Postgraduate studies in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Build on your existing theological knowledge and continue to stretch and affirm your faith. Engage in stimulating study at postgraduate level with a range of part-time learning options.

Key info

  • Next enrolment: Applications now open for September 2025

  • Duration: 2 to 3 years part-time, or 1 year full-time

  • Locations:

  • Entry requirements: Degree in theology/ministry, or degree in another subject plus a qualification in theology/ministry

  • Qualifications: MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission (incl. PGDip and PGCert)

  • Level of study: Level 7

  • Cost: From £5,800

This course may suit you if...

  • you wish to build on previous academic study at undergraduate level
  • you’re interested in training for licensed lay or ordained ministry
  • you’re hoping to fit theological study around your life and attend classes at a non-residential college.

Get a taste of an MA-level classroom experience with this 15-minute sample lecture from Biblical Studies specialist Rev Dr Simon Stocks.

About the MA programme

Validated by Durham University, the MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission is available for you to study via three distinct pathways.

  1. The ‘Christian Spirituality’ MA pathway
  2. The ‘Theology for a Planet in Crisis‘ MA pathway
  3. The ‘Ordained Ministry‘ MA pathway

If you’re interested in studying the Ordained Ministry MA pathway, visit our ordination training course page.

Otherwise, read on to learn about the ‘Christian Spirituality’ and ‘Theology for a Planet in Crisis‘ MA pathways.

‘Christian Spirituality’ MA Pathway

You will explore a wide range of perspectives on Christian Spirituality, from historical to contemporary.

You’ll explore how they connect with subjects like liturgy, the arts and interfaith dialogue. And you’ll have the opportunity to develop your own spiritual practice as well as learning how to guide others in theirs.

This MA pathway includes the following modules:

  • Texts and Traditions in Christian Spirituality (Level 6)
  • Contemporary Spirituality in Historical Context
  • Liturgy and Spirituality
  • Patterns of Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation
  • Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission

The availability and timing of individual modules may differ year on year. Our staff can advise you on module availability and opportunities for more tailored pathways during the admission process.

Chris Chapman talks about his spirituality module.

Watch a sample lecture and find out what kinds of exciting subjects you’ll study as part of this pathway.

‘Theology for a Planet in Crisis’ MA pathway (subject to approval)

St John's Waterloo logo. This new pathway, delivered in partnership with St John’s Waterloo, allows you to explore in theological depth what is perhaps the most critical issue of our time: the environmental and climate crises faced by our planet, including the unequal distribution of consequences across the globe.

You’ll explore pressing questions about what responses these crises require of us – practical as well as intellectual and spiritual. You’ll engage with the natural sciences as well as theological disciplines, including Ethics, Biblical Theology, Christian Spirituality and Christian Doctrine.

In studying this pathway, you’ll also be invited to make a long-term personal commitment to be more faithfully attuned and responsive to this crisis. To support this, you’ll take part in placements with organisations working in areas of ecological concern (e.g., environmental mission, climate activism).

Classes and seminars will take place at St John’s Waterloo, an iconic church in the heart of London. This newly renovated cultural touchstone boasts excellent teaching facilities and is home to a congregation and ministry team committed to ecologically focussed mission.

This MA pathway includes the following modules:

  • Christian Faith and the Environment – including initial short placement
  • Contemporary Spirituality in Historical Context
  • Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods
  • Science and Faith (Level 6) or Advanced Topic in Christian Doctrine (depending on previous study)
  • Issues in Biblical Theology
  • Reflective Practice Placement – including main placement
  • Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission

Your fellow students

At St Augustine’s, you’ll learn and challenge yourself alongside your fellow students, exchanging knowledge and insight to enrich your own study experience.

You’ll share your classrooms with a range of people from all walks of life pursuing theological study for their own reasons. Many of our students choose to study with us in order to:

  • enrich their understanding of their Christian faith
  • undergo training for licensed lay ministry
  • engage in study to better serve Christ in their daily lives.

Whatever your reason for studying, you will do so as part of our distinct and valued learning community.

St Augustine’s students and faculty chat about the rich diversity of the college, and what it means to them.

Discover what it’s like to study at St Augustine’s

Come along to one of our open-day style taster events. Meet the staff, chat with fellow students, sit in on classes, and join us in worshipping together.

Frequently asked questions

Postgraduate studies at St Augustine’s are designed to be flexible and accessible, so you can choose how best to study depending on your unique needs and interests.

As part of the Masters programme, you can achieve three different levels of academic qualification depending on your preference. These are:

  • MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission (worth 180 credits)
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Theology, Ministry and Mission (worth 120 credits)
  • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Theology, Ministry and Mission (worth 60 credits)

Many students opt to study for the full Master’s degree (MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission). If you’re looking for a spiritually indepth, academically rigorous challenge, this may be the pathway for you.

For others, focusing on achieving their Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Diploma (PGDip) is the way to go. This pathway is ideal for those with limited study time, as you will take fewer modules and will not be required to complete a dissertation.

Students who opt for the specialism in Christian Spirituality will earn a Masters in Christian Spirituality.

Regardless of how you opt to pursue your postgraduate studies, you can choose the duration of your programme depending if you want to study full-time or part-time. For students undertaking the Masters in Theology programme, you can choose from:

Part-time students (3 years)

If you’d like to study part-time over three years, you will undertake six modules over your first and second years, followed by a dissertation in your third and final year.

Part-time students (2 years)

If you’d like to study part-time over two years, you will undertake six modules over your first year; effectively as a full-time student. In your second year, you will complete your dissertation on a part-time basis.

Full-time students (1 year)

If you’d like to study full time, you will undertake six modules over the academic year and complete over the summer period.

Depending on how you’ve chosen to study, there are a range of locations and study modes available, including:

Alongside your studies, all St Augustine’s students are invited to attend our annual Theological Symposium, held in Canterbury.

The amount of study time typically required depends on how you’ve chosen to undertake the course.

Part-time (3 years)

In your first and second year:

  • You will attend fortnightly classes during term time
  • You will typically take one module per term
  • You can expect to dedicate at least ten hours of study time a week outside the classroom.

In your final year:

  • You will attend a number of supervisions with your tutor over the academic year
  • You can expect to dedicate at least ten hours of study time a week to complete your dissertation.

Part-time (2 years)

In your first year:

  • You will attend a classes every week during term time
  • You will typically take two modules per term
  • You can expect to dedicate at least twenty hours of study time a week outside the classroom.

In your final year:

  • You will attend a number of supervisions with your tutor over the academic year
  • You can expect to dedicate at least ten hours of study time a week to complete your dissertation.

Full-time

  • Full-time students attend classes every week during term time
  • You will typically take two modules each term
  • You can expect to dedicate at least twenty hours a week outside the classroom for study time
  • You will need a similar amount of time over the summer for completing your dissertation.

To undertake the Masters in Theology or Christian Spirituality, you must have completed either:

  • a degree in theology or ministry
  • or a degree in another subject combined with an additional qualification in theology or ministry.

Further details on core entry requirements can be found in our admissions policy.

While the programme provides opportunities to relate academic learning to contemporary church life, you don’t need to have any particular role or experience within the church.

Your course fees will depend on how you choose to engage in study.

Part-time
(3 years)		 Part-time
(2 years)		 Full-time
(1 year)
MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission (or Christian Spirituality) £6,000
(£2,000 per year)		 £5,800
(£2,900 per year)		 £5,800

If you’re interested in studying for the Postgraduate Certificate and/or Diploma, your fees may vary. Get in touch with our admissions teams for more information.

As part of our commitment to making theological studies accessible to all, we have established the Tattersall Fund. This fund provides bursaries in support of students whose personal circumstances may mean that finance is a barrier to their studying.

Applying for a bursary to help towards the cost of fees, books, or travel is simple and non-intrusive. Find out more about bursaries and how to apply.

Find out more about our postgraduate degree modules. Note that the exact selection and order of modules within a pathway may differ year on year.

Theology books on the shelves St Augustine's Trinity House library

Next steps

Take the next step on your journey into studying theology.

Need help or have a question? Contact our admissions team for further assistance.