Master of Theology (Research)
The MTh (Research) degree programme provides an important opportunity to engage in research at a postgraduate level and further develop skills in reading, analytical thought and writing.
This degree programme is validated by the University of Glasgow.
MTh (Research) students will have the time and facilities to deepen their understanding of their chosen area of research so as to specialise in areas of systematic theology, biblical studies, church history, practical or pastoral theology, and missiological studies.
The research-based degree involves either one year of full-time or two years’ part-time study.
The MTh programme is particularly suited to the following:
- Current undergraduate students who wish to take their academic interests further and deepen their skills.
- Prospective students who are eager to pursue a particular area of study.
- Students who wish to progress to PhD level attainment.
- Students who wish to teach theological education.
- Church Ministers who wish to maintain or return to an active academic interest.
The main supervisor for each candidate will be a member of Edinburgh Theological Seminary teaching staff. There will be a second supervisor appointed by the University of Glasgow.
Students will be required to submit a 40,000 word thesis. There will also normally be an oral examination based on their research. Full-time candidates will be invited to attend a programme of Postgraduate Seminars arranged by the Seminary. Part-time candidates will be advised to attend seminars relevant to the subject of their own research.
Distance Learning
While being present on campus may help with access to a wide variety of research resources, all of our postgraduate programmes may be completed on or off-campus (or a mixture of both).
See Distance Learning FAQ for more information on distance learning at ETS.
In this video, Dr Sinclair Ferguson and MTh student Andy Longwe explain to prospective students what the Master of Theology (Research) programme involves.
Further Information
The Postgraduate Admissions Policy can be found here.
Applicants would normally be expected to hold an honours degree in History or Theology/Divinity of a recognised university or college/seminary, or a Bachelor of Theology degree from Edinburgh Theological Seminary at merit or distinction level.
In exceptional circumstances, applicants without this qualification might be admitted, subject to possessing an alternative appropriate qualification at an approved level, and subject to any conditions laid down by the Seminary with the agreement of the Higher Degrees Committee of the University of Glasgow.
Applicants whose first language is not English will normally be required to provide documentary evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 or its equivalent.
Find out more here.
Course fees can be found here.
For further information, please email ETS Offices or Dr Alistair Wilson, Postgraduate Studies Director.
