Philosophy, Science and Religion (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgDip
Online
DURATION
9 up to 48 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 21,600 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Estimated full tuition fees for Philosophy, Science and Religion (MSc) | PgCert: £7,200 | PgDip: £14,400
Introduction
Philosophy, science and religion are three endeavours that shape in far-reaching and fundamental ways how we think, what we value, and how we live. Public discourse, professional life, politics and culture revolve around the philosophical, scientific and religious ideas of our age; yet they and their relationship to each other are not well understood.
This programme brings together leaders in the fields of philosophy, science and theology, based both in Edinburgh and across the world.
You will be brought up to date with the relevant scientific developments including:
- quantum mechanics
- relativity
- cosmology
- evolutionary biology
- neuroscience
- human origins
The relevant theological issues include:
- problem of evil
- miracles
- theological conceptions of creation
- theological conceptions of Providence
- eschatology
And the philosophical tools that are required to understand the relationship between them such as:
- the philosophy of science
- metaphysics
- epistemology
- philosophy of language
What will I learn?
This MSc/PGDipl/PGCert in Philosophy, Science and Religion is designed to give you a rigorous grounding in contemporary work at the intersection of philosophy, science and religion.
You will develop logical acumen and analytical skills, and the ability to express yourself clearly in writing and conversation with diverse groups of students from around the world. As well as being a leading research institution in philosophy, theology and the sciences, Edinburgh has led the way in providing high-quality, bespoke and intensive online learning at the postgraduate level.
Reputation, relevance and employability
Edinburgh has a proud and distinguished place in the history of theology and philosophy and has long been associated with some of the field’s most important thinkers. Our academic departments are home to academics leading research into a wide range of contemporary topics.
Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.
Our programme has an excellent reputation among employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and we have a high academic job placement record.
The School of Divinity was ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for research power in Theology and Religious Studies – (Times Higher Education’s power rankings based on REF 2021 results) and is ranked in the world’s top 10 universities for Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
Philosophy is rated 4th in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Online learning
This is an online only programme that will be taught through a combination of:
- short video lectures
- web discussion boards
- video conferencing
- online exercises
You will have regular access both to faculty and dedicated teaching assistants, including one-to-one interactions.
You will also interact with other students on the programme as part of a dedicated virtual learning environment.
Rankings
The University of Edinburgh is a World Top 30 University (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Ideal Students
This is an online programme only and you can customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about.
The innovative online format of the programme and the flexibility of study it offers makes it accessible to those with family or professional commitments, or who live far from Edinburgh.
It provides excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of philosophy, whether you choose to pursue this further in academic research or in a professional career.
Program Outcome
The MSc/PgDip/PgCert in Philosophy, Science and Religion equips you to:
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the key areas in the current science-religion interface including cosmology, evolution, and psychology and will be able to engage with them philosophically.
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills and philosophical acumen in approaching debates between science and theology.
- Engage critically with key textual sources in the field.
- Engage constructively in cross-disciplinary conversations.
- Demonstrate an openness to personal growth through a commitment to dialogue across intellectual and spiritual boundaries.
You will also gain transferable skills in:
- written and verbal communication
- group and teamwork
- time and project management
Career Opportunities
This programme provides you with a range of knowledge and skills to prepare you for a variety of career paths, including, but not limited to, further postgraduate study in theology or philosophy.
Others are teaching at community colleges and high schools. Our graduates consistently tell us that the skills they have learned through the degree have influenced their thinking both in their careers and more generally through life.
This programme would be an ideal foundation for further graduate work, however, the skills of analytical, clear and creative thinking and writing, and the ability to manage projects that require significant research and to engage in constructive conversations across disciplinary and cultural boundaries are all highly sought after by employers in a diverse range of fields.
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:
- tailored advice
- individual guidance and personal assistance
- internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
- access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network
We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.
Curriculum
You will take options from a wide range of courses offered by the Department of Philosophy and the School of Divinity both jointly and individually and will be required to write a dissertation.
Compulsory courses
- Philosophy, Science and Religion 1: The Physical World
- Philosophy, Science and Religion 2: Life and Mind
Optional courses
- History of Science and Religion
- Mind, Matter, and Spirit
- Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophy of Science
- Science and Scripture
- Islamic Philosophy
In addition, students are able to take option courses from the online MSc in Epistemology, Ethics & Mind:
- Epistemology
- Ethics
- Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
- Advanced Epistemology
- Advanced Ethics
- Advanced Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
Possible exit routes
The programme is also available as either a:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Dissertation
In taking the full MSc, you will write a dissertation on a research topic developed in consultation with your supervisor.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
There are a number of highly competitive scholarships and funding options available to MSc students.
Deadlines for funding applications vary for each funding source. Please make sure to check the specific deadlines for the funding opportunities you wish to apply for and make sure that you submit your application in good time.
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your tuition fee status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible