MA Biblical Studies
Programme Convenor: Dr Ann Jeffers
Link to Programme Specification
Brief Description of the Programme
The programme provides an opportunity for advanced study of Biblical texts, with an emphasis on current methodologies. It develops students’ critical skills to interpret biblical texts in the context both of the ancient world and of modern society.
It is envisaged that this MA programme will be of interest to a wide group of people: primarily to teachers and to those involved in church-related ministries, as well as those who have a particular interest in textual study of biblical literature. It is also envisaged that this programme would be of interest as part of ongoing education for ministers.
| Module Title | Code | Level | Credit tariff |
| Compulsory Core Modules (must normally be taken in the first year of study) | |||
| Critical Aspects of Biblical Interpretation I | BIB401 | M | 30 |
| Critical Aspects of Biblical Interpretation II | BIB402 | M | 30 |
| Optional modules | |||
| One of the following: | |||
| Second Temple Judaism: Texts and Traditions | BIB506 | M | 30 |
| Women in the OT and the Intertestamental Era | BIB505 | M | 30 |
| Search for Meaning: Wisdom Traditions in the Making | BIB509 | M | 30 |
| AND One of the following: | |||
| Critical Reading of Mark’s Gospel | BIB507 | M | 30 |
| Reading 1 Corinthians | BIB504 | M | 30 |
| Students may replace ONE option with one of the following language modules, or with a module from another Masters Programme at the College, subject to the prior agreement of both Programme Convenors. Languages modules classes are normally scheduled in the day rather than the evening. | |||
| An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (2 terms) | BIB502 | M | 30 |
| An Introduction to New Testament Greek (2 terms) | BIB508 | M | 30 |
| Dissertation | BIB599 | M | 60 |
The topic of the dissertation is chosen by the student, subject to approval by the supervisor.
For further module details, download the accompanying pdf file.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by a combination of coursework tasks completed during of shortly after the period of module teaching, and an end-of-year essay. The pass mark for each module is 50%.
Support for students and their learning
Each taught module includes 22 hours of group sessions, typically lectures and presentations and seminars which are interactive with students. Language Introduction modules include 44 class hours. Directed reading and other tasks guide independent learning. Additionally, students receive tutorials, normally on a one-to-one basis, to discuss work completed or in progress, and meetings with a supervisor in relation to the dissertation. Students receive a Programme Handbook and module handbooks. Students have access to computing resources, and to the specialist Heythrop Library resources in Philosophy and Theology.
Requirements for admission
An honours degree (normally 2.1 or above) or equivalent, in theology or another appropriate subject. Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS score of 7.0 (with not less than 7.0 in Listening, Academic Reading and Academic Writing).
