Master of Arts Theology

Learning, teaching and assessment

 

Our newly revalidated postgraduate programmes offer a broader range of option modules, especially in the areas of doctrine, church history and practical ministry, along with modules which are designed to integrate theological disciplines.

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:

• 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

 

Study hours and make up of study

Within Higher Education, it is generally understood that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, shared between class time, pre-class reading, private study and assessment.

This means that a 30 credit module = 300 hours of study; so for the MA Theology, 180 credits = 1800 study hours over the programme as a whole.

In-class learning involves lectures, seminars, discussions, worked examples and presentations. Out-of-class study involves reading, reflecting, researching, writing assignments, group projects and revision for exams. For MA students, it will also include work on a substantial dissertation package.

 

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 can be marked Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction: 

Students are awarded a Pass on an MA Theology once they have attained grade 12 or better in modules and dissertation(s) worth 180 credits at Level 7, including the required compulsory modules.

The final classification of the MA will be based only on the grades achieved from ALL successfully passed Level 7 modules, and not on grades achieved in any additional modules taken at Levels 4, 5 or 6. The calculation will take into account the individual credit weighting of each module: 

  • Students may be awarded a Pass with Merit on an MA Theology if they also obtain a rounded average of 6.5 or better in all taught Level 7 modules (including guided reading modules) and the dissertation/project package; and grade(s) of 6 or better for the dissertation/project package.
  • Students may be awarded a Pass with Distinction on an MA Theology if they also obtain a rounded average grade of 3.5 or better in all taught Level 7 modules (including guided reading modules) and the dissertation/project package; and grade(s) of 3 or better for the dissertation/project package.

The MA Theology is closely related to the PGDip Theology (120 credits) and the PGCert Theology (60 credits): the two programmes draw on the same selection of taught modules. An MA student who passes 120 credits worth of Level 7 modules, including the core module BD6.4, but not the MA dissertation package (60 credits) may be awarded the PGDip as an exit qualification. Similarly, an MA student who passes two Specialist Master's Level taught modules (60 credits), including the core module BD6.4, but who does not meet the remaining programme requirements for the MA or the PGDip, may be awarded a PGCert Theology as an exit qualification.