Christian Theology, MTh

About Christian Theology, MTh - at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Course Overview

The MTh in Christian Theology allows the study of ancient concepts and approaches as well as contemporary movements and ideas. It is open to those who wish to explore their faith from an academic perspective, but it is also open to those who wish to know more about thoughts and movements which have had a considerable impact on the world. There is no denominational bias within the programme, and it is available to those who hold religious convictions, and to those who do not. Either way, students are expected to engage with the tradition critically and rigorously.

The programme is delivered as a full-time and part-time programme of study for distance learners. All module content is available through the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and students will be supported throughout their studies through regular access to their module tutors, either one to one (by email, skype, phone), in groups (using media such as Skype), or via VLE module discussion forums or wikis.

An annual residential graduate summer school is held for all students in July where students are able to experience lectures and seminars covering both issues related to generic learning and subject-specific information and to engage with a number of our research students.

Key Features

The programme is based upon an established pool of expertise in related concerns, and covers a range of projects undertaken over a number of years:

Staff are research active and regularly attend academic conferences.

Study cutting edge areas of academic interest

The staff expertise represents a considerable bank of knowledge and skills that will underpin this programme and will ensure student experience a high quality educational experience.

In addition Students will benefit from the:

• Opportunity to specialise in Biblical Studies, Church History or Systematic Theology
• We have a long and distinguished tradition of specialist teaching in Biblical Studies
• Vibrant research culture

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Study Skills for Theology and Religious Studies: In this module, you will develop research and communication skills, and learn how to deal effectively with primary and secondary source material and to highlight the importance of methodology.
• The Doctrine of the Trinity: This module investigates in detail the Doctrine of God as Trinity, its development and theological significance. You will also analytically and critically the tradition of Christian Doctrine against the background of modern and late modern debates.
• The Resurrection of Jesus and the Christian Hope: This module enables students to evaluate the Christian doctrine of salvation in light of the death and resurrection of Christ, as well as assess critically the Christian teaching about hope.

Pathway 1: Biblical Interpretation

• The Bible: Text and Transmission: This module will allow you to develop a critical awareness and appreciation of scholarly issues surrounding the stabilisation of biblical texts and their transmissions, and the formation of the biblical canon.
• The Bible: Contemporary Approaches: This module will allow you to develop a critical awareness of hermeneutical presuppositions which shape interpretations of biblical texts.
• The Book of Genesis: In this module, you will acquire a detailed knowledge of the content of the Book of Genesis and of scholarly interaction with it.
• The Book of Isaiah: This module will familiarise students with the issues associated with the study of the Book of Isaiah and to equip them with the tools to engage in critical study of the text.
• The Gospel of John: In this module, you will develop a critical awareness and appreciation of the interpretation of John's Gospel from a historical, theological and literary perspective.
• Paul and his Letters : This module provides a guide to understanding Paul and his letters in their socio-historical context.

Pathway 2: Church History

• The Church Fathers and the Making of Christian Doctrine: This module introduces students to the historical formation of the classical Christian tradition to A.D. 451, through exposure to primary sources.
• The Reformation: This module provides students with a comprehensive account of the events and characters of the Reformation in continental Europe and in Britain.
• Christianity, Culture and Society in Twentieth Century Britain : This module explain the main historical, social and doctrinal themes which emerged within the Christian churches between the Edwardian era and the millennium.

Pathway 3: Systematic Theology

• Karl Barth: His Life, Work and Legacy: This module examines in depth the theology of the Swiss theologian Karl Barth (1886-1968) in its historical context and to gauge its abiding significance.
• Modern Orthodox Theologians: This module enables students to develop critical understanding and appreciation of Orthodox theology in a contemporary context.

International

We welcome international students to apply to our programmes. If your first language is not English, we will require you to have achieved a minimum of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each component of reading, writing, listening and speaking in an IELTS English language test, or equivalent.

Course Tutor(s)

• Dr Catrin H. Williams BA (Wales), PhD (Cantab), Reader in New Testament Studies
• Dr Robert Pope BA, PhD, Reader in Theology

Assessment

Assessment is usually based on written work in the form of long and short essays, reports, book reviews and reflective pieces.

Career Opportunities

The programme has been designed to attract students interested in developing both their generic and their subject-specific skills. It offers opportunities for students who have recently graduated to move on to work at level 7 in their specialist field of study and help prepare them for careers in education, ministry and research. The programme also offers excellent continuing professional development for teachers at various stages of their career, ministers currently in pastoral charge seeking further professional development and other interested parties. In addition, the programme will be attractive to students who wish to study out of personal interest or faith commitment.

Related Courses

• MA Biblical Interpretation
• MTh Church History
• MA Study of Religions

Tuition Fees

Find out about our fees here.

Don't forget to check out the UWTSD Scholarships and Bursaries.

Entry requirements

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