Theology, Imagination and the Arts

The MLitt in Theology, Imagination and the Arts is a one-year taught programme run by theInstitute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA), part of the School of Divinity. The course is designed to provide a broad introduction to postgraduate work in the field of theology and the arts. It can be taken as self-contained programme of study or as a grounding for those intending to pursue doctoral research in this field.

Highlights

• A unique training programme for artists wishing to reflect on the theological dimensions of their work, and for theologians wishing to explore the place of art within theological thought and practice.
• An ideal stepping stone towards the Institute's PhD programme, which centres on a three-year independent research project.
• Engages with diverse forms of culture of different eras, including literature, drama, the visual arts and music.

The programme consists of three taught modules taken over two semesters followed by a 15,000-word dissertation written over three months during summer. Modules are interdisciplinary in nature, integrating various artistic media and theological themes and are taught through weekly lectures and seminars with class sizes typically ranging from 6 to 12 students. Assessment comprises a combination of coursework and written examination. 

Students attend ITIA’s weekly research seminar, and may, if they wish, enrol in language classes and attend other lectures, seminars and reading groups as appropriate. The School offers classes in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, which are open to all students. 

Modules

Each module typically comprises:

• four hours of weekly lectures and seminars
• coursework assessment
• a three-hour written exam

Compulsory modules

• Christian Doctrine and the Arts: examines key Christian doctrines and their artistic presentation throughout the centuries.
• Theological Engagements with the Arts: Rationales, Methods and Texts: addresses theological questions about human artistry and introduces students to different ways of engaging the relationship between Christian theology and the arts.
• Religious Experience and Aesthetic Theory: explores how historical and cultural contexts through the ages have shaped religious art, and examines critically how different art forms - painting, music, literature, drama, architecture, film - and different styles within those forms mediate different kinds of religious experience.

Dissertation

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise students in their choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, an exit award is available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.

Requirements

• Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Russian Bachelor’s degree - Diplom Bakalavra/ Bakalavr Diploma or a Specialist Degree issued by the Russian Federation -  Specialist Diploma / Diplom Specialista.  In either case, students should have completed their degree with an average mark (grade) of 4 or higher on the Russian 5-point marking scale.  Students with higher level qualifications such as Magistr, the Kandidat Nauk, would also be considered for postgraduate study.
• CV
• Sample of academic work (2,000 words)
• Letter of intent (300 to 500 words)
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates 
• IELTS 7.0

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Russia Global Education Program (GEP)
• Accommodation Award
• Chevening Scholarships 
• Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust Bursary