MA Taster Module
‘Patterns of Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation’

In this exciting postgraduate-level taster module, you will explore transformation in the context of key spiritual figures and texts from Christian history.

Key info

  • Duration: (September to November)

  • 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)

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.

  • Discover what this module focuses on.

About the taster module

The MA taster module ‘Patterns of Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation’ involves in-depth exploration of personal and corporate transformation, conversion and growth.

Over the course of this engaging taster module, you will examine these concepts of transformation through a number of lenses, including key spiritual figures and texts from different periods of Christian history.

The module also includes:

  • analysis and comparison of distinctive patterns of Christian spiritual growth and transformation as appearing in these historical sources
  • assessment of the significance of these accounts for human growth and transformation today, employing a range of approaches, including theological, spiritual, historical, psychological and social.

The ‘Patterns of Spiritual Growth and Personal Transformation’ module is taught by Edward Howells.

“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 (September to November)

Location: West Malling campus

Start date: Friday, 24 March 2023

Time: 10:30am – 4pm

Discover what content is included in this 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

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.

West Malling campus (Friday teaching days)

  • 22 Sept
  • 6 & 20 Oct
  • 10 & 24 Nov

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.

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.