MA in Theology and Ministry

There are many reasons to undertake postgraduate study in theology! For some, this study forms part of their training for a ministry role, whether lay or ordained, in a variety of denominations and parachurch organizations. For others, it is an entry route to research, whether via a PhD or our own professional doctoral programme, the Doctor of Theology and Ministry, offered in collaboration with Durham University’s Department of Theology and Religion.

Many find that part-time study is an excellent way to pursue professional or ministerial development, and others do it simply because they love studying theology! The diversity of backgrounds and trajectories within our student cohort is part of its unique strength. And we find that all of our students, in one way or another, are motivated not only by a desire for learning or training, but above all by their passion for the God they study – in himself, in his church, in his world.

Entry requirements

The normal entrance requirement is either a BA in Theology or Religious Studies or related subject, classed at 2:1 or international equivalent, or a BA in another discipline with experience of Theology or Religious Studies to at least HE Certificate level (with a mark of 60 or above). All candidates also need recent or current experience of the practice of Christian ministry. 

If you don’t meet the above requirements but have relevant experience or training, it may be possible to admit you to the Postgraduate Certificate in a first instance. Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate can request to transfer to the Postgraduate Diploma or the full MA.

We welcome international candidates. Do note that candidates from certain countries must satisfy Durham University’s English language requirements, and may require an entry visa. 

At the core of our MA lies a commitment to integrating theology and ministry in a way that enriches both. This integration is the hallmark of all our modules and is exemplified in our programme’s core module, Theological and Practical Reflection upon Mission and Ministry. Here students explore an approach to theology that takes both practice and experience seriously. This approach engages the whole range of theological sub-disciplines and can also be interdisciplinary in its engagement of social scientific or other academic disciplines. Above all, it reflects a desire to live faithfully in the light of rigorous and prayerful thinking.

Apart from the core module and dissertation supervision, taught modules vary from year to year. We aim to offer electives in each of the following areas each year: biblical studies, Christian doctrine for ministry, practical/applied subjects, and modules in theology of practice. Our modules are led by scholars working in a range of different fields and offer wide scope for anyone wishing to think further, deeper, and better about being and doing church now.

Modules currently on our books which we expect to offer in the coming years include: 

• Advanced Old Testament Studies
• Advanced New Testament Studies 
• Mission and Ecclesiology
• Leadership in Christian Ministry 
• Doctrine of the Trinity: history, systematics and practice 
• The Body of Christ, the Body Politic 
• Theological Approaches to Spiritual Direction 
• Christology for Contemporary Ministry 
• Mission and Ministry in the Acts of the Apostles 
• Forgiveness in Pastoral Ministry 

Note that not every module runs every year

Career Prospects

Wherever you are in your vocational journey, whether at its very beginning or with decades of experience behind you, we would be delighted to talk with you about how our postgraduate programmes can help you serve Jesus faithfully. There has never been a better or a more urgent time for rigorous and faithful theological thinking to undergird Christian mission and ministry and we are committed to helping you discover what that might look like for you. This could include training in a range of fields from chaplaincy to children’s work, church leadership or pastoral care, parachurch work or innovative mission. We are ready to discern with you where the Spirit might lead!  

Accessibility

We want to support you if you’re already in ministry or considering it, whether you have a background in theology or whether you would like to discover what theological study is like. There are several ways we make the programme as accessible as possible! 

• Full-time or part-time study, from 12 months through 3 years 
• In-person or online access: our teaching and learning is ‘live’, which students can access in-person in our state-of-the-art teaching spaces in the World Heritage Site, or online for those studying at a distance. 
• Weekly and block teaching: some modules are offered on a weekly basis across 16 weeks and others are delivered in two blocks of 2.5 days intensive study. 
• Standalone modulesare available for those who want to see what theological study is like without committing to a programme.