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Theology MA, PGDip, PGCert

Previous degree

2:2

Distance learning available

No

Student visa accepted?

Yes

Duration

1 year (full-time), 2-3 Years (part-time)

ma-theology-header
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Explore Catholic thought, history, and practice with our inclusive Theology master’s

Reflect on several Christian perspectives with our Theology master’s. You will balance theory and practical application while covering topics like:

  • Christian ministry
  • Systematic theology
  • Liberation theology
  • contemplative spirituality
  • Catholic social teaching
  • spiritual direction
  • Catholic history and its impacts on contemporary practice.

Our postgraduate Theology degree suits:

  • Religious Education (RE) teachers
  • those engaged in Christian ministry and priesthood regardless of ecclesial background
  • people working within charities, the voluntary sector, or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
  • anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of Christian theology.

Upheld by Catholic values

We have a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. As part of our Catholic mission, we prioritise:

  • recognising everyone’s dignity and rights
  • openness and inclusivity
  • mutual understanding.

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

You will learn from a multi-disciplinary team committed to your wellbeing. Our student, Michael, tells us our academics were “universally welcoming, friendly, and very helpful”.

Study around your schedule

You can take our Theology MA on a part-time or full-time basis, meaning you’ll study around your commitments.

matthew-james

Matthew James

Course Lead

Upcoming Event

St Mary's University logo

MA Theology recruitment webinar - 23rd April

Tuesday 23rd April 2024, 05:30PM

Course content

Modules

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.

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

Students are required to have a good first degree in Theology (or similar).

2:2

Previous degree

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 postgraduate 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.

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.

Fees & funding

September 2024

Home

£8,580

International

£16,980

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

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

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 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
  • portfolios
  • case studies
  • article reviews
  • issue reports
  • 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.

Career opportunities

With our Theology master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills like human understanding, communication, and critical thinking.

You can work within pastoral care, ministry, and chaplaincy within:

  • education
  • healthcare
  • the armed forces
  • prisons
  • retreat work
  • spiritual and religious guidance
  • adult formation.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Theology MA, PGDip, PGCert include:

cross-cultural workingNGOs in the UK and overseasinternational relationsthe civil service

Apply now

September 2024

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We have a range of webinars and events to help you decide whether St Mary's is the place for you.

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Discover what life is like on our London campus.

Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation, Student Wellbeing and Study Abroad.