Master of Arts in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Course Description

The MA provides a practical and broad-based approach to explore theology and ministry in a variety of settings and contexts. It is a vocational award offered by the Cambridge Theological Federation in partnership with the University of Durham (Common Awards). The course is available full-time (one year) or part-time (over two or three years). The MA is suitable for those with a good theological foundation of study, including full-time students and Christian leaders and practitioners who want to deepen their knowledge and experience.

Further information about this award is available from the Cambridge Theological Federation.

Entrance Requirements

The normal entrance requirement for the postgraduate programmes in Theology, Ministry and Mission is a first or good second-class honours degree in Theology, Religious Studies or a related subject. Graduates in other disciplines may also be admitted to the programme. Recent or current experience of the practice of Christian ministry is an asset. Students for whom English is their second language should have achieved a score of 6.5 in an IELTS examination, or equivalent.

Teaching and Learning

The MA offers a variety of subjects in theology and ministerial practice taught by a wide range of teachers through lectures, classes, and structured asynchronous learning. Many subjects are team-taught by teachers from across the Cambridge Theological Federation, including Westcott House, but some draw on the talents of people with expertise from outside the Federation. The programme is made up of six modules across core areas of theology and ministry in the MA programme to a total of 180 credits.

Assessment

Students will complete a dissertation which comprises one-third of the final mark. Other summative assessment (coursework for credit) may take the form of essays, portfolios, presentations, independent learning projects and language examinations. In addition, formative assessment (in-course feedback which is unmarked and not for credit) is undertaken during the course of all modules to support student learning. The specific mode of formative assessments varies from module to module.

Integration with Training for Ministry

Independent students participate in the wider life of the House as far as they are reasonably able. Candidates for licensed ministry are also required by the House to participate in the formational life of Westcott House, attend Ministry for Life and Short Intensive Courses, and complete contextual training through attachments and placements.