Theology MA, PGDip, PGCert

Program Overview

St Mary's University's Theology program delves into Catholic thought, history, and practice, balancing theory with practical application. It equips individuals in various roles, including religious education teachers, ministers, and charity workers, with a deep understanding of Christian theology and its relevance to contemporary issues. The program fosters critical thinking, inclusivity, and the development of transferable skills for diverse career paths in pastoral care, ministry, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Explores Catholic thought, history, and practice from diverse Christian perspectives.
• Balances theory and practical application through modules on Christian ministry, systematic theology, liberation theology, contemplative spirituality, Catholic social teaching, and spiritual direction.
• Suits individuals in various roles, including:
• Religious Education (RE) teachers
• Those engaged in Christian ministry and priesthood
• Charity and NGO workers
• Individuals seeking deeper knowledge of Christian theology
• Upholds Catholic values of dignity, inclusivity, and mutual understanding.

Outline:

• Modules:
• Foundation:
Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology
• Optional:
Human Beings and Human Action, Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes
• Core:
Ecclesiology in Contemporary Perspective, Basic Principles and History of Catholic Social Teaching
• Optional:
• Pastoral Theology of Ministry: Scripture and Ministry
• Theologies of Liberation and Political Theology
• Foundations of Christian Spirituality
• Contemplative and Monastic Spirituality
• Catholic Social Teaching Applied
• Global Development, the Environment and the Market
• Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation
• Mystical Theology
• Core:
Dissertation, Service Based Learning Research
• Structure:
• Available full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-3 years)
• Addresses issues brought by students from their own contexts
• Encourages critical reflection on Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology

Assessment:

• Methods: Essays, portfolios, case studies, article reviews, issue reports, oral presentations
• Approach: Interactive and supportive, encouraging critical thinking and engagement with diverse perspectives

Careers:

• Develops transferrable skills: Human understanding, communication, critical thinking
• Potential career paths:
• Pastoral care, ministry, and chaplaincy within:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Armed forces
• Prisons
• Retreat work
• Spiritual and religious guidance
• Adult formation
• Cross-cultural working
• NGOs (UK and overseas)
• International relations
• Civil service

Other:

• Open to students from all faiths or none.
• International students: Check country-specific pages for equivalents and English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, no less than 6.0 in any section).
• Alumni discount available.
• External funding sources may be available.
This program provides a comprehensive exploration of Christian theology within a Catholic framework while promoting inclusivity and critical reflection.

Home Fees:

£8,580

International Fees:

£16,980

Additional Costs:

• Tuition fees cover the cost of all mandatory elements of the program.
• Additional costs may be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

Alumni Discount:

• A 20% tuition fee discount is available for alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree.
• Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding.