Practical and Contextual Theology

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In contextual theologies, there are opportunities to study and examine theologies written from, for example, feminist, black, Deaf and disabled perspectives. You can choose modules that focus on contextual approaches to the Bible as well as examining the ways that contextual theologians deconstruct and, at times, reconstruct traditional theologies. You also have the opportunity to develop, through the dissertation, a critical study of an aspect of contextual theology that interests you or, indeed, to develop a piece of contextual theology from your own perspective.

Practical theology takes seriously the relationship between belief and practice both inside and outside of the church. It invites students to interrogate the traditions and ideas that shape the way that individuals, communities, the church, professional organizations, government, institutions etc. operate. It also seeks to develop new ways of thinking theologically in response to lived contemporary practices, where that is needed. Practical theology will appeal to any student interested in the way that belief and practice interact and shape each other. Professionals and volunteers who work inside the church or in any other organization will also find this programme of value in thinking about their own practice in relation to the wider institutions of which they are a part.

Careers

This programme of study will appeal to those seeking a postgraduate qualification as part of their continuing academic and/or professional development. It would suit those working in the voluntary or public sectors, or those engaged in any aspect of religious ministry. The student who is interested in how gender, disability and black perspectives have critiqued established and traditional theologies would also value participating in this MA.

Assessment

Typically, students will be expected to produce an extended research paper for summative assessment, with options for formative feedback, either in the context of individual supervision, or peer review and discussion (online or face to face) for example.

Some modules will require the student to undertake independent qualitative research by fieldwork, or to use auto-ethnographic methods such as journaling. Others will draw on more conventional text-based modes of study. There are no examinations. The completion of a research dissertation is required for the full MA.

Core Modules

TH7021 Themes and Methods in Practical and Contextual Theology

TH7025 Research Dissertation - a 16-20,000 word dissertation on a research project developed in one aspect of contextual and/or practical theology. You work with a supervisor to develop and produce your dissertation.

You also choose an additional three modules from below

Optional modules

TH7032 International Perspectives in Faiths and Public Policy

TH7039 Spirituality and Popular Culture

TH7041 Religion and Disability

TH7042 Secularization and the Futures of Religions

TH7043 Urban Theology

TH7048 Practice-Based Research Project

TH7049 Contemporary issues in Public Theology

TH7051 Evil in Comparative Theological Perspective

TH7054 TRS Conference Study

TH7063 Gender, Religion and Literature

The academic ability, motivation and potential of a student wishing to join the programme can be established from a number of forms of evidence such as: * an upper second or first class Honours degree in Theology and/or Religious Studies * an upper second or first class honours degree in another relevant subject, together with evidence of certificated learning in religious studies or substantial related experience; * evidence of a lower qualification plus substantial appropriate professional or voluntary experience, evidenced in a summary of non-certificated and experiential learning.Students without one of the above forms of evidence can, subject to the approval of the programme leader, demonstrate achievement and potential for MA study by registering for one module at a lower level. If the module is passed successfully at a level equivalent to an upper second class mark for a final year undergraduate, this can be used as evidence of ability to work at Masters level. Please contact Cath Rogers for further information. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 88 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

* Masters Scholarships £5000
* Science without Borders Scholarship
* Chevening Scholarship
* Commonwealth Scholarships
* DIKTI Scholarships
* GREAT Scholarships

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