What can I do with a degree from Divinity?

Find out what you can do with a degree in Theology or Religious Studies.

Summer graduation scene 2022
Graduation at New College 2022

What kind of job can I get after I graduate?

The transferable skills you will develop during your degree will open doors to many different occupations. In an increasingly global economy, the skills of vision, creativity and religious sensitivity developed through the study of Theology and Religious Studies will set you apart from other graduates. Divinity graduates learn to show independence in thought and critical self-awareness about one's own outlook, commitments and prejudices. They can communicate information, ideas, principles and theories and demonstrate key skills such as critical thinking and analytical writing.

Theology and Religious Studies graduates become lawyers, teachers, academics, civil servants, business analysts, politicians, social workers, charity workers, journalists and religious ministers, to name but a few career options.

Professors talking
Discussions in New College Quad

An overview of your options for graduate emplyment

Large graduate recruitment schemes

  • Around 15% of graduates will be recruited into this kind of scheme
  • They are formal programmes that last for 2-3 years 

Not-for-profit sector

  • E.g. charities, social services, pressure groups, think tanks, cultural heritage

Further study

  • Postgraduate (PGT, PGR) or PhD study
  • Graduate vocational programmes (e.g. PGDE, Law, Social Work)

Small and medium sized enterprises (SME)

  • Majority of graduate opportunities exist in these companies
  • They are normally 250 employees or less 
  • They offer less formal training and development but earlier responsibility

Public sector

  • E.g. Civil Service, local government, NHS, emergency services, armed forces, higher and further education, state schools
  • Various graduate schemes and graduate opportunities 

Examples of Graduate schemes

  • Finance – banks, consulting
  • Healthcare management – NHS graduate schemes 
  • Human resources – large companies with in-house HR 
  • IT – Google, Microsoft, Amazon etc. 
  • Marketing/media 
  • Broadcasters (e.g. Sky, BBC, Virgin)  
  • PR (e.g. Weber Shandwick) 
  • Advertising agencies (e.g. M&C Saatchi)
  • Charities – CharityWorks, Cancer Research
  • Engineering – incl. non-engineering roles

TRS UK 

TRS UK also provide an insight into how a degree in Theology and Religious Studies can help in different professions.

Watch TRS Videos

The University of Edinburgh – Careers Service

As a student at the School of Divinity, you’ll have access to the University’s Careers Service. The Careers Service provides a range of support to help you develop your skills and work towards your chosen career path. From internship opportunities to funding for start-ups to career advice and so much more.

Careers Service

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