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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.

Theology subject talk and virtual visit

We've put together a bespoke virtual open day for anyone interested in studying at St Mary's.

Join the event now

Useful information

Course lead

Dr Jacob Phillips headshotDr Jacob Phillips
Director of ​Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts

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

  •  Core
  •  Optional
  •  Core
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

The tuition fees listed are for the duration of the course. Part-time applicants should check our part-time fee information.

September 2022

  • Home: £6,990
  • International: £14,550

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 Home postgraduate students.

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

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.

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 jacob.phillips@stmarys.ac.uk.

Facilities

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Further information