Theology and Religious Studies

Alongside these taught options, you can choose to undertake independent study under specialist supervision, drawing on the areas within Theology and Religious Studies that most interest you. Examples of possible areas of study (indicative rather than exhaustive) include the following: religion and existentialism; queer theologies; Christology; the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls; religious ethics and asceticism; political theologies; violence in early Christianity; the anthropology of Islam; religion, feminism, and gender; and contemporary apocalypticisms.

The dissertation module gives you the opportunity to further develop your own research interests and will equip you with the necessary skills to do so. Examples of recent, successfully completed projects include: “A Textual and Hermeneutical Analysis of the Biblical Exodus Narrative”; “A Fieldwork-Driven Exploration of Prayer in Jehovah’s Witness Communities”; and “A Study of Contemporary Catholic Social Teachings on Gender.” You will first discuss and develop your initial ideas with the course leader before beginning work with a specialist academic who will guide your research and writing on the dissertation from start to finish.

Whether you are looking to advance your career, enrich your ministerial development, or simply explore the fascinating complexities of religion in today’s world and throughout history, this MA equips you with valuable critical skills and specialist subject knowledge to do so. You will study a two-part core module and undertake a research dissertation on a topic of your choice. You will also choose four optional topics.