MA Biblical Studies
About this course
MA (Honours) in Biblical Studies, a theology and religion degree focused on the scriptural foundations of Western civilisation through the study of the Old and New Testaments. The course includes a compulsory dissertation in the final year. The first year covers foundational language and textual study through Hebrew 1: Introduction to Hebrew Language, New Testament Greek 1, Jesus and the Gospels, and The Art of Biblical Literature: Introducing the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. The second year advances linguistic and textual analysis via modules such as Christ, Paul, and the Origins of Christianity A (English Texts), Christ, Paul, and the Origins of Christianity B (Greek Texts), Reading the Women of the Old Testament A (English Texts), and Reading the Women of the Old Testament B (Hebrew Texts). Further study spans topics from canon history to comparative religion through unassigned modules such as The Bible Through the Ages: History, Theology, and Hermeneutics, Prophetic Books, Hebrew Readings, and Themes and Texts in Christian-Buddhist Dialogue.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5)
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What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 30%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 35%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 20%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Modules
- The Bible Through the Ages: History, Theology, and Hermeneutics : takes students through the history of the Bible and its interpretation from the formation of the canon to postmodernism considering, for each time period, what the Bible was for the people of the time, and how people encountered and interpreted the Bible
- Readings in Early Christian Greek Texts
- Johannine Literature and Theology: English Text
- Johannine Literature and Theology: Greek Text
- Epistle to the Hebrews: English Text
- God and Morality: Faith and Philosophy in the Scottish Enlightenment
- Prophetic Books
- Hebrew Readings
- Creation and Chaos in the Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East
- Themes and Texts in Christian-Buddhist Dialogue
- Hebrew 1: Introduction to Hebrew Language
- Hebrew 2
- Jesus and the Gospels
- New Testament Greek 1
- New Testament Greek 2
- The Art of Biblical Literature: Introducing the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
- Christ, Paul, and the Origins of Christianity A (English Texts)
- Christ, Paul, and the Origins of Christianity B (Greek Texts)
- Reading the Women of the Old Testament A (English Texts)
- Reading the Women of the Old Testament B (Hebrew Texts)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Biblical Studies at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £31,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £38,500. The £32,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of MA Biblical Studies at University of St Andrews do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Biblical Studies at University of St Andrews?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Biblical Studies at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 198 UCAS points.
Does MA Biblical Studies at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Biblical Studies at University of St Andrews?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.