MA Christian Theology

How will I learn?

Weekly two-hour classes for each module are interactive with students. In general, lectures and other input from lecturers provide an overall perspective on the subject and enable you to engage with the material with a variety of different understandings. Classes benefit from the lecturers’ current research and writing.  You extend your understanding through directed reading, which make up the biggest single element of your learning time.  Tutorials on your work – sometimes in draft – contribute to deepening and widening understanding, and also discuss how best to present arguments and use sources. The dissertation is an opportunity for an extended independent investigation of a topic, with guidance from your supervisor. 

How much time will it take?

Each module is taught by a two-hour session once a week over the 11-week term, so that classes take place on one evening a week for a part-time student or two for a full-time student. Additionally, you will have regular tutorials and meetings with a supervisor in relation to the dissertation. You will need to spend about six hours in each week for each module on directed reading in preparation for from the classes, and a similar amount of time – some of it out of term-time – on researching for and writing your coursework assignments and end of year essays. 

How will I be assessed?

Each module is assessed by coursework during the module or shortly after its end, and by a 4,000 word essay done by the end of the year. Coursework tasks vary to reflect the module content and learning outcomes. Examples include portfolios, reviews of books and other secondary literature and essays. You will also complete a dissertation of between 12,000-15,000 words.

A preliminary reading list for the MA Christian Theology is available to download.

Further information on the programme can be found in the Programme Specification and you can contact the Programme Convenor below:

Programme Convenor
Dr Martin Poulsom SDB
Email: m.poulsom@heythrop.ac.uk 
Tel: 020 7795 4268