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 enrollment: Applications now open for September 2024

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

  • Location:

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

    • MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission
    • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Theology, Ministry and Mission
    • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Theology, Ministry and Mission
  • Award/study: Level 7

  • Cost: From £5,800

This course may suit you if...

  • you wish to deepen and stretch your theological knowledge by building on previous academic study at undergraduate level
  • you’re an ordinand looking for a postgraduate theological learning community in which to train for licensed and 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 course

This course allows you to dive even further into theological learning. You will have the opportunity to deepen your theological knowledge, expanding on previous studies and engaging with the daily life and ongoing experience of the Body of Christ.

The programme also allows lay and ordained ministers to nurture and develop advanced skills as part of their continuing ministerial development (CMD).

Accredited and awarded by Durham University, the Masters in Theology degree includes both taught modules and guided research in a theological discipline of your choice. You will engage in a range of topics at postgraduate degree level, including:

  • Biblical texts and scripture
  • Christian doctrine
  • ethics, worship and liturgy
  • Christian spirituality
  • Theology and the Arts
  • Reflective Practice

“Studying for a PhD in medical genetics is very different from studying theology at any level, and one of the really interesting things I’ve found studying theology (I’m doing the Masters here) is that you integrate so much more of your life into what you’re studying. Much of what you learn isn’t facts, necessarily, but it might take into account experience or other disciplines. I think St Augustine’ s really offers you the opportunity to make that integral to how you study theology.”

Charlie,
Part-time ordinand, Southwark Diocese

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.

MA with specialisation in Christian Spirituality

This route through the MA enables you to study Christian Spirituality in greater depth.

You will explore a wide range of perspectives on Christian Spirituality, from historical to contemporary, and explore how they connect with subjects like liturgy, the arts and interfaith dialogue. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your own spiritual practice as well as learning how to guide others in theirs.

The Christian Spirituality route through the MA is likely to involve the following selection of modules:

  • Patterns of Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation
  • Contemporary Spirituality in Historical Context
  • Liturgy and Spirituality
  • God, Beauty and the Imagination: Theology and the Arts
  • Research and Reflection: Resources and Methods (compulsory for PGDip and MA)
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission (compulsory for MA)

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.

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.

The exact curriculum and modules available may differ year on year. In the meantime, you find out more about our postgraduate degree modules.

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.