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This programme is intended both for those students who are preparing for doctoral research and for those who see the M.A. as an end in itself. It may be taken full-time (over 12 months) or part-time (over 24 months).

The College of Arts and Law contains a range of expertise in the history of Christianity, from the first century to the twentieth, and in its Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and African Independent branches, that is probably unique in the U.K. This new programme brings together historians from the Departments of History, Theology and Art History, the Centre for West African Studies and the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity to offer a rich variety of options and an unparalleled range of dissertation possibilities.

The programme comprises 180 credits, and there are two compulsory elements:

(1) a 12,000 word dissertation (60 credits)

(2) Writing the History of Christianity (40 credits)

The first half of this course focuses on selected modern historical classics, in order to review the most important contemporary methodologies and lines of interpretation. The second half will focus on primary sources, ranging from hagiographies and spiritual autobiographies to oral history and quantitative evidence.

The remaining 80 credits will be drawn from options, which may include the following:

Options

Listed below is an example of the modules offered in a typical year. Not all modules are available every year due to academic study leave.

* African-Caribbean History: Slavery, Colonialism and Black Theology (20 credits)
* Approaches to Late Antiquity I (20 credits)
* Approaches to Late Antiquity II (20 credits)
* Bible and Empire (20 credits)
* Black Religions and Spiritualities (20 credits)
* Byzantine Art and Architecture (40 credits)
* Church and Society I (20 credits)
* *The English Church in the Reign of Henry VIII (40 credits)
* *Heresy and Heretics in the Middle Ages (40 credits)
* History of Christian-Muslim Relations (20 credits)
* History of Quaker Theology (20 credits)
* History and Practice of Spiritual Autobiography (20 credits)
* History of Global Pentecostalism (20 credits)
* History and Theology of Mission (20 credits)
* *The Making and Remaking of English History, 1066 to the Present
* Post-colonial Approaches to the Bible (20 credits)
* Religion in Contemporary Global Politics (40 credits)
* Religious Reformations in Early Modern Britain and Europe (40 credits)
* Rethinking Christianity in the West (20 credits)
* Themes in Christianity I (20 credits)

The institute of Archaeology and Antiquity offers Latin language courses at various levels.

No more than 40 credits can be taken from modules marked with an asterisk.

Normally a 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline is required for entry * Entry to our postgraduate programmes usually require a good Honours degree, or equivalent if you were educated outside the UK. * IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band. * TOEFL IBT 93 with no less than 20 in any band English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A)

See the University of Birmingham Website for more details on fees and funding.

Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.