Masters Degrees in Pastoral Studies, United Kingdom

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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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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The course has been specially developed to meet the needs of school chaplains working in schools and academies. A diverse and exciting range of modules will enhance your theological, liturgical, spiritual and pastoral skills. Your study will consistently ask what is the practical school importance of key questions and issues. At the end of the course, in the dissertation, you will reflect theologically in depth on your own specific ministerial context.

The course is suitable for ordained and lay individuals. There is an increasing diversity in Christian ministry and that provision is only likely to become more varied in the future. Teaching is ecumenical and would be appropriate for those ministers seeking to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of relevant theological areas.


Course content
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: Practical Theology Project (core)

Year Two

August Residential: Liturgy and Ritual in Contemporary Culture (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.

You can find out more about the MA by contacting Dr Graeme Smith or SCALA and arranging an informal meeting or telephone call.

Dr Graeme Smith

Dept. of Theology, Philosophy & Religious Studies,

University of Chichester,

College Lane,

Chichester,

PO19 6PE.

[email protected]

Tel: 01243 816191

Paul Hansford

Administrator

SCALA (School Chaplains and Leaders Association)

01243 812134

http://www.scala.uk.net

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.

Residential dates are:

Block Teaching dates are:

Tuesday, August 23rd – Thursday, August 25th 2016
Tuesday, January 10th – Thursday, January 12th 2017
Tuesday, May 9th – Thursday, May 11th 2017

Tuesday, August 22nd – Thursday, August 24th 2017
Tuesday, January 9th – Thursday, January 11th 2018
Tuesday, May 8th – Thursday, May 10th 2018

Tuesday, August 21st – Thursday, August 23rd 2018
Tuesday, January 8th – Thursday, January 10th 2019
Tuesday, May 7th – Thursday, May 9th 2019

Course fees
The full rate for the MA is £640 per module which equates to £19200 per year. This is payable for each of the 3 years of study.

Reduced fees are available for those recommended for study by their local church authorities, the department of Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies department of the University of Chichester, or by SCALA.

The reduced fee is £480 per module equating to £1440 per year for each of the three years of study.

Accommodation costs are in addition to the academic fee.

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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 http://www.newman.ac.uk/higher-degree-courses/3323/chaplaincy-studies?1=m

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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
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/922/biblical-studies/

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:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*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
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

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:
https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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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

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/192/ministry-studies/

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 fees:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*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

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

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:

https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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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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The MA Chaplaincy Studies is intended for those working or interested in chaplaincy, who aspires to develop their knowledge and practice in this area. Modules on this award are taught in blocks on residentially twice a year; students can also select modules from the Theology & Ministry MA. Study on this award is part time and it takes two - four years to complete the full MA. This award is not available to international students.

Course detail

The MA Chaplaincy Studies is intended for those currently in, or interested in, chaplaincy (broadly conceived) who want to develop knowledge and practice in this area. Modules on this route are taught in blocks on residentials twice a year. Study on this route is part time and it takes 2-4 years to complete the full MA. Most students will study for an MA award, though it is also possible to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, and the programme's "pay as you learn" structure allows part-time students to pay for modules when they take them.

You have some flexibility to shape the content and length of study on this programme. If you are able, you can study up to two modules outside your chosen route, and these could be from our MA Theology & Ministry award modules. However, you would need to ensure that you take at least two taught modules on the Chaplaincy route and the Chaplaincy Studies dissertation to receive the MA Chaplaincy Studies.

Format

All students who complete the MA must complete four 30-credit taught modules and 60-credit dissertation of 12k words. Students may exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits from two taught modules) or a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits from four taught modules).

The programme can be completed in two to four years of part-time study, with taught modules are delivered in residential blocks over three days.

Assessment

The assessment on this programme is deliberately less varied than on the MA Contemporary Religion, which is primarily designed to teach skills. The aim of this programme is not necessarily to develop practical skills in ministry, but to develop critical and reflective skills that can be used to assess and develop ministry.

The distinction between learning and assessment is less clear at Masters Level because so much of the learning that takes place is in the process of producing assignments. This programme will deliberately use assessment not simply to see if you know something, but also as a means of enabling you to learn.

Methods of assessment will include:
1. Written assignments for taught modules and independent studies.
2. Dissertations.
3. Proposals.
4. Reflective journals.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the following link:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Other sources of funding

Information on alternative sources of funding can be found here:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/student-services/money/funding-my-course/postgraduate-/postgraduate-funding-/

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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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Our professional doctorates allow people working in education or faith-based communities to do research that will expand knowledge in their profession and develop their professional practice. The programme (delivered at doctoral level throughout) combines four taught modules (taken over first two years) and a research thesis (completed in the following two to four years). The taught elements of the programme allow a more corporate and collegiate-style of learning than is usually possible when studying for a traditional PhD.

Course detail

This DRel is a new award that is designed specifically for professionals whose context is religious, but who are not necessarily involved in ‘ministry’.

Religious leaders from non-Christian backgrounds, or people working in para-religious organisations such as faith-based charities or NGOs may prefer an award that recognises the more broadly religious character of their work.

This award allows you to explore a very wide range of religious practice, including religious leadership in particular faith traditions, as well as the place of religion in society more generally.

What makes it a professional doctorate award is the requirement to like research to some sort of practice in these areas.

Format

At York St John we have experts in areas such as:

• Religion in the Public Sphere
• Public Theology
• Religion, peace and reconciliation
• Religion, politics and international relations
• World Christianity (with an emphasis on Asia)
• Judaism in contemporary contexts
• Islam in contemporary practice
• Contemporary religious communities

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the following link:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Other sources of funding

Information on alternative sources of funding can be found here:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/student-services/money/funding-my-course/postgraduate-/postgraduate-funding-/

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Our professional doctorates allow people working in education or faith-based communities to do research that will expand knowledge in their profession and develop their professional practice. The programme (delivered at doctoral level throughout) combines four taught modules (taken over first two years) and a research thesis (completed in the following two to four years). The taught elements of the programme allow a more corporate and collegiate-style of learning than is usually possible when studying for a traditional PhD.

Course detail

The DMin is a well-recognised award among those who ministry in Christian churches.

Whatever your particular tradition, this award will enable you to study specific questions related to your mission and ministry and/or that of your church.

You might explore particular beliefs, attitudes or behaviours among clergy or congregations in order to better understand how to make minsters more effective.

Alternatively you could focus more specifically on your own practice and use action research to study the effect of a particular intervention or programme.

Format

At York St John we have experts in areas such as:

• Practical Theology (with an emphasis on Empirical Theology and the use of
quantitative data)
• Mission and Ministry
• Theological education
• Ordinary Theology (with an emphasis on qualitative data)
• Congregational studies
• Psychological aspects of ministry
• The Bible and ordinary readers

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see the following link:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

Other sources of funding

Information on alternative sources of funding can be found here:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/student-services/money/funding-my-course/postgraduate-/postgraduate-funding-/

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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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