MA Pastoral Theology
How will I learn?
Each module is taught by a two-hour session once a week over an 11-week term. These sessions are interactive with students. The majority of your learning takes place independently through directed reading and other assignments. Additionally, you will have tutorials, normally on a one-to-one basis, to discuss work completed or in progress. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake an extended investigation of a topic of your own choice, which in some cases may also draw on your practical experience.
How much time will it take?
With few exceptions, classes for this MA are during the day, since experience shows that many students have pastoral commitments in the evening. Classes take place on one day a week for a part-time student and one or two days for a full-time student. You will also need to attend at intervals for 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. You will need to spend about six hours in each week for each module on directed reading in preparation for from the classes and more – some of it out of term-time – on researching for and writing your assignments.
If you are already actively engaged in pastoral work or ministry, you may find that some of your work time provides a source for your learning.
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 may include articles, reviews and essays. You will also complete a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation.
A preliminary reading list for the MA Pastoral Theology is available to view online.
Further information on the programme can be found in the Programme Specification and you can contact the Programme Convenor below:
Programme Convenor
Rev Dr James Sweeney CP
Email: j.sweeney@heythrop.ac.uk
Tel: 020 7795 4220