Do you love art, music, or film, and wonder what they might reveal about faith?
Our God, Beauty and the Imagination: Theology and the Arts Taster Term is a short course at MA level that opens up the conversation between beauty, imagination, and theology.
Read our blog post to learn more about this exciting course at St Augustine’s College of Theology; the next intake is scheduled for March 2026.
Christianity and art through the ages
For almost two thousand years, Christians have expressed faith and worship through art. From the beauty of cathedrals to music, sculpture, and painting, creative works have carried meaning and inspired devotion.
Alan Gregory, Principal of St Augustine’s, is teaching the course:
“You can’t really understand Christian faith unless you also understand its expression in the arts. That’s what the Theology and the Arts course is all about.”
What will you learn?
Rather than attempting to cover every century of art and theology, this module focuses on key themes, one of which is the concept of beauty.
Alan explores everything from ancient Greek philosophy to later Christian understandings of beauty, showing how the idea shaped Christian thought.
You’ll also play an active part in learning. Each student shares a short presentation on a piece of art that matters to them, and in the past, these have ranged from opera and painting to video games and science fiction films!
What is the aim of the course?
You’ll study both traditional and contemporary works, not just “high art,” but also the creative culture around us today. Together, we’ll ask: how does theology find its voice through sound, image, and imagination?
“We want to help people listen, look, and find some form of art that resonates deeply with them.”
Why join the MA Theology and the Arts taster term?
This short course is an excellent opportunity to try postgraduate theology study in London with St Augustine’s College of Theology. It offers:
- A chance to experience theology at MA level
- Fresh ideas on how art and faith connect
- Space to reflect on beauty and creativity in your own life
- An inspiring taste of what further Masters level study could be like
Book your free taster event
If you’d like to find out more, why not attend a free taster day? You can join us at either our West Malling campus in Kent or our central London campus in Southwark.
On the day, you’ll sit in on live lectures, meet our excellent tutors, and experience for yourself what makes St Augustine’s such a special place to study.
