Master of Arts in Contemporary Christian Leadership

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.

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. 

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.

How does it work?

Students will study part-time with a cohort of fellow leaders over 3-4 years. In person intensive residentials (normally at Oak Hill College) will be combined with ongoing online seminars and personal mentoring.

Each year there will be two residential weeks (September and January). 

A student will need to give around a day a week to study outside of the residentials. 

Students will take 180 credits which will include 6 modules and a dissertation.

Topics will include:

• Principles of Christian leadership

• Dealing with conflict within the church

• Collaborative leadership

• Church planting, revitilisation and extension

• Leading for the future

• Global Theology

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.

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments (2-3,000 words), practical projects and oral presentations.

The final assessment is a 15,000 word dissertation completed in years 3 and 4.

The MA CCL 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, many of whom will not have formal theological education, but who would benefit enormously from this programme. 

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 – 

Standard Entries

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.

Non-standard Entries

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.

English Language requirements

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.

Dr Mark Stirling leads the MA. You can read more about his background here and watch an interview with him here.

2025/6 fees

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.

More details

1. Submit application

Use our application portal to apply. Check all the key dates to ensure you apply in good time; and see what's involved to ensure you give yourself enough time to complete the application.

We do not interview without references being completed. We interview all applicants who meet the basic admissions criteria. 

Applications close for standard applications on Friday 13 June 2025 (12noon). Non standard applications (those who do not meet the entry requirements) close on Friday 30 May 2025 (12noon).

2. Interview

You'll have an interview with the programme director and a chance to ask any specific questions of the admissions team. This will be conducted online.

3. Offer

Normally you should expect to hear from us within five working days of your interview as to whether we are offering you a place.

4. Accept offer 

Let us know by the agreed date whether you’d like to accept the offer.

5. Meet conditions

We may place certain conditions on your offer and you will need to respond appropriately if this is the case.

6. Assured place

Once you’ve accepted an offer and met any conditions, you’ll be given an assured place. 

7. Preparing for arrival

From early July we'll give you your Oak Hill email account details so that you can access online your new student welcome information.