Earning an Overseas Masters Degree Without Moving Overseas
- Caleb Kaltenbach
- Nov 21, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
****This page is regularly updated****
In previous years, earning a gradulate/postgraduate degree from an overseas school meant moving and living near the university for a year or more. Today, through various platforms (like online study, Zoom/FaceTime, independent studies, intensive classes, live-streaming classes, etc.), many institutions have strived to make it more realistic for students to finish an overseas degree without moving to another country.
While some degrees include taking classes/modules, many are referred to as "by research" and are research-based/thesis-only programs. MPhil (Master of Philosophy), MTh/MTheol (Master of Theology), MRes (Master of Research), MLitt (Master of Letters), MA (Master of Arts), MS/MSc (Master of Science). For perspective, whereas a PhD/ThD requires a dissertation of 80,000-100,000 words, MPhil and MLitt degrees usually require writing a thesis of around 40,000–70,000 words, an MTh 30,000-50,000 words, and a MRes or MA (by research) 20,000–30,000 words (I am not including any info on the degree of postgraduate diploma).
Overseas graduate/postgraduate programs are often perfect for students with an undergraduate degree in a ministry or biblical studies-related field (especially the research-based/thesis-only programs). Such degrees are also well suited for seminary graduates who desire further study or individuals with degrees in fields similar to ministry or biblical studies.
Below are a few overseas schools that have degrees (with majors like biblical studies, theological studies, religion, ministry/practical theology, philosophy of religion, missions/intercultural studies, etc.) requiring either no travel or extremely minimal travel to the school campus.
If you enjoy this post, take a look at some of my other blog posts in this series: where to earn a 100% online masters degree, obtaining an overseas PhD, and PhD distance learning programs in the United States. Anyway, happy reading!!!
AUSTRALIA
Australian School of Theology
**Click on the link and scroll down to see the schools offering the degree.
Charles Sturt University
Sydney College of Divinity
University of Divinity
**You choose one of their schools to study for an MPhil (by research) or MTh (by research)
University of Notre Dame Australia
ISRAEL
Jerusalem Seminary
***A couple of trips to campus are required
NEW ZEALAND
University of Otago
SOUTH AFRICA
South African Theological Seminary
University of Pretoria
**Students can earn a master's from the University of Pretoria through:
Cape Town Baptist Seminary: MTh (by research)
University of South Africa
SWITZERLAND
University of Geneva
University of Lausanne
University of Lucerne
UNITED KINGDOM
Anglia Ruskin University
Bangor University
Cardiff University
Durham University **Students can earn a master's from Durham University through:
St. Mellitus College- MA in Biblical Studies or Mission in Contemporary Culture
Trinity College Bristol- MA in Theology, Ministry, & Mission
London Metropolitan University
London School of Theology
**The degrees are awarded by Middlesex University
Manchester Metropolitan University
The Open University
MPhil (by research) **Students can earn a master's from The Open University through:
Union School of Theology: MTh in Scripture & Theology
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford University
St. Mary's University
Spurgeon's College
Union Theological College
MTh in Old Testament, New Testament, and Reformed Theology
University of Aberdeen
**Students can also earn a master's from the University of Aberdeen through:
Trinity College Bristol- MTh (by research)
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Cumbria
**Students can also earn a master's from the University of Cumbira through:
Belfast School of Theology: MA in Practical Theology
University of Chester
MA in Religious Studies **Students can also earn a master's from the University of Chester through:
King's Evangelical Divinity School: MA in Theology
Westminster Theological Centre: MA in Kingdom Theology
University of Edinburgh
University of Essex
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
**Students can also earn a master's from the University of Glasgow through:
Edinburgh Theological Seminary: MTh (by research), MTh in Missiology, and MTh in Scottish Church History & Theology
University of Gloucestershire
**Students can also earn a master's from the University of Gloucestershire through:
University of the Highlands & Islands
University of Leeds
University of London
University of Manchester
**Students can earn a master's degree from the University of Manchester through:
Cliff College- MA in Mission
Luther King Centre- M.Phil (by research)
Nazarene Theological College- MA in Christian Thought & Practice
Spurgeon’s College- MPhil (by research)
University of Northampton
University of Nottingham
University of St. Andrews
University of Sheffield
University of Sunderland
The University of Wales- Trinity Saint David
**Students can earn a master's degree from the University of Wales- Trinity Saint David through:
St. Padarn's Institute- MA in Theology, Ministry & Mission (Children, Young People, & Families Specialists)
University of Westminster
University of Winchester
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This is a very informative and well-researched post, especially for students who want international qualifications with flexible study options. Distance and research-based overseas master’s degrees are a great solution for those balancing work, ministry, or other commitments. At GraddingHomes, we regularly guide students planning to study abroad by helping them shortlist suitable universities and courses, and when relocation is required, we also assist with finding reliable student accommodation in Reading. Content like this really helps students make confident academic decisions.
Earning an overseas master’s degree without relocating abroad has become a practical and popular option for students worldwide. Many top universities now offer online and hybrid programs that deliver the same curriculum, faculty expertise, and globally recognized degrees as on-campus courses. This approach helps students save on living costs while gaining international exposure and career value. For IELTS aspirants, such global education themes are also useful for practice, as similar topics often appear in an IELTS speaking cue card, where candidates discuss education, technology, and international opportunities. Overall, it’s a smart pathway to global learning with flexibility and affordability.
This is a very insightful post for anyone considering pursuing a master’s degree abroad without relocating. For students planning this path, it’s crucial to prepare well for English proficiency exams. Using resources like a TOEFL score card to track your performance and practicing regularly with IELTS reading practice test materials can make a huge difference in achieving the required scores and boosting confidence before applying.
This comprehensive overview shows how study abroad has evolved far beyond the traditional model of relocating to another country. Today, students can earn respected overseas master’s degrees—especially research-based qualifications—from globally recognised universities while continuing to live and work in their home country. These flexible pathways make international education more accessible, affordable, and inclusive, allowing learners to gain global academic credentials, international supervision, and cross-cultural exposure without the full cost and disruption of migration. For many professionals, ministers, researchers, and mature students, this blended or distance-based approach represents the future of overseas education.
That said, some students still prefer (or are required) to spend short periods on campus for residencies, supervision meetings, or networking—particularly in major academic hubs. In such cases, planning…