MA Theology & Religious Studies

How is the programme structured?

The programme consists of 30-credit taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. 

For a MA award, students must complete four taught modules and the dissertation. Students may exit the programme with a Post-Graduate Certificate (60 credits from two taught modules) or a Post-Graduate Diploma (120 credits from four taught modules).

What will I study?

The following list contains examples of programme modules (modules may not be available each year and new ones may be added).

Theology & Ministry Strand

• Contemporary Biblical Studies
• Ordinary Theology: The Theology of People in the Pew
• Ordinary Hermeneutics: Empirical Theology and the Bible
• Church, Culture, Mission
• Current Issues in Ministry
• Contemporary Approaches to Christian Theology

Religion & Public Life Strand

• Religion, Peace & Conflict
• Religion & Popular Culture
• Theologies of Liberation
• Religion, Science & the Arts
• Public Theology
• Religion & Identity

How is the programme delivered?

The programme is modular and you may begin studies in October, January or April of each academic year.

You can study the MA programme:

• Full-time over 12-18 months
• Part-time over 2-4 years

What resources will I have access to?

• A well-stocked library and libraries at partner institutions
• The David Hope RE Centre in York, within the library, housing the best single resource for RE in the north of England
• York Minster Library, the largest cathedral library in the country
• University IT facilities

Comments on the programme MA graduates

‘The degree gave me the opportunity to explore my own faith perspective and to compare this to the faith of others.’

‘If I get a chance I will continue with my studies and I will not hesitate to refer any student to study with York St John University’.

Comments from Dr Chris Deacy, University of Kent, external examiner, 2009-10 ‘There is no doubt that students are being taught at the appropriate level and there was a freshness and vibrancy to much of the work I saw. It was evident, also, that tutors are conversant with the latest, cutting-edge scholarship and that they are working in a strongly research-informed environment. ‘

Comments from Dr Chris Deacy, University of Kent, external examiner, 2010-11 ‘Students can be satisfied that the marking process is transparent and fair. The range of modules is very good and the standard of work on this programme is appropriate at this level and is comparable to the standard of M level programmes in other institutions. The pastoral care of students is also something that is taken very seriously and I was impressed at the SAP by the extent to which individual student cases were addressed compassionately and judiciously.’

Degree programme information

Programme specifications »