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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

Thomas Chalmers Scholarship for PhD Study

As part of the events designed to mark the 600 years since the founding of the University of St Andrews, the University’s School of Divinity is delighted to offer, in association with Langham Partnership, a special award, the Thomas Chalmers Scholarship, for a scholar from the Majority (Developing) World embarking on a three-year, full-time research degree programme in Divinity in September 2013. Details »

Best in the UK for the student experience

Divinity at St Andrews has been ranked first in the UK in the field of Religious Studies and Theology in The Guardian University Guide 2013. Achieving a maximum possible score of 100, with a 100% course satisfaction rating from its students, St Andrews has confirmed its status as second to none in terms of overall student learning experience. Details »

Postgraduate programmes 2013-14

Enquiries and applications for PhD entry in September 2013 are welcome; closing date is 20th January 2013.

The online system for applications to full-time taught postgraduate programmes commencing in September 2013 is open. Applications for part-time distance learning postgraduate study commencing in September 2013 or January 2014 are also welcome.

Latest news

Sacred Texts in Their Socio-Political Contexts

The 3rd annual GradConf is part of the iSBL, and will explore the (theo)political visions of authoritative/sacred texts in their historical contexts.

Ecclesia and Ethics. Online, Live, Webinar Conference

Ecclesia and Ethics: An Online Biblical Studies and Theology Conference. May 18th and 25th featuring N.T. Wright, Stanley Hauerwas, Michael Gorman, Shane Claiborne and More!

2013 International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature

The School of Divinity is happy to announce that the International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature will be held at the University of St Andrews from July 7-11, 2013.

Emanuel Tov PhD scholarship 2013

in the field of Text Criticism in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible is again available.

ITIA conference 15-17 August 2012

The School welcomed delegates to Theatrical Theology — Conversations on Performing the Faith.

More news »