Religion and Literature

Students explore literary and religious texts and ideas including the history of the emerging field,as well as current issues in both areas of study and in their interaction.

The programme draws on the expertise of  world-renowned academics in Theology, Ethics, Religious Studies and Biblical Studies.

If you are interested in this study area, you can apply either as a Master of Theology (MTh) or as a Master of Science (MSc); depending on your preference.

Our postgraduate Degree Finder contains a full programme description, details of entry requirements, fees, scholarships and international student information for this programme. Or see the following programme structure.

• Literature and Religion: Exploring the Connections – 20 credits
• Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies – 10 credits
• Approaches to Research: Religion and Literature – 10 credits
• Four optional courses – 80 credits
• 15,000 word dissertation – 60 credits

These courses may change year to year, so please consult the Programme Director for advice on what will be available.

• Buddhist Literature – 20 credits
• Issues of Religion and Ethics in Literature – 20 credits
• Jews and Non-Jews: Co-existence, Conflict, Co-operation – 20 credits
• Literary Classics of the Islamic World – 20 credits
• Peace-building, Theology and the Arts – 20 credits
• Scottish Literature, Imagination, and Faith – 20 credits
• Science and Religion in Literature – 20 credits
• The Holocaust in Literature and Culture – 20 credits
• Lives of the Buddha in Indian Art and Literature – 20 credits
• Understanding the Hindu Epics: Mahabharata and Ramayana – 20 credits

With the agreement of your Programme Director, you may also take courses from other masters programmes including those on offer in English Literature or language courses (subject to availability and timetabling constraints).

This programme is designed to prepare you for PhD work in the field of Religion and Literature, as well as in allied subjects, or to move on to non-academic work of various kinds including teaching, academic publishing, religious leadership and the creative arts.

Programme Director

Professor Alison Jack

Email: a.jack@ed.ac.uk

Profile page: Professor Alison Jack

Postgraduate admissions

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 8952

Email: div.pgadmissions@ed.ac.uk