Course summary
The MA in Theology and Religion serves both the specific needs of those focussed on progressing towards doctoral research and also of those looking to continue relatively broad-based postgraduate studies in Theology and Religion, for example in support of a career in teaching.
- Choice of one of the three core modules
- Three optional modules
- Dissertation.
Modules
Core modules: 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: 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 Exegesis; Patristic Ecclesiology; Christian Northumbria 600-750; England's Religious Revolution 1640-1660; Liturgy and Sacramentality; Conceiving Change in Contemporary Catholicism; Twentieth-Century Catholic Theology; Christian Gender; Principles of Theological Ethics; Theology, Ethics and Medicine; Ritual, Symbolism and Belief in the Anthropology of Religion; Literature and Religion; Catholic Social Thought; Ecclesiology and Ethnography; Doctrine of Creation; Religion in the Neo-Liberal Age; The Thought of Thomas Aquinas in Context.
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.
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
| Republic of Ireland | £12595 | Year 1 |
| EU | £12595 | Year 1 |
| England | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5940 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5940 | Year 1 |
| International | £12595 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
Scholarships available for 2022 entry will be determined in September 2021. Over 60 scholarships are available, each year. Some scholarships are awarded to more than one person. For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE