MA in Advanced Christian Studies

If you are already a graduate in theology from Spurgeon's College or another institution and wish to build on your undergraduate studies with extended theological reflection then this course is designed for you. If you are pursuing probationary studies towards full accreditation as a Baptist minister, or have some experience and theological education as a minister from another denomination, then this course will help you deepen and develop your knowledge and skills. It will offer you an advanced level of study in a variety of theological and practice-oriented disciplines.

The degree is in two parts and can be studied either full-time over one year or part-time over three or four years. Part One comprises six taught modules of 20 credits each and Part Two is a 20,000 word dissertation of 60 credits. Six modules must be selected from the following list of which Research Methods is compulsory.

• Biblical Hermeneutics*
• Research Methods (compulsory)
• Advanced Hebrew Texts
• OT Theology*
• OT Narrative*
• Hebrew
• OT Theology (Isaiah)
• NT Greek Texts (Acts)
• Eschatology and the Book of Revelation*
• NT Greek
• NT Theology*
• Ministry and Sacraments*
• Theological Ethics*
• The Doctrine of Election from Calvin to Barth*
• Comparative Ecclesiology*
• Feminist Theology*
• Theological Reflection
• Theologies of Mission
• Church Planting*
• Chaplaincy
• The Mission of Justice and the Theology of Law

Lectures normally take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Part One: for the compulsory module, Research Methods, assessment is based on one 2,000 word academic journal style article plus a Master’s dissertation research proposal. All the modules marked * require one 5,000 word essay. For the remainder assessment is based on a mixture of assignments, essays, class tests, theological reflection and examinations. For full details please request a course document from our Admissions Department.

Part Two: will consist of a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words. Students must complete the first part of the course before proceeding to the dissertation. The dissertation will be the result of the student's own research, and is expected to provide evidence of a person's analytical, evaluative and creative abilities. The subject of the dissertation will reflect the topics covered by Part One of the course. Dissertation titles will be approved by the Academic Dean. A supervisor will be allocated to each student.

Entry Requirements and Contact information

• Qualifications for entry conform to the Regulations of the University of Wales for Master's Degrees by Examination and Dissertation (Modular Structure).
• Applicants will normally be graduates in Theology with at least a second class honours degree or a BTh (ordinary degree) from an approved institution.
• Non-graduates may also be considered, provided that the applicant is over 25 and has held a position of responsibility relevant to the course for at least two years. However, non-graduates in Theology will normally be referred to the MA in Christian Faith and Practice.
• All applicants should note that irrespective of a person's qualifications, Spurgeon's College will need to be satisfied that a candidate has achieved the necessary academic standard to complete the course satisfactorily.

English Language Entry Requirements

If you wish to develop your theological knowledge and skills by undertaking this advanced level of study in a variety of theological and practice-oriented disciplines, then you should contact our Admissions Department and ask for an application form together with a copy of the course document. Don’t forget, you can always seek information about the course by attending one of our Open Days (click here for information).