Theology

Course Aims
The MTh Theology and Postgraduate Certificate in Theology are postgraduate qualifications that engage in critical theological reflection upon professional practice. They are available in the following four Pathways:

* Practical Theology
* Biblical Studies
* Christian Doctrine
* Church History

It is expected that most of the students undertaking the courses will be involved in some kind of ministry, whether on a full-time or part-time basis. They are available and relevant to laity and clergy alike.

The formal aim of the qualifications is to improve the competence of practitioners so they can make a better contribution within their ministry.

They also provide an opportunity for exploring present and future training and educational needs within professional development.

Special Features
* Facilitates a flexible programme of study geared towards the individual student
* Draws on internationally-recognised expertise in Christianity which is sensitive to
* current issues in the public eye
* Small student-focussed tutorials rather than formal lectures
* Provides a subject-specific introduction to postgraduate study skills
* Enables professional development needs for reflective learning

Course Description
Teaching is delivered on Fridays: part-time, students will normally attend on four Fridays in the semester; full-time for eight. Part-time students should expect to have another day a week available during the academic year for reading, preparation for sessions, and for writing assessment. Full-time students will need 35 hours a week for the whole year (academic year for the Postgraduate Diploma, calendar year for the MTh). The teaching style for any particular sessions varies widely and includes lectures, seminars, student presentations, and free discussion.

Though not offered as a designated module, support for advanced study of the biblical languages is offered via the Independent Learning Project.

Three of the modules listed below (RTT202, RTT148 and RTT205) are also part of our MTh Chaplaincy Studies. Teaching for these modules is delivered as part of that programme, which takes place in intensive weeks held at various times of the year.

Having completed the taught modules of the Postgraduate Diploma, MTh students continue during the Summer Semester with a dissertation of 16,000-20,000 words on a topic of the students choice.

Course Structure
For the Postgraduate Diploma, students take a total of 120 credits of modules, consisting of:

* 20 credits of core skills modules
* 60 or 80 credits of option modules from one of the four Pathways (selected by the student)
* A further 40 or 20 credits of modules from any part of the whole MTh programme (also selected by the student)

For the MTh, students take the Postgraduate Diploma programme and follow it with a 60 credit dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff).



Available Modules
Core Module (compulsory for all four Pathways):

* Research Methods for Theology

Practical Theology Pathway:

Students take the first and at least two more of the following option modules:

* Principles of Practical Theology
* Continuity and Change: Mission in Contemporary Society
* Faith, Belief and Spirituality
* Contours of Christian Theology
* Contemporary Theologies of Mission
* Bible in Ministry
* Independent Learning Project
* Critical Reflection on Practice
* Facilitating Moral Thinking (RTT202)
* Beginning Chaplaincy (RTT148)
* Context of Chaplaincy (RTT205)

Biblical Studies Pathway:

Students take the first and at least two more of the following option modules:

* Hermeneutics and Critical Method
* New Testament in Social Perspective
* Exegesis of Biblical Texts: Romans
* Out of Babylon: Old Testament Theology
* The Horrors we Bless: Old Testament Texts
* Independent Learning Project
* Bible in Ministry

Christian Doctrine Pathway:

Students take the first and at least two more of the following option modules:

* Hermeneutics and Critical Method
* Contours of Christian Theology
* Theology and Biography
* Theologies of Liberation
* Independent Learning Project
* Contemporary Theologies of Mission

Church History Pathway:

Students take both of the following option modules and a further 20 credits from one of the other Pathways:

* Church History I (40 credits)
* Church History II (40 credits)

MTh Compulsory Module:

* Dissertation

Entry RequirementsThe programmes are suitable for graduates in Theology and/or Religious Studies. Though primarily aimed at people engaged in Christian Ministry (in its widest understanding), laity or ordained ministers of religion alike, members of some other professional groups - e.g. nursing, medicine will find them equally valuable.Applicants should normally possess or expect to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK Honours degree, or equivalent. However, significant experience of ministry can also be taken into account.Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person. 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. 75 (Grade B)

Postgraduate Funding OpportunitiesThe School of History, Archaeology and Religion is pleased to announce several funding schemes for postgraduates enrolling in the 2014-2015 academic year:

* Arts and Humanities Research Council Studentships (PhD)
* SHARE Doctoral Scholarships (PhD)
* J E Williams Studentship (PhD)
* Edward Rhys-Price Bequest (PhD, part-time)
* Cardiff Universitys Postgraduate Taught Scholarship Scheme (Masters)
* Jameel Scholarships (MA Islam in Contemporary Britain)
* SHARE International Bursaries (Masters and PhD)