Theology
MA, PGDip, PGCert

Modules

• Human Beings and Human Action 

Human Beings and Human Action

This module offers a detailed exploration of some of the central conceptions about the human person in Western philosophical and theological traditions and of central themes and important schools within this tradition.

Aims

• To explore some of the central concepts of the human person in Western philosophical and theological traditions
• To distinguish, without separating or reducing, the transcendent and material aspects of human persons
• To explore some of the central themes and important schools within the tradition of Western moral philosophy
• To consider the meaning of the language used in ethical debate
• To examine forms of moral argument and the justification for ethical claims
• To analyse contemporary biomedical debates for their underlying philosophical and theological principles, values, and views of the human being
• To distinguish different traditions of argumentation in ethics and their use of key terms
• To consider comparative European approaches to human dignity and autonomy.

Assessment: 5,250 word essay (70%); 2,250 discussion paper (30%)

• Dissertation Core

Dissertation

(Core)

This module, compulsory for the MA, is your chance to dig into an area in depth. It enables you to identify, delimit, research and communicate your findings on a topic of your choice within Theology (understood as the broad range of areas covered by the modules within the MA), with the support of a lecturer to supervise your research.

You will have an introductory short series of classes on research methods and approaches to help in thinking your project through to a proposal before you formally start work on the research.

• Ecclesiology in Contemporary Perspective Core

Ecclesiology in Contemporary Perspective

(Core)

This core module examines the historical origins and images for ‘the Church’ as a theological and salvific entity, and considers the trajectory and possibilities for this in the world today. Two key reference points on this will be the Reformations in England and continental Europe, and the Second Vatican Council. This module will also continue the development of key research skills.

• Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes Core

Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes

(Core)

This core module brings together and seeks to interrelate two articulated components:

1. An historical component examining the origins of Christian doctrine (or ‘theology’) by examining foundational controversies in the opening centuries of the Christian church via key patristic texts.
2. A present-day component examining ecclesial and academic controversies, over how best to interpret and perpetuate this theological heritage today.

In addition, students will be introduced to core research skills. 

• Aspects of Biblical Interpretation Optional

Aspects of Biblical Interpretation

(Optional)

An optional module that will provide students with a detailed view of a biblical text as a literary, linguistic and historical artefact. It will equip students to evaluate a wide range of advanced scholarship on a given biblical text, and enable students to engage with contemporary debates about biblical interpretation in both ancient and modern settings. Students will be expected to reflect critically on the interpretation and appropriation of a biblical book in different social, historical and cultural contexts, and demonstrate both in-depth understanding and originality in their application of knowledge.

• Catholic Social Teaching Applied Optional

Catholic Social Teaching Applied

(Optional)

This optional module will examine in depth the ways in which the Church has applied the principles of social teaching to specific issues in the world, such as employment rights, racism, international relations, migration business ethics, the penal system and modern warfare. Assessed in both written work and presentations, students will be expected to look at two topics in particular depth.