Theology MA, PGDip, PGCert at St Mary’s University

Previous degree: 2:2
Distance learning available: No
Tier 4 visa accepted?: Yes
Duration: 1 Year (full‑time)
2-3 Years (part‑time)

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Please note: MA Theology is not currently accepting applications for September 2020, however we would encourage prospective students to apply for the MA Christian Spirituality.

We plan to enable students to transfer from this programme to the MA Theology when registrations reopen in September 2021. Or, to keep updated with information about the course in 2021 please submit an enquiry. If you are interested in beginning your studies this September you may also be interested in one of the following postgraduate degree programmes:

Our MA in Theology offers students education in the central areas of Christian theology through a balance of academic study and practical application.

There is the opportunity for either full-time (one year) or part-time study (two to three years).
This degree provides excellent preparation for doctoral level study.
There is a multi-disciplinary teaching team who provide excellent student support.

Why study Theology?

The content of this Theology degree is geared to themes relevant to theology in contemporary society, both from a Roman Catholic perspective, and from Anglican, Reformed and Orthodox Church standpoints. This allows you to become familiar with the current situation of ecumenical activity within your own tradition, whilst opening up avenues of exploration and insight into other communities.

In addition, the programme connects the theology of the Christian Church with the British and European situation, focussing on the historical development of theology in the European setting of the twenty-first century, and its impact on Britain through continental influences and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Why St Mary's?

Founded in 1850, St Mary's has a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. This programme aims to encourage a high standard of teaching, learning and scholarship in order to provide a stimulating education within the fields of theological study.

Our programme is suitable for teachers of Religious Education at primary and secondary level, those engaged in Christian ministry and priesthood from different ecclesial backgrounds, and those who want to enrich their understanding of the ongoing theological tradition which accompanies Christian faith and life.

The degree is also a good grounding for those (whether from a different faith perspective or none) who engage in work in the charitable and social sectors, and non-governmental organisations.

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 evidence of ability to engage with postgradaute study.

Although rooted in the Catholic theological tradition, the programme's tutors include those from several other Christian communities, and is open to 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 (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

Further information

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

Course content

After a foundation offering a grounding in Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology, you will have a choice of two further optional modules. If you are studying for a Master's degree, a dissertation will complete the programme.

The course looks to address issues that you bring from your context and will encourage you to reflect critically on Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology in relation to those contexts.

Modules

Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes Core

Aspects of Biblical Interpretation Optional

Ecclesiology Before and Since Vatican II Core

Catholic Social Teaching Applied Optional

Human Beings and Human Action Optional

Dissertation Core

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

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.

The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.

How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Teaching takes place in the evening, generally 6pm-9pm, and focusses around a weekly three-hour seminar for each module. These weekly sessions will include:

Input from lecturers, to give overviews or detailed considerations of areas of knowledge or methods
Seminar discussion based on prior reading or study tasks
Discussion and debates on particular issues
Oral presentations on particular topics or texts
The use of multimedia platforms such as videos and podcasts
Provision of materials where appropriate (such as subject guides, handbooks, guided reading, and bibliographies)
Individual supervision for the dissertation project

Assessment methods

A variety of different forms of assessment are employed across the programme, including essays, portfolios, case studis, article reviews, issue reports and oral presentations.

In addition, in order to achieve the MA, you will be required to complete a 15,000 word dissertation, which is supported by individual supervision.

Christopher Jamison OSB, Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation

This new MA in Theology at St Mary’s University is grounded in Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology, the essential roots from which to develop the Church’s future life.

With options in Ethics, Social Morality and the Interpretation of Scripture this course provides a comprehensive introduction for those seeking to become either reflective ministers or intellectual leaders in the Church today.

Richard (Milton Keynes)

The second year of my MA Theology degree has again been stimulating, challenging and very enjoyable.

I found the assessments particularly interesting in the Liturgy module as they were "action research" - one set by the tutor and one chosen by me. They allowed me to experience and explore differences and similarities between the Roman Catholic Eucharist and the Sunday morning gatherings at a Baptist church and a city Community Church.

The Reflective Practice portfolio assessment allowed me to undertake some research into how to develop musical provision in my parish, integral to my role as choir leader, seeking opinions of parishioners, musicians, singers and priest through both qualitative and quantitative methods. This has resulted in some important decisions, both to maintain and amend some elements of provision.

Teresa (London)

Having studied the core modules last year, this year I chose to follow the Chaplaincy Pathway and have completed modules in Chaplaincy, Catechesis and Religious Education, and Christian Spiritual Direction.

I have greatly enjoyed all the modules, but particularly the Chaplaincy module as the variety of lecturers enabled us to reflect on the different areas of Chaplaincy and, as a lay School Chaplain myself, I was able to see my work within the broader picture of Catholic Chaplaincy. 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.

In addition to these three modules, I completed the Research and Reflective Practice module, for which I had to reflect on one area of pastoral work I had undertaken and prepare a proposal for my dissertation.

Michael (Beckenham)

Faculty members of the School of Education, Theology and Leadership were universally welcoming, friendly and very helpful.

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.

Fees and funding

2020/21 fees

Home/EU: coming soon
International: coming soon

The UK Government has confirmed that EU applicants starting in 2020 remain eligible for 'home fee status' and can access financial support.

Part-time fees

Part-time 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.

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.

Funding

Government-funded loans of over £11,000 are available to many UK/EU postgraduate students.

For guidance about financing your studies, including information about the government-funded loans, please check out Fees & Funding section.

International Students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

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.

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 contact helen.costigane@stmarys.ac.uk.

Facilities

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