome to apply if you have:
- other relevant qualifications, and
- professional experience with supportive references.
This is a summary of our entry requirements. For more information, including information on advanced entry to Divinity and Theology degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
Bachelor of Theology (Honours) - 480 credits
You can choose from the courses below to make up the 480 credits of your BTh (Honours).
You’ll choose:
- 240 credits from Level 1 and 2 courses, with a minimum of 120 of these at Level 1.
- 240 credits from Level 3 and 4 courses, with a minimum of 90 of these at Level 4, including your 30-credit Honours dissertation.
You can start your studies in January or September and progress at a pace that suits you.
Duration
Studying part-time, it takes typically eight years to complete the BTh (Honours). We recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term to study part-time.
Studying full-time, it takes typically four years to complete the BTh (Honours). You’ll take 60 credits per term.
Bachelor of Theology - 360 credits
You can choose from the courses below to make up the 360 credits of your BTh.
You’ll choose:
- 240 credits from Level 1 and 2 courses, with a minimum of 120 of these at Level 1.
- 120 credits from Level 3 courses.
You can start your studies in January or September and progress at a pace that suits you.
Duration
Studying part-time, it takes typically six years to complete the BTh. We recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term to study part-time.
Studying full-time, it takes typically three years to complete the BTh. You’ll take 60 credits per term.
Undergraduate Diploma - 240 credits
You can choose from the following courses to make up the 240 credits of your Diploma in Theology and Religion.
At least 120 credits must be from Level 2 courses.
You can start your studies in January or September and progress at a pace that suits you.
Duration
Studying part-time, it takes typically four years to complete the Diploma. We recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term to study part-time.
Studying full-time, it takes typically two years to complete the Diploma. You’ll take 60 credits per term.
Undergraduate Certificate - 120 credits
You can choose from the following courses to make up the 120 credits of your Certificate in Theology and Religion.
At least 90 credits must be from Level 1 courses.
You can start your studies in January or September and progress at a pace that suits you.
Duration
Studying part-time, it takes typically two years to complete the Certificate. We recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term to study part-time.
Studying full-time, it takes typically one year to complete the Certificate. You’ll take 60 credits per term.
Bachelor of Theology (Honours)
480 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£8,940
All other students
£33,000
This indicative cost is based on 480 credits of study over eight years, starting in September 2022.
Bachelor of Theology
360 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£6,360
All other students
£23,480
This indicative cost is based on 360 credits of study over six years, starting in September 2022.
Undergraduate Diploma
240 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£4,020
All other students
£14,860
This indicative cost is based on 240 credits of study over four years, starting in September 2022.
Undergraduate Certificate
120 credits
Scottish domiciled students
£1,920
All other students
£7,060
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2022.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
Indicative Costs
This indicative cost is based on 480 credits of study over eight years, starting in September 2022.
How to apply
