Deepen your faith and grow confident in evangelisation through a Master’s in applied Catholic Theology.
- Part-time evening study course: one to two evenings a week, for 24 weeks a year.
- Cost is split over two years, with bursaries and other funding available for some students.
- Assessment is mainly by written and oral assessments, book reviews and essays.
- As well as theology graduates, we will consider applications from graduates with other degrees who have relevant professional experience.
Course overview
Positively impact communities with our hands-on Applied Catholic Theology master’s. You will develop your theological literacy through debates and practical application. You’ll cover topics like:
- biblical interpretation
- Christian Anthropolgy
- the foundations of Christian spirituality
- spiritual direction
- Catholic social teaching
- systematic theology.
Upheld by Catholic values
We have a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. Our Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts is highly-respected and houses the Mater Ecclesiae College, established in 1614.
As part of our Catholic mission, we help individuals create a compassionate, just, and sustainable world.
Our Applied Catholic Theology MA is open to people of all religions. It will particularly suit those who:
- participate in parish and diocesan activities
- work within Christian ministry/leadership
- teach Religious Education (RE).
Specialist teaching and support
You will learn from research-active academics centred in Scotland who will help to advance your knowledge, networks and employability.
Study around your schedule
Fit this part time Master’s around your schedule, with evening classes, a variety of modules to choose from, and Saturday study days.
In semester 1, classes take place on Mondays, and in Semester 2 Mondays and Tuesdays.
Stephen Dolan
Course Lead for the MA Applied Catholic Theology (Edinburgh).
Upcoming Event
MA Applied Catholic Theology webinar (29th May 2024)
Wednesday 29th May 2024, 06:00PM
Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:2
Previous degree
You should have a second-class first degree in theology or a related discipline.
We also accept suitable qualifications from those with an undergraduate in a different subject who have professional interests and experience relevant to the programme. In this case, you should write to the course lead to discuss your experience.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2025
Home
£9,240
International
£17,820
Funding Information
Course fees are split over the two years of study, with instalment options available. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding and matched bursary funding options are also available.
We are offering bursaries of £500 to parishioners of all dioceses in Scotland participating in a full postgraduate programme at the Gillis Centre beginning in September 2022, provided this is matched by a similar contribution towards the fees from the parish.
Scottish students can now apply for funding from SAAS to study at the Gillis Centre, and can get up to £7000 from SAAS towards their degrees.
Applications for 2025/26 can be submitted from the first week of April 2025.
Home and International students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. Please visit our alternative postgraduate funding webpage for more information about external scholarships and grants for postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes.
International Students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
A variety of assessment methods employed across the programme seeks to balance traditional learning and more contemporary approaches. Modules will involve some formative assessment, and all students are assigned a personal tutor with whom to discuss particular needs and participate in individual tutorials on plans and drafts of work prior to submission.
Career opportunities
With our Applied Catholic Theology Master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills like human understanding, communication, and critical thinking.
Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Applied Catholic Theology (Edinburgh) MA include:
Apply now
September 2025
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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