Christian Theology

MA

Intermediate award(s): PG Dip, PG Cert
Full-Time and Part-Time

Course overview

This taught course is intended to deepen the theological skills and perceptions of those actively engaged in ministry and those preparing for ministry in the church. To obtain the MA, you are required to complete four taught modules (one compulsory) and an 18,000 word dissertation. Various assessment methods are used, typically a combination of seminar presentation and essay. Assessment is never through unseen examination.

Additional course information

This course aims to:
  • provide an in-depth engagement with an area of theological study, in particular biblical studies, doctrine or mission
  • foster dialogue between different theological traditions
  • enhance a theological awareness that informs Christian engagement with the church and the world
  • offer a postgraduate qualification that may act as preparation for further theological research
  • provide a suitable course for international students
  • maximise access and opportunities for study through diverse modes of delivery.

Module guide

In order to complete a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or an MA in Christian Theology, you must successfully complete a selection of the following modules:
  • Narrative and Identity

    This module is a bridge between the three specialist modules, Bible, Doctrine and Mission. It focusses on narrative and identity, providing an understanding of methodological developments in Christian Theology.

  • Mission in Context

    This module focuses on key themes in missiology and their implications for pioneering and missional contexts. It aims to provide a critical understanding of missiology as a theological discipline.

  • Christian Doctrine and Contemporary Culture

    This module provides you with the opportunity to study key Christian doctrines in the context of contemporary, predominantly secular, culture - introducing you to different methodologies of Christian apologetics.

  • Scripture and Theology

    This module concentrates on key issues in theological interpretation of scripture. It aims to enable you to understand the role of the Bible in shaping theological discourse and fashioning Christian identity.

  • Biblical Hermeneutics

    Here, you will explore some of the factors that shape interpretation: pre-history and context; substance of the text and its subsequent use, and the reader's own conceptual, social and material environment and commitments.

  • Modernity, Post modernity and the Gospel

    This module looks at the transition from modernity to post-modernity in western culture, equipping those in mission to apply Christian theology to the post-modern context and review their own theological tradition.

  • Christian Ethics

    This module provides you with the history, traditions and practice of Christian ethical enquiry and explores the connections and boundaries between ethical enquiry, Christian belief and pastoral practice.

  • Postgraduate Research Methods

    This module is specifically designed to support students who intend to use empirical research methods in their dissertation work.

  • Church and Ministry

    Rooted in the Christian ecclesial tradition and within the specific traditions of individual participants, this module invites you to explore and understand theologies of ministry.

  • Texts and Practices in the Early Church

    This module explores pastoral practices in the Early Church (to ca. 600 AD). While the primary orientation is historical, the course should provoke critical reflection on questions of reception and re-appropriation.

  • Postgraduate Major Project (Dissertation)

    This module comprises research culminating in an 18,000 word dissertation. It is developed in conjunction with a specified supervisor and in the context of the area of Christian Theology.

  • Independent Learning

    This module supports will support you in the preparation and submission of an independent learning project. It will enable you to work independently on topics not provided in existing modules.

Core modules: PG Cert
For the Postgraduate Certificate in Christian Theology, 60 credits must be gained through the module Narrative and Identity, plus one choice from either: Mission in Context, Christian Doctrine and Contemporary Culture or Scripture and Theology modules.

Core modules: PG Dip
For the Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology, 120 credits must be gained through the module: Narrative and Identity and three further modules, including at least two choices from either: Mission in Context, Christian Doctrine and Contemporary Culture or Scripture and Theology modules.

Core modules: MA
For the MA in Christian Theology, 180 credits must be gained through the Narrative and Identity and Postgraduate Major Project (Dissertation) modules and five further modules including at least two choices from either: Mission in Context, Christian Doctrine and Contemporary Culture or Scripture and Theology modules.

Assessment

Assessment forms vary on this course. Overall assessment for each module is set at the equivalent of a 6,400-8,000 word essay. Methods include: essay, seminar, research project, dissertation, placement reports or practical exercises.

Facilities

You will have access to the libraries of all Cambridge Theological Federation member colleges and their specialist collections.

Special features

As a Theological Federation comprising Anglican, Methodist, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and United Reformed communities, as well as the Eastern Region Ministry Course - which is itself ecumenical and including associate institutions such as a centre for Jewish-Christian and Jewish-Muslim relations, a centre for mission studies, and two Diocesan Ministry courses, we have a unique contribution to make to theological education, ecumenical relations and interfaith dialogue.

The theological education we offer is ecumenical, both in its content and form. It is centred in an ongoing conversation around the Bible, our respective traditions, and the work of God in the contemporary world.

Links with industry and professional recognition

This course is recognised by the Church of England, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church as part of the training for ordination and for Continuing Ministerial Education (CME).

Associated careers

This course offers postgraduate qualifications which can be used as part of initial or continuing ministerial education, to enhance the work of educators, those in community-based projects, or as preparation for more advanced academic research.

Candidates are normally expected to demonstrate evidence of:
  • work at a level appropriate to a Masters degree, by holding an undergraduate degree or evidence of an equivalent level of working
  • prior learning in theology (one year's formal study)

Those candidates for whom English is not their first language will be expected to demonstrate a certified level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

How to apply

If you're interested in finding out more about this course please contact Cambridge Theological Federation at pg-enquiries@
theofed.cam.ac.uk

Location

  • Cambridge Theological Federation

Duration

60 months (maximum)

Teaching times*

Mon or Tues 12.00pm-3.15pm and 7.00pm-9.30pm

Each module offers 24-hours of class contact time and is usually taught in 10 seminar-based sessions of two and a half hours. Some modules may be offered on an extended basis, with classes at fortnightly intervals through the two Semesters.

Available starts

September

Student finance

Visit our student finance pages for advice on funding your studies.

Faculty

Arts, Law & Social Sciences

Department

Humanities and Social Sciences

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:

 

*Teaching days and times are for guidance only and are subject to change each academic year. We advise all applicants to wait until they are in receipt of their timetable before making arrangements around their course times.

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