This is a course for those already engaged in ministry and mission in any denomination. It will offer you the opportunity for advanced reflection on your practice and transformative learning in the light of current theological thinking. You will be stimulated through dialogue with your peers and experienced practitioners. The course is taught entirely online, so you will study in your own environment.

Each of the six units of study begins with a short intensive teaching period, followed by occasional seminars and tutorials.

 

Structure

The Master of Ministry is delivered entirely online.

The course is taken part-time over three years. It consists of six units of study of 30 credits each, of which two are studied per year. It begins with a core unit on Theological Foundations for Ministry and Mission and ends with a Reflection Project allowing students to reflect in depth on a situation in ministry or an aspect of their practice. The remaining four units can be chosen from options available at the time, as listed below. The units allow for a focus on both traditional and pioneering forms of Christian ministry. They build on the expertise and experience of staff and the needs of the ecclesial communities to which the College is affiliated. There is no dissertation.

 
Compulsory Units:

    • Theological Foundations for Ministry and Mission

    • Reflection Project

 

Initial Optional Units (offered according to staffing and take-up numbers):

    • Enterprise and innovation for Mission

    • Nomadic faith: spiritual migration, deconstruction and emergence

    • Disciple-making Disciples

    • Multicultural Churches

    • Ethics and the Christian Community

    • Preaching – Theology and Practice

    • Preaching as a Congregational Event

    • Learning from Great Preachers

    • Black Theology and Social Justice

    • Christian Spirituality

 

Assessment

Assessment takes place through a variety of means including a mixture of essays, reflections, textual analyses, oral presentations, and contributions to online media such as wikis or blogs, totalling approximately 6000-7000 words or equivalent per unit. There are no examinations.

 

Entry Requirements

    • A good second class honours degree in Theology or Religious Studies (at least 55%)

    • Candidates with a qualification in Theology or Religious Studies at Diploma level may be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Ministry with the agreement of the Admissions Committee. On successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate they will be permitted to enrol on the Master of Ministry.

    • A minimum of two years’ experience in Christian ministry or mission, for which a period of training has been completed at least two years prior to the start of the course.

    • Advanced Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered as equivalent, or partly equivalent (up to 90 credits), to these entry requirements for candidates who do not meet the normal threshold but have relevant experience.

    • A score of 7 or over on the IELTS test for non-UK citizen and/or non-native English speakers

    • All suitable candidates will be invited for an interview.

    • This course starts in September.

 

Exit qualifications

Students who complete 60 credits (=two units of study over one year) can obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Ministry; students who complete 120 credits (=four units of study over two years) can receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Ministry.

 

Cost

The course fee is £8500 including an £850 registration fee. This course is registered with Student Finance England and if you are eligible you can obtain a Postgraduate loan to pay the course fees. For details of how to apply for a masters loan please click here.

A deposit of £150 and registration fee of £850 is payable when accepting an offer.

 

How to apply

You can apply by completing an online application form using the link below.

Questions

Please contact the admissions department for more information.

Email: admissions@spurgeons.ac.uk

Telephone: 07425 716696