online Philosophy, Science and Religion (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgDip

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

And the relevant theological issues including:

• 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 in 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 in 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 postgraduate level.

Is this MSc for me?

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 an excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of philosophy, whether you choose to pursue this in further in academic research or in a professional career.

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).

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant natural science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, mathematics) or relevant humanities subject (e.g. theology, religious studies, philosophy).

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

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.

• Careers Service