The MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership is designed to help leaders handle the challenges of leadership, fostering the habits of heart and mind and developing practices that can sustain them joyfully through ministry in the long term. We want to learn together how to do Jesus’ work in Jesus-ways.
The programme is led by Dr Mark Stirling. Find out more about Mark here.
Being a leader has always been a challenge, and today it may seem especially tough. Many Christian leaders are seeking help and inspiration in how to lead in ways that truly serve others as Christ has served us, without burning out or giving up.
A recent survey of a large denomination revealed that one-third of church leaders showed signs of clinical depression, facing challenges like loneliness, financial pressures, and relationship issues. This struggle can be even greater for those transitioning from training roles.
It is suitable for leaders in both church and parachurch contexts, within the UK and working overseas.
Through learning and reflecting with other leaders, this program will deepen your theological understanding of Christian leadership and build practical skills for real-world situations.
Students will study part-time with a cohort of fellow leaders over 3-4 years, taking two modules a year for their first three years. In person intensive residentials (normally at Oak Hill College) will be combined with ongoing online seminars and personal mentoring for the delivery of the modules.
Each year there will be two residential weeks (October and February - dates tbc).
A student will need to give around a day a week to study outside of the residentials.
Students can then choose whether to do their dissertation in their third or fourth years.
Students will take 180 credits which will include six modules and a dissertation. All students will also be equipped with the research skills they need to undertake and complete a 15,000 word dissertation reflecting on an aspect of leadership.
TMM3191 Leadership and Theology for Ministry and Mission
TMM44320 Christian Doctrine and Contemporary Culture
TMM43320 Reflective Practice: Leadership and Collaboration
TMM47320 Leadership and The Future Church
TMM47120 Ecclesiology and Conflict
TMM46120 Advanced Church Planting in Perspective (Theology and Practice of Discipleship, Maturity and Mission)
TMM42220 Research & Reflection: Resources and Methods
TMM47060 Dissertation in Christian Leadership
Assessments will involve practical projects, reflective exercises, written and oral presentations.
The MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership is designed to be a deep investment in long term healthy leadership for the body of Christ. It is aimed at those already in some form of Christian leadership, not necessarily formal or ordained.
The entry criteria are designed to allow those without previous theology degrees to access the programme. All applicants will be personally interviewed by the Programme Director and will fall into one of three categories:
Applicants will have at least a 2:1 honours degree (or other Level 6 qualification, such as a Graduate Diploma) in Theology.
OR
Applicants will have at least a 2:1 degree in any subject and will complete a short piece of written work before interview. This will allow applicants to get a flavour of the level of reading and engagement that will be required for the Masters as well as allow the College to assess the applicant’s suitability for Masters-level theological study.) relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to formal academic qualifications.
Applicants will not have a previous degree at 2:1 level in any subject, but will possess a combination of ministry experience together with informal biblical and theological study. These applicants will complete a piece of written work before interview that will assess their suitability for Masters-level theological study. Non-standard entries also require approval by Durham University as the Common Awards accrediting body.
Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy the College that they have a sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of their chosen programme. IELTS Academic or equivalent is therefore required at 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any component.
You can find out more about equivalent qualifications here.
Students need the right to study in the UK for our postgraduate programmes.
Students may potentially study the MACCL by attending the intensives on visitor visas.
Oak Hill College is not on the UK government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors and so is unable to sponsor migrants under the Student route of the points-based immigration system. The College therefore cannot accept applications from individuals who need a student visa in order to study in the UK.
Find out more here or within our Admissions Policy.
Applications for September 2026 entry will open later in 2025.
Over three years: £2,667 per year, payable for each of the three years.
Over four years: £2,000 per year, payable for each of the four years.
Fees include all food and accommodation for residential weeks, the Durham registration fee, online library access and access to our VLE.
Fees do not include any travelling expenses for residential intensives, or the cost of any set texts that students are required to buy.
View more information in our fees sheet below.
Leadership is both a profound privilege and a significant challenge, especially in today’s fast-changing and diverse world. This MA offers a rare and valuable opportunity for guided reflection, exposure to cutting- edge thinking and practices, and growth in Christ-like service.
I'm delighted to see the emphasis on spiritual habits forhealthiness, and ministering out of the joy of the Lord, in thisnew MA course. I'm sure it will be a huge help to leaders andchurches seeking to develop vibrant gospel culture.
This is an essential programme for equipping leaders to navigate the incredible opportunities and significant challenges of sharing the gospel today.