Course summary
The MA in Theology and Religion serves both the specific needs of those focused on progressing towards doctoral research and also of those looking to continue relatively broad-based postgraduate studies in Theology and Religion, forexample in support of a career in teaching. Choice of one of the three core modules Three optional modules Dissertation.
Modules
Core modules: One of the following: Paul and His Interpreters (or an alternative module in Biblical Studies in some years) Classic Texts in Christian Theology Social Scientific Methods in the Study of Religion Plus a Dissertation. Examples of optional modules: Optional modules in previous years have included 2-3 choices from: Advanced Hebrew Texts Advanced Aramaic Middle Egyptian The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and the New Testament The Bible and Hermeneutics Paul and his Interpreters Gospels and Canon Patristic Ecclesiology England's Religious Revolution 1640-1660 Liturgy and Sacramentality Conceiving Change in Contemporary Catholicism Twentieth-Century Catholic Theology Christian Gender Principles of Theological Ethics Catholic Social Thought Doctrine of Creation Classic Texts in Christian Theology Christianity in the Second Century Faith and Reason Word and Image: Classic Foundations for Christian Visuality Intro to New Testament Greek Intro to Biblical Hebrew High Medieval Franciscan Theology The Thought of Thomas Aquinas in Context Plus up to 1 choice from: Selected modules from the MA in Theology and Ministry Level 3 undergraduate module, or any Level 1–2 language module offered by the Department of Theology and Religion, taken in conjunction with the designated Extended Study in Theology & Religion module 30 credits from another Board of Studies (including appropriate credit-bearing language modules offered by the University’s Centre for Foreign Language Study).
Assessment method
Most MA teaching is delivered through small group seminars and tutorials. These exemplify and encourage the various skills and practices required for independent scholarly engagement with texts and issues. Teaching in the Department of Theology and Religion is research led and is informed by staff research, but more importantly, it aims to develop you as independent researchers, able to pursue and explore your own research interests and questions. This is why the independently researched MA dissertation is the culmination of the MA course. Such engagement with texts and issues is not only an excellent preparation for doctoral research, but it also develops those skills of critical analysis, synthesis and presentation sought and required by employers. Many MA classes will contain a ‘lecture’ element, conveying information and exemplifying an approach to the subject matter that will enable you to develop a clear understanding of the subject and improve your own ability to analyse and evaluate information and arguments. Seminars enhance knowledge and understanding through preparation and interaction with other students and staff, promoting awareness of and respect for different viewpoints and approaches, and developing skills of articulacy, advocacy and interrogation. Through small group discussions and tutorials, feedback is provided on completed work, with the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing knowledge and writing skills. The dissertation module includes training in generic research skills, from the use of the library to issues in referencing and bibliography. The subject specific core module introduces you to questions of interpretation and argument in the disciplines encompassed by theology and religion helping you to develop your own interests and questions. The latter is a piece of independent research, but it is fostered and guided through individual tutorials with a superviser with who you will meet throughout the academic year.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirement is a BA (Honours) degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent, for example, a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale) in Theology, Religious Studies or a related discipline. The two principal exceptions to this rule are as follows: Graduates of other disciplines who have studied at undergraduate or equivalent level in one or more of the areas in which they hope to work, through their first degrees, through training for the ministry of the churches, and so on. Students from overseas universities who have successfully reached a point in their theological studies comparable with completion of a British BA at the standard noted above - for example, on the German model, passing the Zwischenprüfung or Kolloquium and two semesters at the Hauptseminar level.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £13700 | Year 1 |
| International | £13700 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £13700 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation here:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/experience/colleges/pg/accommodation/costs/
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE