MTh in Radical Free Church Movements

This course is unique in the UK and the external examiner describes it as 'the jewel in the crown' of Spurgeon's College. It was originally conceived by Dr Ian M. Randall and Dr Stuart W. Murray-Williams, leading experts on the history of Evangelicalism and of Anabaptism, respectively; the present course leader is Dr Peter J. Morden.

The course is offered as a form of in-service training or professional development whch enables students to become closely acquainted with Radical Free Church distinctives. It builds on the candidate's previous academic experience by deepening their understanding and it also bridges the gap between undergraduate study and postgraduate research (PhD). The course was fully revised in 2010 and is now entirely online. 

The course has two parts. Part One comprises six modules of 20 credits each and Part Two a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words. Students must complete Part One of the course before attempting the dissertation. The modules may be selected from the following list:

• 720 Research Methods (compulsory)
• 721 The Origins and Early History of Anabaptism
• 722 Anabaptist and Baptist Theology of the Church
• 723 Andrew Fuller and the Baptists of the Eighteenth Century (in preparation)
• 724 The Life and Ministry of C.H. Spurgeon (in preparation)
• 725 Radical Movements in the Nineteenth Century
• 726 Nonconformist Female Spirituality
• 727 Menno Simons (in preparation)
• 728 Restorationism
• 729 Evangelical Spirituality

The course can only be studied by Online Learning. A maximum of five years is allowed for those studying part-time.

Entry requirements and contact information

• Qualifications for entry to the course will conform to the appropriate regulations of the University of Wales.
• At least a second class honours degree from an approved institution. If your first degree is not in the area of Theology or Religious Studies you may be required to acquire a qualification in Theology up to Diploma level, i.e., equivalent to the second year of a full-time degree course or to complete the Post-Graduate Certificate of Theology or equivalent access course.
• You must be able to satisfy Spurgeon's College, irrespective of your qualifications, that you have achieved the necessary academic standard to complete the course satisfactorily.

English language entry requirements

Ask Sarah Prior in our Admissions Department 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).

This degree is validated and awarded by the University of Wales, UK. For further details regarding the University and its validation services, please log on to www.wales.ac.uk/validation or email validation@wales.ac.uk