Thomas Tullideph studied at Edinburgh University, then seems to have worked as a merchant in Edinburgh, and possibly had served as an officer in the Swedish army, before taking orders for the ministry. He was appointed minister at Dron (1727-1731) and Markinch (1731-1734), before becoming professor of biblical criticism at St Mary's College, St Andrews, from 1734 to 1739. He was then appointed principal of St Leonard’s College, St Andrews until 1747, being instrumental in urging the union of St Leonard's College with St Salvator's College. He became principal of the United College from 1747 until 1777.
From the guide to the Thomas Tullideph, Oratio, 1734., 25 November 1734, (University of St Andrews)