Entry requirements
Entry Requirements A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its equivalent if outside the UK, or 3.4+ GPA, in Theology/Religion (with adequate previous study relevant to Biblical Studies), or exceptionally in another subject, when there is evidence that the student can move successfully to postgraduate-level study in Biblical Studies, or exceptionally, candidates whose prior study and professional experience provide evidence of ability for postgraduate study in Theology, Religion and Biblical Studies. All students are expected to have prior study in at least one of the two main biblical languages (Hebrew, Greek), and the core requirements in the programme include further courses in biblical and/or cognate languages. Normally, applicants will be expected to have completed a second-level course in biblical Hebrew or Greek, or demonstrate comparable reading ability (eg through a reading test to be sat prior to matriculation). Applicants may be admitted, however, on the basis of a very strong showing in a first-level course in either language, in which case one of their required courses will be either Hebrew 3 or New Testament Greek 3.
Course description
This taught MTh/MSc is aimed at students who want to acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills in Biblical Studies and related areas at a postgraduate level. It can be followed as an end in itself, or to help students to enhance and assess their aptitude for research at PhD level.
The School of Divinity has long held an international reputation for excellence in Biblical Studies. We are fortunate to have members of staff with research interests in the fields of Old Testament, New Testament, Early Judaism, and Early Christianity. Languages are particularly strong here at Edinburgh, and students regularly can study Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. The School is also home to the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins and hosts a vibrant weekly research seminar for academic staff, postgraduate students, and a range of senior specialists in Biblical Studies and cognate subjects.
All students are expected to have prior study in at least one of the two main biblical languages (Hebrew, Greek), and the core requirements in the programme include further courses in biblical and/or cognate languages (as referred to later in this document). (Normally, applicants will be expected to have completed a second-level course in biblical Hebrew or Greek, or demonstrate comparable reading ability (e.g., through a reading test to be sat prior to matriculation). Applicants may be admitted, however, on the basis of a very strong showing in a first-level course in either language, in which case one of their required courses will be either Hebrew 3 or NT Greek 3.)
The dissertation component is intended to permit students to identify an appropriate question or topic, pursue sustained research and analysis of it under supervision, and write a coherent discussion of it in suitable academic format.
Admission is open to students with a good honours degree, or its equivalent (e.g., a good 2.1 classed degree, or 3.5+ GPA), in Theology/Religion (with adequate previous study relevant to Biblical Studies), or exceptionally in another subject when there is evidence that the student can move successfully to postgraduate-level study in biblical studies, or exceptionally to candidates whose prior study and professional experience provide evidence of ability for postgraduate study in Theology and Religion (and Biblical Studies).
To undertake the programme successfully, students need to show the ability to think and write clearly and analytically; to work critically with primary texts and modern works; to have a reasonably good knowledge of, or strong promise in, at least one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew); to engage in independent study; and to work effectively in a seminar context by presenting papers and contributing to discussion.
The degree can be taken full-time over 12 months, or part-time over 24 months. For further information, contact the co-ordinator of this programme: Prof Timothy Lim.
The programme requires 180 credits of work overall. Students take 120 credits in taught courses. The core components of this degree (60 credits) comprise (1) two of the 20-credit "Biblical Language/Reading" courses from the list below, and (2) one of the 20-credit courses in the list of "Optional Courses" below. In addition students will take three further courses of 20 credits each (one of which may be an appropriate Honours-level course-module, on approval of the Programme Co-ordinator). Also, of these three other courses, up to two (40 credits) may be in one or more other subject areas or disciplines, with approval of the Programme Co-ordinator for this programme.
The remaining 60 credits will come from a dissertation (15,000 words).
Core Courses
1. Biblical Language/Reading Courses (40 credits). After consultation with the Programme Co-ordinator, students will take at least two of the following:
a)Advanced Readings in the Greek Bible and Related Literature [20 Credits]
b)Advanced Readings in Biblical Hebrew [20 credits]
c)Biblical Aramaic [20 credits]
d)Hebrew and Aramaic Texts from Qumran [20 credits]
f)Syriac [20 credits]
g)Ugaritic [20 credits]
h)Post-Biblical Hebrew [20 credits]
(In cases where students have only one year of prior study of one biblical language, they may take either Hebrew 3 or New Testament Greek 3 in fulfilment of the core requirement in a biblical language.)
2. Optional Courses. After consultation with the Programme Co-ordinator, students will take at least one of the following options in Biblical Studies:
a)Hebrew Prophecy [20 credits]
b)Textual Criticism in Biblical Studies [20 credits]
c)Selected Topics in Biblical Studies [20 credits]
d)Any further language course from the list of "Biblical Language/Reading e)Courses" above (for which the student meets course prerequisites)
An introductory course in biblical Hebrew or New Testament Greek (20 credits), as may be appropriate
