Applied Theology

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Applied Theology is designed to enable theological reflection upon experience in pastoral practice mainly, but not only, in the context of ministry in the Church. It may be taken if you hold a pastoral appointment at present, or if you are able to include a period of approved pastoral experience in your course of study for the PGDip.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology consists of either one year of full-time study, during which students must be resident in Oxford, or two years of part-time study during which students may be non-residential but must attend classes in Oxford once a week. 

You will take four units in total, each assessed by extended essay. The two core units are:

• Doctrine, Context and Practice
• Experiential Project with Theological Reflection.

You will choose two further units from the following options:

• Sociology of Religion
• Pastoral Psychology
• Science and Faith in the Modern World
• The use of the Bible
• Christian Spirituality
• Liturgy and Worship
• Christian Ethics
• Mission in the Modern World
• Inter-faith Dialogue
• Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in theology, religious studies or a closely related field. Entrance is very competitive.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Other examination results may be submitted alongside degree qualifications. If offered, the minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score sought is 160 and the minimum GMAT score sought is 600.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose: One page
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level