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 language classes offered by other Schools or by the University's language extension programme.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Theological Engagements with the Arts: Methodologies and Critical Theories: addresses theological questions about human artistry and introduces students to different ways of engaging the relationship between Christian theology and the arts.
- Christian Doctrine and the Arts: examines key Christian doctrines and their artistic presentation throughout the centuries.
- Religious Experience and Aesthetic Theory: This module explores how different art forms encourage different kinds of religious experience, and how different styles within an art form can privilege one aspect of theology over another. Covering a range of artworks and genres
- Practical Criticism: This module focuses on the practice of close reading in relation to the arts. Whilst offering students the opportunity to engage with artistic treatments of religious subjects in a range of different genres and forms.
- Dissertation for MLitt Programme/s: Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.
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- Practical Criticism: exposes students to a multiplicity of forms and themes, with an emphasis on the practice of close reading and is taught by ITIA staff.
- A module from another of the School of Divinity's MLitt programmes.
- A module from another academic School, for example, English, Art History, Film Studies or Philosophy.
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Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise students in their choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process.
The completed dissertation of 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, an exit award is available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip). By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
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
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
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, postdocs 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.
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 is a leading academic journal on C S Lewis, J R R Tolkien and their literary circle, for which the ITIA hosts the editorial office
- 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
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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.
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
- statement of purpose (300 to 500 words)
- sample of your own, single-authored academic work in English (2,000 words)
- one original signed academic reference
- 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: £12,630
- Rest of the world: £27,200
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
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
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: 12 August 2025