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Montage of images from St Mary's College

St Mary's College, The School of Divinity

Crest of St Mary's CollegeThe University of St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1413, and throughout its history has taught Divinity (biblical studies and theology). It enjoys a reputation as one of the finest institutions of higher education in the United Kingdom. Today it has a vibrant community of both undergraduate and postgraduate students (including distance learners).

Founded in 1539

St Mary's College, the home of Divinity in the University, was founded in 1539 and is still housed in its fine sixteenth-century buildings. These provide a focus for the College and contribute immensely to the research, teaching and social networks integral to a vibrant academic community. Adjoining the College is the King James Library which, in conjunction with the main University Library, houses an exceptional collection of books and periodicals for teaching and research.

Excellence in teaching and research

The School of Divinity has an internationally renowned staff and a reputation for high quality in both teaching and research. The most recent RAE in 2008 confirmed St Andrews as a leading British centre for research in theology. Submitting all its academic staff, 95% of research produced was judged to be of international quality. The "Roundel" serves as a state of the art study centre exclusively for the use of postgraduates in Divinity.

Highlights

Postgraduate programmes 2012-13

The School of Divinity will continue to consider PhD applications up to 1st July 2012 for September 2012 entry However, applicants should be aware that – thanks to a very strong field once again this year – in many areas (such as New Testament Studies) almost all available places for the coming session have now been taken.

Applications for full-time taught postgraduate programmes remain open until 1st July 2012. Applications for part-time distance learning postgraduate study remain open until 1st July 2012 for September entry and until 1st November 2012 for January 2013 entry.

Theatrical Theology — Conversations on Performing the Faith, 15-17 August 2012

Influenced and inspired by Hans Urs von Balthasar’s seminal work in The Theo-Drama, this year's ITIA conference brings together contemporary scholars who are discovering the potential for interdisciplinary conversation between theology and theatre. Read more...

Paul's Letter to the Galatians & Christian Theology, 10-13 July 2012

We are pleased to announce the fourth St Andrews conference on Scripture and
 Christian Theology. With the book of Galatians as the key text, biblical scholars and theologians of the Christian tradition will gather to work out how exegesis and theology meet, critique and inform each other. Read more...


Galatians and Christian Theology - 10-13 July 2012

World-class scholars to address major interdisciplinary conference in St Andrews

Keynote Speakers - Richard Hays, N.T. Wright and Oliver O'Donovan (l to r).

3 keynote speakers no title  

Latest news

'Manuscripts and their texts' - Postgraduate Conference

8th-9th June 2012. Registration is now open; details.

St Mary's first again in Scotland

The School of Divinity has retained its premier position in 'The Complete University Guide 2013' for teaching and student satisfaction. It also continues to be fifth in the UK.

Distance learning modules 2013-2014 announced

'Church, Theology and Globalization' in September 2013 followed in January 2014 by 'The Bible and Contemporary Issues'.

Dead Sea Scrolls and Hebrew Bible series completed.

Prof Kristin De Troyer, of the School of Divinity, and her colleague Armin Lange, of the University of Vienna, have recently completed their major five volume series The Dead Sea Scrolls and Hebrew Bible Seminar.

Residential MLitt applications open.

Applications are now open for one year postgraduate MLitts in: Systematic & Historical Theology; Biblical Languages and Literature; Scripture and Theology; Theology, Imagination, and the Arts; and Bible and Contemporary World.

More news »