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Our Master's degree in Applied Catholic Theology provides a thorough grounding in key aspects of Catholic theology while developing the necessary skills and aptitudes to apply Catholic theology to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world. The programme will include studies in Scripture, Doctrine, Christian Spirituality, Catholic Social Teaching, and Ethics. 

  • This part-time, two-year programme provides an excellent opportunity for Catholics and non-Catholics at any stage of life to advance their understanding of applied Catholic theology
  • Equips students with formalised theological literacy for an academic context across a broad range of practically orientated subdisciplines
  • Enables students to connect facets of prior lived experience with systematic theological discussion
  • Facilitates the application of theological learning and skills to practical situations in a range of contextual settings

Why study Applied Catholic Theology (Edinburgh)?

The MA in Applied Catholic Theology is designed to provide both a thorough grounding in key aspects of Catholic theology while also developing the necessary skills and aptitudes to apply Catholic theology to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

The Theology grouping within the St Mary’s Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts specialises in academic study with a strong ecclesial orientation, utilising the cutting-edge research of our leading academics, combined with the University’s mission focus of service to the Church and society.

We are committed to encouraging as broad a demographic as possible to enrich their lives of faith and prayer with academic reflection and study in an environment of open inquiry and faithful intellectual exploration.

Why St Mary's?

Founded in 1850, St Mary's has a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. St Mary’s Institute of Theology is a highly-respected and research-active institution, which houses the Mater Ecclesiae College, established in 1614.

Our founding values are inspired by the teachings of St John Henry Newman, promoting higher education and developing individuals to create a more humane, just and sustainable world. St Mary’s success lies in the flexible structure of our courses, bespoke delivery and quality of teaching offered.

You will apply your learning to practical situations, using your knowledge to drive change, whilst engaging in contemporary debates.

Useful information

Course lead

Dr Susan Longhurst headshotDr Susan Longhurst
Course Lead - Applied Catholic Theology

Entry requirements

2:2 Previous degree

Students are required to have a second-class first degree in Theology or a related discipline. 

We also accept suitable qualifications in a different subject and/or professional interests and experience relevant to the programme.

Further information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Course content

Modules

  •  Core
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  •  Core
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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.

Career opportunities

It is anticipated that many students will study part-time as continuing professional development, alongside various forms (paid/volunteer) of participation in parish and diocesan activities or Christian ministry/leadership. For such people, the programme will enhance their future employability, including in more senior roles. The programme will be of particular interest as CPD for school teachers in RE.

The MA can also function as a ‘way in’ to doctoral study will progress in that direction.

The programme will also provide an education which sensitises students to engaging with religious and ethical ideas from other times, cultures and places, and thus will equip them for work engaging with cross-cultural situations, such as non-governmental organisations in the UK and overseas, international relations, and the Civil Service in the Foreign Office.

To ensure students can make the most of the opportunities granted by this programme, there will be bespoke ‘careers sessions’ held on Saturday study days, at which representatives from the key sectors (Diocesan/catechetical, vocational/chaplaincy, RE teaching, and ‘third sector’) will be invited for a Q&A session about applying postgraduate theology qualifications to the workplace, and the applications process). Those with an interest in doctoral study will have representatives from St Mary’s Research Office and the programme director of the DMin qualification.

The St Mary’s Careers Service will liaise with the personal tutors to ensure support is available for those students requiring more generic assistance, as well as providing content at student inductions for entire cohorts.

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How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You will be taught on our new Edinburgh campus, located at the Gillis Centre.

Teaching takes place in the evenings and weekends. Our aim is to provide as much face-to-face teaching as possible, but there will also be opportunities to engage online on occasions.

Assessment methods

A variety of assessment methods employed across the programme seeks to balance traditional learning and more contemporary approaches. Modules will involve some formative assessment, and all students are assigned a personal tutor with whom to discuss particular needs and participate in individual tutorials on plans and drafts of work prior to submission.

Facilities

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees

September 2023

  • Home: £7,950
  • International: student visa not accepted

The tuition fees listed are for the duration of the course. Students will be charged for the modules undertaken per academic year. Module prices are calculated as a percentage of credits against the total credits and cost of the degree. Please see clause 5.15.2 of the Tuition Fee Regulations for further information.

Tuition fees are subject to an inflationary increase each year, meaning if your course runs over more than one academic year you may pay an increased fee per module for each subsequent year of study. Tuition fee increases for returning students will be capped at the higher of 5% per annum or the rate of Consumer Price Index inflation in the United Kingdom.

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

We are offering bursaries of £500 to parishioners of all dioceses in Scotland participating in a full postgraduate programme at the Gillis Centre beginning in September 2022, provided this is matched by a similar contribution towards the fees from the parish.

Scottish students cannot currently get loans from Student Awards Agency Scotland to study at the Gillis Centre. Applicants will need to self-fund their studies.

Home and International students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. Please visit our alternative postgraduate funding webpage for more information about external scholarships and grants for postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes.

International Students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

Additional costs

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. 

Further information