St Mary's University will start teaching its master’s courses in Theology and Catholic Education this Autumn at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh, following a delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students will study a taught postgraduate programme in Catholic Education, School Leadership or Theology.

St Mary’s, established in 1850, has a long history of academic excellence, and students  will be able to access the same expertise throughout their studies.

The University and the Archdiocese have agreed arrangements for St Mary’s to occupy part of the Gillis Centre, which houses the offices for the Archdiocese.

'Delighted'

Archbishop Leo Cushley said: “St Mary’s is the UK’s leading Catholic university, so we’re delighted it has agreed to offer courses here.

"It’s an ideal location and is consistent with our Archdiocesan aim for the advancement of Catholic education. It will help support the Roman Catholic community and give people the opportunity to study a fascinating range of subjects.”

"Our courses are open to students of all faiths and none, and our flexible programmes at the Gillis Centre will create new opportunities for mature students, teachers and others across central Scotland."

Speaking of the announcement, Chair of St Mary’s University Board of Governors, Bishop Richard Moth, said, “St Mary’s is very pleased to be working with the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

"Opening a postgraduate campus in Edinburgh is consistent with the mission of the University to promote higher education and to grow our postgraduate offering.”

Flexible

Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Anthony McClaran, added, “After the unavoidable delay caused by Covid-19, we are pleased that we will be teaching our Theology and Education postgraduate courses in Edinburgh from September.

"Our courses are open to students of all faiths and none, and our flexible programmes at the Gillis Centre will create new opportunities for mature students, teachers and others across central Scotland.”

Find out more

  • The postgraduate part-time MA courses will begin at the Strathearn Road campus from Autumn 2021
  • All information is available at St Mary's University website: www.stmarys.ac.uk/edinburgh
  • St Mary’s University hosts the only faculties in the UK with the ability to offer ecclesiastical degrees, the Mater Ecclesiae College (with awards dating back to 1614).
  • Its long-standing and nationally recognised Education programmes were recently re-confirmed as Ofsted ‘Outstanding’, a rating they have held since 2011.