MA in Christian Theology
What is it about?
This postgraduate programme aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of Christian theology. Students will be able to choose from a range of study pathways, depending on their area of interest, including Biblical Studies, Mission Studies and Practical Theology.
Students who are studying the Master of Arts (MA) programme as part of a training for ordained ministry will follow a prescribed selection of taught units that comprise a balanced ministerial curriculum for Christian leadership.
Who is it for?
The programme is designed to provide a solid background in Christian theology for students planning to go on to do research in theology and other relevant fields as well as to be of interest for people who wish to devote a year to more in-depth, focussed and critical study of and are of theological study.
What is involved?
In order to complete the MA programme, students must complete taught units totalling 120 credits and a dissertation of 15,000 words (worth 60 credits). In the case of failing to achieve sufficiently well to progress to a dissertation, students may exit with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits).
The MA programme can be completed full time in 12 months or part time in two years.
What qualifications do I need?
Generally we require all applicants to have a BA (Hons) in Theology with a 2:1 equivalent or above. For international students whose native language is not English a minimum score of 7.0 in an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) test taken not more than two years prior to entry is normally required. Trinity College also offers extra English language and study skills support for international students.
How do I apply?
1. Complete the Taught Postgraduate Programme Application Form available from Mel Lucas, PG Taught Administrator.
2. Complete the Diversity Survey Form available from Mel Lucas.
3. Complete the Postgraduate Taught Programme Supplementary Information Form (please ask the PG Taught Administrator if you need a copy of this)
4. Enclose certified copies of your degree certificate or academic transcripts.
5. Enclose English language certificates (where appropriate).
6. Obtain and enclose two references.
7. Send all of the above to:
PostgraduateTaught Administrator
Trinity College Bristol
Stoke Hill
Bristol BS9 1JP
What units of study can I do?
All postgraduate students take part in an induction week entitled Postgraduate Study and Research Methodology. Students then choose taught units totalling at least 120 credits. Units will normally be 20 credits each so that students will complete six taught units. A minimum of 90 credits must be achieved at Level 4 (Masters). The remaining 30 credits may be chosen from any Level 3 or 4 unit.
A variety of units will be offered in the following subject areas:
- Old Testament Studies
- New Testament Studies
- Hermeneutics
- Biblical Hebrew
- New Testament Greek
- Mission Studies
- Practical Theology
- Christian Ethics
- Church History
- Pastoral Theology
For descriptions of these, go to Study unit details
Upon the successful completion of taught units totalling 120 credits, your results will be considered at an Interim Examination Board meeting which will decide progression to the dissertation stage (60 credits).
What is the cost?
Go to the college fees section; this gives the fees for the academic year 2012-2013.
Further details can be obtained by contacting the Postgraduate Taught Administrator: Email Phone +44(0)117 968 0206.
What are the other expectations I should know about?
For all full-time international students who have not previously studied in a Western country, being part of a Pastoral Group is required. This is a commitment of approximately two hours of meetings and three hours of worship per week.