1843
First session of the New College
The very first classes for the Free Church students were held at Dr Candlish' church in Lothian Road.
1845
©National Museum of Scotland, Elliot Collection, bequeathed 1950
Chalmers’ vision for Free Church Education
In 1845 Thomas Chalmers turned his attention to the curriculum of the college.
1857
©The University of Edinburgh
Natural science on the curriculum?
The death of John Fleming professor of natural science sparked the first of several debates about whether the subject should remain on the curriculum.
1875
©The University of Edinburgh
Pamphlet: Theological Class for Ladies
New College provided some opportunities for women in the 1870s, though it was not until after WW1 that women studied the full curriculum alongside men.
1919
First postgraduate study
Approval was given for a Post-Graduate School in Theology on 6th February 1919.
1963
Major shift in BD entry
For the first time it was possible to study for BD without have a prior degree in another subject.
1971
First intake into the Religious Studies BA
The new degree began with four students enrolled and was taught in collaboration with colleagues from the Faculties of Arts and Law.
1984
Centre for Theology and Public Issues
Founded by Duncan Forrester as the first ever research centre on Public Theology CTPI has made a distinguished contribution to the debate in Scotland and far beyond.
1986
Modern media meets theology
The Media Theological Education Programme was set up in response to the concern that the church was not incorporating modern media into the curriculum.
1986
World Christianity comes to Edinburgh
The move of Professor Andrew F. Walls and Centre for the Study of Christianity in the Non-Western World brought a new approach to studying Christians.
1988
Expansion of Religious Studies
The options available for students on the BA Religious Studies increased and transfer of Nick Wyatt and Alistair Kee from Glasgow.
1990
Boom in student numbers
By the 1990s the number of students taking Religious Studies out numbered those on the BD.
1995
Launch of Studies in World Christianity
The first issue of the journal Studies in World Christianity: The Edinburgh Review of Theology and Religion appeared under the editorship of James Mackey.
1997
Centre for the Study of Christian Origins
Founded by Prof Larry Hurtado to bring together scholars working on early Christianity from the New Testament to patristics.
2017
New Programmes, timeless fascination
The Science and Religion programme brought new voices and methodologies to a topic which intrigued the earliest generations of New College students.
2019
Buddhist Network
The launch of the Edinburgh Buddhist Studies Network took place in September 2019, linking researchers across the University of Edinburgh and beyond.
2020
New MSc Programme in Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations
The latest addition to the New College Curriculum is the MSc in Christian Muslim relations, led by Programme Director Dr Shadaab Rahemtulla.
2021
Literature takes a step forward
2021 will see the introduction of the MSc in Religion and Literature.