World Christianity

With more than 2.2 billion followers, and as one of the oldest religions, Christianity plays an important role in influencing a wide range of social, political and cultural issues.

This programme interprets some of the key themes and trends in Christianity in the ‘majority’ or non-western world, and is designed to provide expert insight, knowledge and skills to understand the wide range of Christian belief, culture and practice throughout the world, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

It is taught in a strongly interdisciplinary way, and employs historical, sociological, anthropological and theological perspectives. You will enjoy a unique framework to study, research and understand the complexity of Christian communities in the world and their wider significance for culture and society.

This masters programme is run over one year full-time (or two years part-time). You will be taught mainly in small groups in a classroom/seminar setting. You will receive individual supervision for your 15,000-word dissertation.

Compulsory courses:

The compulsory courses, Selected Themes in the Study of World Christianity, and the World Christianity research skills course, attend to methods for the study of indigenous forms and expressions of Christianity, to issues of culture and gender and to changing patterns of relationship between Christianity in the west and other parts of the world.

Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies develops postgraduate-level skills in critical thinking and writing.

Option courses:

You will choose three courses, at least two of which must be postgraduate courses offered by the School of Divinity.

Option courses offered by the Centre of World Christianity include:

• Christianity in Asia, 1700 to the Present
• History of Christianity in Africa
• Critical Debates in Christian Mission

You can also choose an undergraduate course offered by the School or, at the discretion of the Programme Director, a course from another School, subject to availability.

Career opportunities

The programme forms an excellent basis for postgraduate research in aspects of global Christianity, and provides transferable skills appropriate for a wide range of careers.

A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent, in an appropriate field. Any professional experience will also be considered. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 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) TOEFL iBT® test: 100 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.