橡树山神学院

The MA is a rigorous programme that enables you to study theology at a more advanced level, taking an even more specialised approach to the different theological disciplines than is possible in the BA (Hons) programme.

MA students take a compulsory module on hermeneutics and epistemology, which is common to all of our postgraduate programmes, and write either a long dissertation or a short dissertation and a short project. In addition, MA students have the freedom to choose from three elective modules. The programme is designed to foster independent research and to allow you to take electives from across the theological disciplines or to specialise in a particular discipline.

Ordinands who are already Theology graduates would normally study the MA part time over 22 months alongside additional modules that make their overall programme full time. Alongside their Level 7 modules, ordinands will complete a suite of placements and will also study a selection of modules at Levels 4 and 5 to provide specific Anglican training (as approved by the Church of England).

The normal period of registration for an ordinand on the MA programme is 22 months, comprising four semesters and one summer period. The student studies the four 30-credit modules over four semesters, together with dissertation preparation. Intensive dissertation work is allowed by the intervening summer period, and the final dissertation must be submitted at the end of the fourth semester.

Teaching and learning together

Our ultimate aim is not just to impart information but to work towards the transformation of students as they reflect with others on loving Christ more deeply in order to explain him simply. We pursue the enhancement of teaching and learning within the College by fostering:
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• habits in the lecturer of reflective, self-critical intentionality and innovation
• an ethos in the classroom of directed, active and hospitable learning
• an ethos amongst the faculty of collegiality, teachability and servant leadership
• an ethos in the College of teachability, servant leadership and worship

Learning, teaching and assessment

The College aims to provide a learning experience which is demanding and exhilarating, reflecting the highest academic standards as well as excellence in pedagogy. The programme offers a rich and varied learning experience which encompasses lectures, seminars, language classes, field trips, placements and a range of formative and summative assessments. Through these assessments, the College aims to provide all students with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of Threshold Learning Outcomes (at module level) and Programme Learning Outcomes. Underlying all of the College’s programmes is a commitment both to information and to transformation, and a belief that the sub-disciplines within Theology are integrated within the framework provided by scripture, which can and does speak into every area of life.

The MA Theology (180 credits) is closely related to the PGDip Theology (120 credits): the two programmes draw on the same selection of taught modules and require the same number and distribution of modules. An MA student who passes the four taught modules (120 credits), including the core module BD6.4, but not the research element (60 credits) of the programme, may be awarded the PGDip in Theology as an exit qualification. Similarly, an MA student who passes two taught modules (60 credits), again including the core module BD6.4, but who does not meet the remaining programme requirements for the MA or the PGDip, may be awarded the PGCert in Theology as an exit qualification.