Why study this course?
The MLitt in Theology and the Arts is a one-year taught programme run by the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA), within the School of Divinity. Our MLitt is one of the first postgraduate programmes of its kind and retains its world-leading reputation.
The course is designed to provide a broad and rigorous introduction to postgraduate work in the field of theology and the arts. It can be taken as a self-contained programme of study or as a grounding for those intending to pursue doctoral research in this field.
Highlights
- A unique training programme for artists wishing to reflect on the theological dimensions of their work, and for theologians wishing to explore the place of art within theological thought and practice.
- An ideal stepping stone towards the Institute's PhD programme, which centres on a three-year independent research project.
- An opportunity to engage with diverse forms of culture from different historical periods, including literature, drama, the visual arts and music.
- A self-contained programme equipping students with a wide range of transferable skills which will support them in a variety of professional fields and settings.
Teaching
Delivered through weekly lectures and seminars.
Class sizes
Groups range from 10 to 15 students.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework and exams.
Modules
Modules are interdisciplinary in nature, integrating various artistic media and theological themes, and are taught through weekly lectures and seminars.
Students attend ITIA’s weekly research seminar, and may, if they wish, enrol in language classes and attend other lectures, seminars and reading groups as appropriate.
The School offers classes in Hebrew and Greek, which are open to all students. Students may also take languages classes offered by other Schools or by the University's language extension programme.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Students on the Theology and the Arts MLitt programme are provided with the skills they need to succeed in an international job market, both academic and non-academic.
Graduates have taken up roles in a wide variety of occupations and sectors, including:
- lectureships, research fellowships, and professorships at universities and colleges
- work for arts institutions and museums, archives, libraries, research institutes, and think-tanks
- journalism, publishing, and communications sector
- church ministry
- secondary school teaching and higher education
- civil service or public policy
- academic, university or public administration.
Further study
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year residential Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Theology and the Arts.
Many Divinity graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews.
ITIA provides a competitive and rigorous PhD programme aimed at those who already have the necessary scholarly grounding to begin an independent doctoral research project.
Why St Andrews?
The Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA) is a vibrant community of established scholars, post-docs, and graduate students. The weekly research seminar, at which internal and guest speakers discuss their ongoing work, is at the heart of the Institute’s day-to-day life.
The ITIA Research Forum allows graduates to discuss ongoing research and provides professional training for graduates.
The Transept, a student-led artist group, meets weekly to discuss original work in all art forms.
ITIA is home to, and associated with, a number of publications:
- Journal of Inklings Studies – ITIA hosts the editorial office of this leading academic journal on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and their literary circle.
- Ashgate Studies in Theology, Imagination and the Arts book series.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“The MLitt in Theology and the Arts is interdisciplinary by nature, offering you opportunities to tailor your experience to your specific interests. I hope to enter a career that combines my professional skills and my love of the arts: I may continue in publishing as an acquisitions editor, pivot into art and design, or pursue a role in nonprofit work as an arts ministry program coordinator or instructor. ”
- Arizona, USA
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in theology or an Arts subject. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement which substantively engages with theology and the arts (300 to 500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic work in English (2,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 21 March 2025
