MA Taster Module
‘God, Beauty and the Imagination: Theology and the Arts’

In this MA level taster module, you will explore theology through art, picking up on the vital strands that connect art, life, and worship.

Key info

  • Duration: Autumn term (September to November 2023)

  • Location: West Malling campus

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

  • Qualification level: Worth 20 credits
  • Cost: £500 (payable on application)

  • Find out more: Join us at an online Q&A session

This course may suit you if...

…you are a theology graduate interested in postgraduate study (but not ready to commit to a full degree programme) or an ordained minister or priest looking to deepen your theological knowledge.

About the taster module

This exciting new MA Taster Module guides you in the exploration of theology through the lens of art.

Led by our academic experts, you’ll examine theological representations and resonances in the arts with an intimate and informed approach. You’ll explore the work of poets,
philosophers, and artists – from ancient sculpture to abstract art.

Together with your classmates, you’ll identify some of the tools that will take us to these “deep-down things” present in art – and begin to ask about the role of the imagination in our apprehension of God.

Taught through fortnightly teaching days at our historic West Malling campus, this MA taster module invites you to begin looking for the vital strands that connect art, life, and worship.

“I immediately felt safe and at home. It’s welcoming, it’s calm, and I just knew that it was the place for me to study, where I could grow and where I would be encouraged.”

Katrina Jenkins
St Augustine’s student

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

At St Augustine’s, we believe we should make theological learning as accessible as possible. If you’re intrigued by theological study at postgraduate level, but you’re not yet ready to commit to a full MA programme, the taster module might be for you.

Taster modules give you an opportunity to test your appetite and aptitude for postgraduate academic study. They allow you to take a single 20 credit module from our MA programme in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

Completing the taster module alone doesn’t give you an academic qualification. However, if you pass the assignments for the module and decide to continue your studies, the credits that you achieve can be counted towards the MA, accredited by Durham University.

Your MA Taster Module classes will be taught via fortnightly teaching days.

Teaching days are held at our West Malling campus on alternating Fridays, from 10:30am to 4:00pm:

  • Wednesday 6th September (7-8pm online)
  • Friday 15th September
  • Friday 29th September
  • Friday 13th October
  • Friday 3rd November
  • Friday 17th November

You should expect to devote at least 10 hours of independent study per week to get the most out of your academic experience.

There is support in place for those who may need help with adjusting to and learning how to engage in academic learning and writing.

In order to complete the module, you will be expected to submit either of these two options:

  • One large assignment (6,000 words) with a deadline of 3rd January 2024.
  • Two smaller assignments (typically 3,000 words each) with the first deadline typically in week 7 or 8 of term and the second on 3rd January 2024.

You may also be expected to complete an oral presentation, depending on how you choose to be assessed. Oral presentations will take place on the 21st November 2023.

Because this taster module is taught at MA-level, we require applicants to have academic experience of studying theology (or a relevant subject) at undergraduate level. Specifically, we ask for qualifications that include one of the following:

  • a 2:1 degree or other equivalent level 6 qualification (e.g. a Graduate Diploma) including a substantial element of theology and/or ministry
  • a 2:2 degree in any subject and an additional qualification at level 5 or above in theology and/or ministry at 2:1 standard or equivalent
  • a 2:1 degree in any subject and an additional qualification at level 4 or above in theology and/or ministry.

The fee for the taster module is £500, payable upon application.

While the college does have a bursary (The Tattersall Fund), we are not able to offer financial support to those undertaking a taster module at this time.

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.