Critically explore Catholic thought, history, and practice with our Theology master’s
Reflect on several Christian perspectives with our Theology master’s. You will balance theory and practical application while covering topics like:
- systematic theology
- hermeneutics
- ecclesiology
- Catholic-Orthodox dialogue
- liturgical and sacramental theology
- spirituality and the mystical tradition
- philosophical and theological anthropology.
Our postgraduate theology degree suits:
- those looking to deepen their knowledge of Christian theology
- teachers and school leaders, particularly those engaged in the religious education of children and young people
- those engaged in pastoral ministry and the priesthood regardless of ecclesial background
- people working within charities, the voluntary sector, or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Upheld by Catholic values
We have a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. As part of our Catholic mission, we prioritise:
- a commitment to the educational ideals of St John Henry Newman
- academic engagement
- the achievement and flourishing of students.
Pursuing Catholic, as well as Anglian, Reformed and Orthodox Church perspectives, the programme seeks to explore the place of theology in contemporary society.
Specialist teaching and support
Taught by specialists in their academic field, students are provided with the opportunity to engage in an informed, systematic, and critical manner with Catholic theology. Through an emphasis on communicating knowledge and formulating arguments in the face of the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world, students become well prepared to contribute to the field of theology, both academically and in practice. The focus on combining academic study, prayer, and the development of the student community encourages, supports, and enhances student progress and achievements.
Study around your schedule
The Theology MA is offered on a part-time or full-time basis, enabling students to study around their commitments.
Get in touch
If you are interested in applying or want more information on the MA Theology contact Dr Catherine Knowles (Course Lead) at catherine.knowles@stmarys.ac.uk. She welcomes your enquiry and offers a Teams conversation with potential students.
Dr Catherine Knowles
Lecturer – Religion and Education
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Course content
Modules
There are six core modules of 20 credits each and a dissertation of 15,000 words of 60 credits.
Each module is taught over a period of approximately 30 hours of in-person lectures (students can attend online, if for some reason, they are unable to attend a particular lecture in person). Lectures are run as weekly sessions, either a 3 hour evening lecture or 5 hours of lectures on Saturdays.
There are 3 modules taught in Semester 1 and 3 are taught in Semester 2, with the opportunity for students to work on their dissertation or service-based learning project over the course of the 3 semesters. Full-time students will complete the 6 theological modules and their dissertation or service-based learning project in one year. Part-time students complete the MA over 2-3 years, selecting between 2-4 modules in year 1 and 4-2 modules in year 2. They also have the opportunity to work on their dissertation or service-based learning project over a 2-3 period of part-time study.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:2
Previous degree
Students are required to have a good first degree in Theology (or similar).
Additional requirement information
Applicants without such qualifications may be considered for admission if they possess relevant experience and can show evidence of their ability to engage with postgraduate study.
Although rooted in the Catholic theological tradition, we welcome students from all faiths or none.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2025
Home
£9,240
International
£17,820
Additional costs
*Please note: The above fees are for September 2025 and September 2026 fees will be published shortly. Tuition fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
A variety of different forms of assessment are employed across the programme, including:
- essays
- reports
- oral presentations
- textual analysis.
In addition, to achieve the MA, you will be required to complete a 15,000 word dissertation, or a service-based learning project; both are supported by individual supervision.
Career opportunities
With our Theology master’s, you will develop essential transferable skills like critical thinking, human understanding, and communication.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Theology MA include:
- NGOs in the UK and overseas
- international relations
- the civil service and cross-cultural working.
You can also work in a pastoral or chaplaincy role within:
- education
- healthcare
- the armed forces
- prisons
- retreat work
- spiritual and religious guidance
- adult formation.
Apply now
September 2026
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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