MA Taster Module
‘Spiritual Direction’

In this exciting postgraduate-level taster module, you will explore a variety of approaches to spiritual direction, informed by classic Christian and alternative models of spirituality.

Key info

  • Duration: Autumn/Winter term (November 2022 to March 2023)

  • Location: Southwark campus or West Malling campus

  • Entry requirements: 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)

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

The MA-level taster module ‘Spiritual Direction’ offers in-depth exploration of various approaches to spiritual direction informed by classic Christian and alternative models of spirituality. It also enables you to develop and reflect upon initial or ongoing practice in spiritual direction.

The module is not a training course for becoming a spiritual director. Instead, it is intended for those new to and interested in this form of ministry. If you are already a spiritual director, the module will be a way of deepening your existing knowledge and experience of spiritual direction.

The ‘Spiritual Direction’ taster module is taught by Susanne Carlsson.

“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

Where will I be studying?

Classes start in the Autumn term and continue through the Winter term (November to March). You can choose to study this module either through:

Location: Trinity House, Southwark campus
Start Date: Monday, 28 November 2022
Time: 6:30pm – 9pm

Location: West Malling campus

Start date: Friday, 9 December 2022

Time: 10:30am – 4pm

Take a virtual tour of our Southwark campus, tucked away in the heart of central London.

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.

Depending on whether you choose to attend at our West Malling campus or Southwark campus, classes take place on the following dates:

Southwark campus (Monday evening classes)

  • 28 November
  • 5 December
  • Christmas break – no classes
  • 9 January
  • 16 January
  • 23 January
  • 30 January
  • 6 February
  • Reading Week – no classes
  • 20 February

West Malling campus (Friday teaching days)

  • 9 December
  • Christmas break – no classes
  • 22 January
  • 3 February
  • 10 February (TBC)
  • Reading Week – no classes
  • 10 March

You will be expected to attend either evening classes or teaching days. As part of your studies, you will be expected to complete two assignments.

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 a few weeks after the final teaching session.
  • Two smaller assignments (typically 3,000 words each) with the first deadline typically in week 7 or 8 of term.

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.

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.

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.