Masters Degrees in Pastoral Studies

Please note: this programme is subject to validation.

Why study Biblical Studies?

The MA in Biblical Studies offers excellent scholars who will help you learn, think and reflect about interpreting the Bible in today's world. You will engage with Scripture in its ancient and modern contexts, by reading the texts in conversation with high-quality scholarship and in relation to a wide range of issues.

This MA is suitable for many kinds of people:

- the MA will prepare you well for doctoral study in Biblical Studies, and includes opportunities to engage with biblical texts in the original languages, or to learn one of the languages which you have not previously studied
- if you serve in Christian or Jewish leadership, the MA will deepen and strengthen your engagement with Scripture in your preaching, teaching and ministry
-the MA is open to you if you have completed suitable prior theological study, to enable you to grow in understanding, reflection and thoughtful engagement with the Bible.

You can focus your MA in different ways through your choice of options and your dissertation topic. In your dissertation you will dig deep into a topic of your choice with the supervision and support of one of our team of outstanding biblical scholars.

Why St Mary's?

Whilst studying the MA in Biblical Studies at St Mary's you will:

- learn from our team of world-class biblical scholars who bring their own research into the classroom
- grow in skills and understanding through first-hand engagement with the Bible in our text-focused modules
- reflect on how others read the Bible in relation to a wide range of issues today, in society, politics, and in faith communities
- have chance to study with fine visiting scholars from elsewhere in the world, who will offer 'intensive' modules focused in a two-week period on their specialism
- be part of a university committed to treating Scripture seriously as part of its mission to serve faith communities
- have access to a good library, including electronic access to many books and journals
- have opportunities to attend the Centre for the Social-Scientific Study of the Bible's conferences, and research seminars on biblical themes and topics

Course content

Full-time students take two modules each semester, plus the dissertation. Part-time students take one module each semester for two years, and write their dissertation in the third year.

Every module is not offered every year, to ensure that class sizes are sufficient for a good student experience. To gain the MA, you must take the core module, Aspects of Biblical Interpretation, plus three options and the dissertation.

All modules can be seen on our website:
https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses-london/biblical-studies

Career opportunities

The MA will enhance employability in a number of roles where advanced skills in interpreting the Bible, and reflecting critically on such interpretation, are key elements, including:

- school teaching
-work with Christian or Jewish charities and agencies, including churches and synagogues
-educational roles with Christian and Jewish communities
-pastoral ministry in church or synagogue; senior leadership within churches and the Jewish community regionally, nationally and internationally

In addition, the MA is designed to lead naturally into doctoral study and the opportunities which such study provides.

The programme will also provide an education which sensitises students to engaging with religious texts from other times, cultures and places, and thus will equip them for work engaging with cross-cultural situations, such as NGOs in the UK and overseas, international relations, and the Civil Service in both the Home and Foreign Offices.

The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.

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This course offers a distinctive learning experience based on the integration of the fields of theology, biblical studies and Christian practice. Students will engage critically with the intellectual challenges of ministry through the study of key themes in biblical, theological and ministerial studies. The programme is thus framed around a clear interaction between both theory and practice and across a variety of areas of ministerial formation. The M.Theol. aims to maintain a rigorous academic core whilst also broadening the scope of content and assessment to include professional application. Candidates are assessed by a combination of course work, ministry portfolio and dissertation.

This programme is offered only in the part-time mode, with two options:

Mode A which runs for three years and Mode B which runs for 6 years.

Course Content:
The course covers areas including:
The Bible and its Interpretation
• Texts and Communities in Context – Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
• Texts and Communities in Context –New Testament
• Communities of Interpretation - To the Enlightenment Period
• Communities of Interpretation - In the Modern Period and in the Church Today
Theological Reflection and Christian Identity
• Christian Thinking About God
• Jesus the Christ
• Cosmology, Anthropology and the Church
• Theology and Ethics
Christian Practice in Church and Society
• Mission, Culture and Social Context
• Pastoral Studies
• Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality
• Anglican Studies in an Irish Context
• Church Leadership Practice and Practicalities

Students take a total of one of three elective modules.

• Music and Worship
• Faith, Nurture and Christian Education
• Ministry for Reconciliation

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Run in partnership with the College of the Resurrection and the Yorkshire Ministry Course.

We designed this course in creative dialogue with pastoral practice. There are specific modules that meet the training needs of newly ordained clergy.

You’ll go on a placement in the community as part of the course. This might be in a parish, a school or a chaplaincy. And you’ll learn the habits of critical theological reflection.

You can choose modules from across the discipline or focus on one particular subject area.

Careers

The course is aimed at anyone involved in Christian ministry, lay or ordained, who wants to study theological subjects in more depth.

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Gain a respected qualification tailored to your professional development in this three-year, multi-faith programme.

You will study with fellow chaplains from all sectors in an environment which integrates interdisciplinary study and practical theological reflection.

You will develop your intellectual competence and research skills, deepening your reflective practice and enhancing pastoral capability.

Teaching is via four short residential schools per year with online tutorial support throughout.

You choose one of four pathways to suit your needs.

• Generic (without specialist context)
• Education
• Healthcare
• Higher Education

The generic pathway is designed for any chaplain regardless of context.

Distinctive features:

• Co-devised with St Padarn’s Institute, this programme gives you the knowledge and expertise to contribute more fully in your role.
• Teaching is via four short residential schools per year with online tutorial support throughout.

Structure

What you study depends on your pathway.

• PGCert

At Certificate level you take three modules, combining core and optional modules designed specifically for your pathway (60 credits total).

• PGDip

At Diploma level you take four modules, combining core and optional modules designed specifically for your pathway (80 credits total).

• MSc

For this part-time Master’s, you will take a combination of core and optional modules designed specifically for your pathway.

On successful completion of this taught programme stage you will progress to your dissertation. In total, you will study 180 credits.

Teaching

Teaching is via four short residential schools per year with online tutorial support throughout.

Assessment

Assessment is via essays and assignments (such as book reviews and presentations).

Career prospects

Those undertaking the course will be involved in some kind of professional chaplaincy, on a full or part-time basis. If appropriate, it is also possible for those who do not work in the chaplaincy field to follow this course.

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Acquire a respected qualification tailored to the professional and vocational development of military chaplains in this three year, multi-faith programme.

Teaching is via four short residential schools per year with online tutorial support throughout.

Additionally, you will study and reflect with chaplains from other fields (e.g. Education, Health, Prisons) during residentials.

You will develop your intellectual competence and research skills, deepening your reflective practice and enhancing pastoral capability.

Please note, this programme is only suitable for chaplains currently serving with a branch of the military.

Distinctive features

• Post-experience course directly tailored to the distinctive needs and ministry of chaplains to the military (MoD, Navy or RAF).

• Opportunities to meet and study with chaplains from other sectors.

• Delivered in an ecumenical collegiate environment where study, worship and reflection belong together.

• Integrates a multi-faith perspective in all teaching and discussion.

• A three year-programme offered via four short residential schools per year with individually directed personal study.

• Co-devised with St Padarn’s Institute, this programme gives you the knowledge and expertise to contribute more fully in your role.

Structure

This is a three year programme, during which you will study modules totalling 180 credits.

Part one consists of six essay-assessed modules whose subject matter includes: an introduction to practical theology; the context of military chaplaincy; moral issues for the military.

On successful completion of the taught element of the programme you will progress to part two – your dissertation.

Part two consists of a dissertation of 16,000 - 20,000 words on a topic of your choice, related to your chaplaincy work.

Core modules:

Practical Theology: Resources and Methods
Facilitating Moral Thinking and Debate
Moral Issues in The Context of Military Chaplaincy
The Context of Chaplaincy
Perspectives and Skills in The Military Environment
Dissertation

Teaching

Teaching is offered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and student presentations. Teaching is via four short residential schools per year with online tutorial support throughout.

Assessment

Assessment is via essays and assignments (such as book reviews and presentations).

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Your programme of study

If you want to widen the scope of careers open to you within the discipline or go on to teach, work in the ministry, in church leadership or charitable organisations this programme may help you achieve your career aspirations. Biblical and Religious Studies has been taught at Aberdeen since its inauguration in 1495 making it one of the oldest and most established universities to study this discipline area. Teachers are highly regarded internationally and the programme is made up of wide ranging spiritual areas of study. Students come from the British Isles and overseas and follow a wide range of professions upon graduation.

The programme in Biblical Studies is designed to stimulate reflection on the use of the Bible in theology by crossing the conventional disciplinary boundaries between biblical exegesis and systematic theology. Special attention will be given to the issues of canonical criticism, narrative reading, and the use of Scripture in the construction of theological arguments.

Courses listed for the programme

• The Emergence of Christology
• Jewish History and Culture
• Readings in Systematic Theology
• The Christian Doctrine of God
• Creation in Christian Ethics
• Great Thinkers in Theological Ethics
• Spiritual Formation
• Patterns and Principles of Church Leadership
• Special Subjects x 2
• Senior Honours Special Subject x 2
• Reading New Testament Greek x 2
• Hebrew Language lii and lv

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

Why study at Aberdeen?

• One of the oldest universities in the UK, with one of the oldest departments founded in 1495
• Alumni have gone on to teach, work in the ministry, church leadership, charitable organisations and doctoral studies
• You are taught by a great range of experts with access to the library and special collections

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time and Part Time
• 12 Months and 24 Months
• September

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

Your Accommodation

• Catered Accommodation
• Self-Catering     

Campus Facilities

• University of Aberdeen: A Global Community
• University of Aberdeen: We are international
• Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies
• Sport
• Societies
• Review

Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs

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Your programme of study

Students in Practical Theology explore the interaction between Christian faith and the wider spirituality of contemporary culture, with particular concern for the challenges and opportunities this offers in the context of the life and ministry of the church, both in Scotland and internationally. The department’s strong links to both church and clinical settings, along with the University’s extensive library holdings, make Aberdeen a dynamic and rich context in which to study theology’s capacity to contribute to the transformation of individual lives and Contemporary society.

Courses listed for the programme

YEAR 1

• Patterns and Principles of Church Leadership
• Spiritual Formation

YEAR 2

• Preaching to Change the World: Exploring the Theology and Practice of Christian Witness
• Christian Practices
• Dissertation

Qualification

• MTh

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

Why study at Aberdeen?

• Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in the UK, dating back to 1495 when ministry studies were formed as part of the new university
• The founder Bishop William Elphinstone devoted learning to 'the pursuit of truth and service to others'
• You are taught by renowned researchers in Ministry and there are a variety of exit points and qualifications to consider

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• 24 Months Part Time
• September or January start

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about international fees:

• International
• EU and Scotland
• Other UK

Find out more about fees on the programme page

*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

• Your Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs 

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'Theology is simply that part of religion that requires brains.' - G K Chesterton

Theology is primarily concerned with how we live out and understand our Christian faith. As well as teaching the theoretical aspects of the faith, our postgraduate theology programmes have always placed a special emphasis on the application of theology to specific practical situations and the preparation and formation of people for Christian ministry in a fast moving age:

'Theology has importance for the Church in every age so that it can respond to the plan of God "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:4). In times of great spiritual and cultural change, theology is all the more important.' (Donum Veritatis, 1)

Why St Mary's?

At St Mary’s we are particularly concerned that academic theology should be in the service of the churches, the world, and wider society. For over a decade we have worked directly with numerous Roman Catholic Dioceses to deliver a comprehensive training in ministry. Consequently we now offer three specialist postgraduate theological pathways:
• Chaplaincy and Ministry
• Christian Spirituality
• Systematic Theology

It is possible to study for three postgraduate qualifications in Theology: the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Master's Degree. Each builds on the other so having completed the two core modules of the course you will be eligible for the Postgraduate Certificate. If you successfully complete the Optional Modules you will be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma and if this is followed with the Dissertation you will be eligible for the Master's degree.

St Mary’s now has agreements with the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Northampton, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and the Southern Permanent Diaconate Formation Programme. We teach the MA at Saturday classes in Ashburton (Devon), Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire), Winchester (Hampshire) and - for those training for Catholic diaconal ministry - Wonersh (Surrey).

A Student View

Teresa (London)
"One of the great benefits of this MA Course is the opportunity the oral and written assignments have given me to reflect theologically on, and relate the issues discussed in the lectures to, my work as a School Chaplain... I also greatly appreciated the opportunity the lectures afforded to meet regularly with a group of fellow Chaplains and to share our own experiences and reflections on Chaplaincy."

Career Prospects

The study of Theology develops students intellectually in a way that fits them in particular for pastoral work. It is an excellent preparation for any profession that involves working with people in a pastoral context.

In addition to the more general employment opportunities that require graduates with a breadth of human understanding, critical and social skills, and an awareness of current affairs, there are some professional openings in which expertise in biblical, theological and pastoral skills is an integral part of professional training.

These include the various forms of pastoral work and pastoral ministry, chaplaincy in schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, armed forces, prisons, retreat work, spiritual direction and guidance, teaching, catechesis and adult formation.

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This highly regarded postgraduate degree will be of interest to all who hold or are aiming for leadership positions in Catholic schools and colleges.

About one-third of the 150-plus students are senior leaders - headteachers and college principals; deputies and assistant heads. The other two-thirds are subject or pastoral leaders, primary curriculum coordinators, classroom leaders or aspiring school leaders.

All are welcome and will enjoy participating. Securing quality leaders committed to modelling leadership on Christ constitutes one of the key challenges for Catholic and indeed all Christian schools.

This course aims to promote a vision that sees the maintenance of a balance between school improvement and Catholic distinctiveness as a feature of the mission of schools and colleges.

Why St Mary's?

Several students have cited the flexibility of this degree as a particular advantage since it is possible to complete the programme within one to five years.

The variety of modes of delivery, including blended and full-distance, also makes the programme especially attractive. The combination of personalised learning and tutorial support - together with the excellent reading materials and online resources - is noted by students as distinctive.

The course helps students understand the core aims and values of a Catholic school while encouraging them to reflect upon the reality of practice within their schools.

Course Content

The aim is to provide a vocationally oriented programme of academic rigour, which enables students to integrate a Catholic philosophy of education with the principles and practice of school leadership. Students should, as a result of following the course, demonstrate greater confidence and competence in articulating and implementing the principal features of Catholic education in their work, and it will provide students with the theological literacy welcomed by appointing bodies.

The modules for the Catholic School Leadership: Principles and Practice have been constructed to ensure that they are relevant to school and college leaders at all levels and in all phases of Catholic education.

The modular course allows students to build credits towards the 60 required for a Postgraduate Certificate, the 120 required for a Postgraduate Diploma or the 180 required for the full MA.

The five modules studied are as follows:
1. Catholic Education
2. Leadership and Management
3. Spiritual and Theological Foundations
4. Leadership and Learning
5. Research Methods and Dissertation

Each of the first four 30 credit modules contains two strands to ensure that principles and practice are addressed in each module.

Please note: All information is correct at the time of publication. However, course content is regularly updated and this may result in some changes, which will be communicated to students before their programme begins.

Career Prospects

The MA in Catholic School Leadership: Principles and Practice is the only postgraduate course of study available in the UK that specifically supports the distinctive leadership development needs of leaders and aspiring leaders at all levels and within all phases of Catholic education. NPQH is no longer a requirement for headship, so aspiring headteachers will find that this course offers the ideal alternative qualification.

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One of the big strengths of our Theology MA is how well it matches the current research interests of our academic staff. That means you get the maximum benefit of our expertise whichever module options you choose. We will train you in research methodologies and skills so that you can engage with key texts and sources, we can also help you develop expertise in biblical languages as well as Latin, patristic Greek and Aramaic if you need it.

You will have the chance to take an interdisciplinary approach to Theology, which is increasing in popularity and importance with Research Councils. You might choose to exchange insights with disciplines like Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, Archaeology, Classics and Ancient History.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly and supportive department. We are always happy to make time to talk to you one-to-one and give you all the support you need to be a success. We hope you will join us at Exeter and become an active part of our vibrant research community.

Programme Structure

The degree normally involves five taught modules and a dissertation.

Compulsory modules

The compulsory modules can include;

• Research Skills in Theology;
• Dissertation;
• Research Proposal in Theology ;
• Evaluative Bibliographical Diary
• Philosophy of the Social Sciences.

Optional modules

Some examples of the optional modules which may be available are;

• Reception of Christian and Jewish Traditions;
• Intermediate Biblical Hebrew;
• Introducing Biblical Hebrew;
• Theology, Ethics and Public Issues;
• Reading Early Jewish and Christian Texts;
• Approaches to Biblical Studies

The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Research areas

We have a very active research culture with international scholars who are publishing cutting-edge research, we encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative research which is reflected in our projects.

Our research focuses on the interaction between theology and matters of current social and political importance. Some of our specialist areas of interest include:

• The relationship of Christian theology with environmental concerns
• Urban planning, criminal justice, international law, sexuality and gender, and the visual arts
• Interfaith dialogue between the Abrahamic faiths; sacramental theology
• Ecumenical theology, especially in Ireland
• Christian theology and science

We also operate the Exeter Centre for Ethics and Practical Theology (EXCEPT) which provides a centre for research into contextual, practical and ministerial theology. Our Network for Religion in Public Life promotes co-operation between academics and religious communities on matters concerning the relationship between religions and public and political issues. And our Centre for Biblical Studies provides a focus for a range of research activity and research projects including seminars, public lectures and hosting academic visitors.

You can find out more about our Academic Staff and their research interests from the Theology web pages.

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Overview

Primarily aimed at those who are employed or volunteer as chaplains, this part-time, work-based course will provide you with groundings in both the theological and pastoral aspects of the role and give you part qualification towards being recognised as a youth and community worker. Our primary partners are Birmingham Archdiocese Diocesan Educational Services (DES) and the Diocesan Youth Service, who run a network of chaplains in schools. Newman continues to make additional links with other networks including Muslim chaplains, prison chaplains, university chaplains, and chaplains in homeless and housing organisations.

The Programme

The programme can be taken as either a graduate certificate or a postgraduate certificate and consists of three modules. You will undertake a core module on Chaplaincy where you will explore and understand pastoral care in institutional settings, ensuring that you are able to base your practice as a chaplain on a secure grasp of faith tradition, texts (e.g. introduction to biblical texts), acts of worship and pastoral care within the context of working in schools. The module will also help you develop an understanding of what contributes towards spiritual and human development from a faith perspective.

In addition, you will also undertake a fieldwork module which is an essential element of our integrated model and meets professional standards. Your organisation will have substantial involvement in this module as supervisors (and therefore assessors) with the emphasis being on experiential learning in the field, with initial taught input by Newman staff. This will be run via a tutorial group in your localities.

Find out more

Find out more at the Chaplaincy with Young People web page

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Current health and social care frameworks regard spiritual care as an essential component of health and wellbeing and all health and social care professionals should assess and respect the spiritual and religious beliefs of patients and their carers. But what does that mean? This certificate programme enables health and social care professionals to draw from their own professional experience and to gain knowledge and skills of the multicultural, ethical, legal and safe provision of spiritual and religious care in practice.

Why this programme

-The programme enables students from across the UK and the world to benefit from Scotland's leading role in the development of spiritual and religious care in health and social care and it's published resources.
-This distance learning programme enables students to engage in advanced professional education relevant to their health and social care practice and gain a recognised postgraduate award from a leading University.
-For Health and Social Care professionals: the programme dispels the many popular misconceptions around spiritual and religious care and is rooted in a capability and competence based approach to delivering spiritual and religious care as it relates to the student's clinical role and setting.
-For Health and Social Care Chaplains not resident in the UK: The programme has been developed from the highly successful PC Certificate in Healthcare Chaplaincy. It enables prospective and exisiting Health and Social Care Chaplains from around the world to study their field without the need for a UK based students chaplaincy placement.
-Existing and prospective Health and Social Care Chaplains resident in the UK should consider the PgCert in Spiritual and Religious Care in Healthcare Programme which is accredited by the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy for professional registration.
-This programme is delivered by highly experienced and published experts in the field of spiritual and religious care in health and social care. All teaching staff maintain a clinical role in hospitals, hospices and the community that enhances and informs their expertise.

[[Programme structure
Students study three courses:
-Principles of Spiritual and Religious Care in Health and Social Care
-Spiritual and Religious Care in Health and Social Care Practice
-Advanced Health and Social Care Practice

Studying online

Online distance learning at the University of Glasgow allows you to benefit from the outstanding educational experience that we are renowned for -without having to relocate to our campus.
You do not need to have experience of studying online as you will be guided through how to access and use all of our online resources.

Virtual learning
You will connect with your fellow students and tutors through our virtual learning environment where you will have access to a multitude of learning resources including:
-Recorded lectures
-Live seminars
-Videos
-Interactive quizzes
-Journal articles
-Electronic books and other web resources

A global community
As an online student at the University you will become part of a global community of learners. Community building and collaborative learning is a key focus of our online delivery and you will be encouraged and supported to interact with your fellow classmates and tutors in a number of ways. For example, through the discussions areas on our virtual learning environment, by skype, during live seminars and in our virtual campus on Second Life.

Supported
Great emphasis is placed on making sure you feel well supported in your learning and that you have good interactions with everyone on the programme. Support is available in a number of ways and you will find out more about this during orientation.

All you need to participate in our online programmes is a computer and internet access.

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You will study a varied and exciting series of modules aimed to develop your theological skills and understanding and help you apply this new knowledge to your specific context and concerns.

The MA is studied part-time by following a two year taught module programme followed by a one year dissertation module. The taught modules are delivered at residential schools in August, January and May.

At the beginning of the course you will explore critically the methodological presumptions which underpin practical and public theology. This provides a grounding for your theological engagement with your context. Further core modules are a practical theology project, spirituality, and ritual and liturgy. You may then undertake advanced study in important public theology topics such as biblical studies, ethics, pluralism and diversity, and missiology.

Year One

August Residential: Practical and Public Theology (core)

January Residential: Pluralism and Diversity or The Bible and Public Theology

May Residential: Liturgy and Ritual in Contemporary Culture (core)

Year Two

August Residential: Practical Theology Project (core)

January Residential: Christian Ethics in Contemporary Society or Christian Mission in Western Sociey

May Residential: Spirituality (core)

Year Three

All year: Dissertation 

The modules are assessed through a variety of tasks including essays, book reviews, case studies, research project reports, and presentations. The final dissertation is 15,000 words.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is delivered in blocks lasting 3 days. You may either visit the University daily or if you live further away accommodation will need to be arranged. We can help find suitable accommodation, including on campus. A separate fee is charged for the accommodation.

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Supervision in Theology can be offered in areas such as Biblical studies; Patristics; Church History; History and Interpretation of Christian doctrine; Systematics/Constructive Theology; Modern Theology and Philosophy, Theology and Sexuality; Theology and Theatre/Performance Studies, Political Theology and Black Theology.

Supervision in Religious Studies can be offered in areas such as Comparative Religious Studies; Jewish Studies; Jewish-Christian dialogue; Hindu Studies; Buddhist Studies; Tibetan Studies; Religion and Visual Culture; Religion and Literature; Philosophy of Religion; Religion and Social Theory; Religion, Gender and Sexuality; Religion and Postmodernity.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/theology-and-religious-studies-by-research.aspx

Course detail

You should discuss your initial ideas for a MA by research topic with a suitable supervisor from the programme team in the area of your study. If you are unsure, please contact Dr Maria Diemling, the Subject Lead in Theology and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, who will be able to advise you whom to contact.

Your research topic may develop from a recent undergraduate encounter with a particular aspect of Theology or Religion, Philosophy and Ethics or you may be returning to education looking for a structured environment in which to formally pursue an established passion.

Please note that while students can build up on their BA research dissertation, they will not be allowed to submit identical material again under the current QAA policies.

Suitability

Are you fascinated by religions and their role in shaping our diverse, globalised, and multicultural world? Are you drawn to thinking about God, or relish the prospect of understanding how people of faith have instilled life with religious meaning? Are you concerned about questions of ethics, society, and justice in modern life? Do you value open-minded, independent and critical thinking? If so, you will enjoy studying the Theology and Religious Studies MA by Research.

Format

The teaching team at Canterbury Christ Church provide an excellent student experience in Theology and Religious Studies. They are passionate about their subject, and encourage students to share their enthusiasm and excitement. Drawing on academic expertise in major areas of Judaism and Christian Theology, as well as Indian and Chinese Philosophies, the team can offer supervision in an exciting and broad range of topics, including studies in world religions, the history and interpretation of religious thought, and the study of critical challenges in the contemporary world.

Assessment

Students will write a research thesis on their chosen topic. For an MA by Research students will need to demonstrate critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at the forefront of their own academic discipline.

The length of the Masters by Research thesis excluding bibliography and appendices, but including footnotes, is 25,000-30,000 words.

The MA by research will be assessed by dissertation. The examination will be done by an internal and an external examiner and might include a viva voce examination.

What can I do next?

This programme is a significant qualification in its own right but could also fast-track you, if you're successful, to MPhil and ultimately to PhD qualifications.

The research and writing skills you'll gain, together with the specialist disciplinary knowledge developed during the course, will enhance your employability and can provide an invaluable grounding for careers in teaching, media and journalism, publishing and marketing.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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The postgraduate diploma in Parish Church Studies offers a unique opportunity to gain detailed and practical knowledge of the history, use, care and conservation of parish churches. The online format offers you the opportunity to study in your own home and somewhat at your own pace, extensively supported by an expert in the field, and learning as part of an active online community.

The only course of this type in Britain, the diploma enables those wishing to enhance their understanding of local sites of importance in order to develop new areas of expertise or those involved in the design and implementation of conservation techniques. It is equally valuable for lay staff, volunteers and those simply with a general interest in the parish landscape.

The programme starts in late September/early October, concurrent with each new academic year – places are limited to ensure a constructive atmosphere for discussions.

This is a two-year, part-time, postgraduate-level programme delivered wholly online in a fully-supported learning environment. Students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate after successful completion of the first year if their circumstances change.

This Diploma is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation for Continuing Professional Development purposes.

Overview

-To provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the sources on which to draw for the study of parishes and parish churches
-To provide students with knowledge of the issues within parish history and current academic debate
-To provide the students with an understanding of the development of the parish system and its role in everyday life from the early medieval period to the present day
-To provide students with knowledge of how churches and their churchyards developed and changed over time and the current debates around ecology, maintenance and continued use
-To provide students with an understanding of the changing nature of the relationship between a parish church and the community it serves through time
-To demonstrate the complexity and diversity of events in the past, and the range of problems involved in the interpretation of complex, ambiguous, conflicting and often incomplete material
-To equip students with the analytical tools necessary to interrogate effectively the worth of primary and secondary source material pertaining to the history of parish churches
-To encourage students to develop their own views on different historical debates in the academic literature and to think creatively about the topics they are studying
-To provide a supportive and stimulating postgraduate environment enabling students to work independently within a clearly defined structure of regular discussion and supervision
-To underline for students the importance of objectivity in research and to be aware when their own views or feelings are unbalancing and objective argument
-To explore the changing practice of public worship and private devotion and their interaction with art and architecture
-To stimulate students to explore the use, care and changing of church buildings and to understand the complex issues and emotions which surround debates in this field.

Structure

This part-time two-year programme will comprise six 20-credit modules:
1. Sources and Issues
2. Objet D’art, Objects of Faith
3. Worship & Ritual
4. Parish & Community
5. Church & Churchyard
6. Use, Conservation & Change in Church Buildings

Students will be required to complete all these modules in the first instance, though additional modules may be added in the future to accommodate future programme growth and offer a broader learning experience.

Assessments will comprise a balance of short and long critical essays, book reviews, short research projects and other similar tasks.

Online Study

Our approach to e-learning is distinctive and may be different from your general perceptions about online study:
-Flexible, fully supported, modular delivery
-Taught exclusively online
-Two stages: Certificate and Diploma. Each stage typically takes 12 months
-Comprises six distinct modules
-Part-time study (approximately 15 hours per week) allows participants to structure their learning around the other life circumstances

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