Systematic and Philosophical Theology

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The field of systematic and philosophical theology concerns the articulation of the meaning and implications of Christian doctrine or `teaching´. On the one hand, this doctrine includes claims relating to, for example, God, Christ, creation, salvation, the nature of the Church, human identity and ethics. Systematic theology refers to the attempt to relate these areas of doctrine to one another in a coherent and orderly fashion in such a way that the various aspects of doctrine become mutually illuminating.

The practice of systematic theology is undertaken in many and various ways throughout the Christian tradition. From the earliest years of the Church, theologians have deployed philosophical learning as a tool in clarifying Christian teaching. This has given rise to the very closely related field of philosophical theology. Here, the particular application of philosophy to the study of Christian doctrine is examined, along with the attendant issues of the relationship between philosophy and theology, and faith and reason.

The relationship is complex. On the one hand, both theology and philosophy are concerned with the metaphysical and its relationship to the physical. On the other hand, theology is thought to contain an historical revelation which perfects and goes beyond the reason exhibited in philosophical learning. Meanwhile, philosophy has tended to set the intellectual climate in which the study of Christian doctrine is undertaken. However, in recent years and in the wake of the theological liberalism which dominated the post-war period, Christian theology has undergone a revival of nerve in the face of the demands of philosophical reason. This has renewed the encounter between theology and philosophy in new and exciting ways that challenge the sufficiency of purely secular modes of reason.

The MTh in Systematic and Philosophical Theology is therefore concerned with a field at the heart of the task of Christian theology. There is no denominational bias within the programme; students may pursue an interest in Protestant and Catholic theologies of many kinds, although always critically and rigorously. The course is particularly concerned with the tradition of Christian theology, its engagement with philosophy, the relationship between faith and reason, and the nature of the theological task in the contemporary world.

The degree scheme is divided into Part 1 and Part 2. Within Part 1, students complete six modules, of which one module is Study Skills. The remaining five modules are chosen from the list below. The modules in column A form the core of the discipline and cover key issues; students must select at least two modules from this column. The remaining two or three modules are chosen from list B.

A

* The Christian Doctrine of God
* Theology and Philosophy
* Christology and the Doctrine of God
* Theological Ethics

B

* Plato and Aristotle
* Postmodernity and the Return of Negative Theology
* Schleiermacher, Kierkegaard and Philosophy of Mind
* St. Thomas Aquinas
* The Church Fathers and the Shaping of Christian Doctrine
* Eastern Christian Mystics of the Light
* Dionysios the Areopogite
* La Nouvelle Théologie: von Balthasar and de Lubac
* Themes in Orthodox Theology
* Modern Orthodox Theologians
* Theology and Bioethics
* Theology and the Rise of Natural Science
* Independent Study Module

Students must successfully complete Part 1 before progressing to Part 2. Students may exit the programme upon completion of Part 1, earning a Postgraduate Diploma.

Part 2 consists of a research dissertation of not more than 20 000 words in length. This research can be undertaken within any area of systematic and philosophical theology. Students are assigned a specialist supervisor depending on the topic of their research.

Ordinarily, it is expected that applicants will have gained a good first degree (upper second class or higher) or its equivalent in Theology and/or Philosophy, or a cognate subject. However, the University of Wales, Lampeter assesses each application on its merits and recognises other means by which students might be equipped to study at graduate level. For queries concerning admissions, please contact the Course Director (contact details below).The MTh in Systematic and Philosophical Theology includes the study of advanced and technical issues. Prior experience of the study of Christian theology and/ or philosophy is very desirable. What is most important is a willingness to engage with a broad range of challenging material - much of it at the cutting edge of current research - with dedication, energy and determination. The ability to study independently, thus enhancing one´s knowledge and skills by guided reading and independent research, is crucial.For those whose academic study has thus far been exclusively theological or philosophical, introductory modules can be made available which will enhance knowledge and skills in a particular area, thus enabling students to benefit from the full range of the programme.International students applying for study at postgraduate level will normally be required to show evidence of sufficient command of the English language to be able to follow their course, undertake research and produce writing without major linguistic difficulties. For example, this is usually the Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency Certificate, IELTS minimum score of 6.5, TOEFL minimum score of 575. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 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.

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UK Students

Unfortunately, funding is very scarce for postgraduate courses. Some funding is available from external bodies such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The AHRC is funded by a number of sources including the British Academy and the Department of Higher and Further Education and offers support including professional and vocational awards and Studentships in the Humanities. Applications can be made via the Registry in February each year. Occasionally there are University of Wales Studentships available which are equivalent to the funding given by the AHRC, but these are subject to availability. A funding guide is available from the Registry. Most UK students are self-funding and many opt for Career Development Loans.

Overseas Students

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American and Canadian students can apply for funding via the Federal Student Loan System for their respective countries.

Overseas scholarships

Overseas students may apply for Overseas Research Scholarships if they are intending to study for a full-time MPhil or PhD. Application forms are available in February of each year from the Registry and must be completed and returned to the Registry by the end of April in any given year. If candidates are successful in their application, fees are reduced to that of a home student.