Advanced Study of a Christian Figure: Ignatius of Loyola

In this postgraduate-level taster term, you will explore the life, teachings, and enduring impact of Ignatius of Loyola, delving into Ignatian spirituality through historical and theological analysis. This course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Christian spirituality without the commitment of a full MA programme.

Key info

  • Duration: Spring term (March 2025 to June 2025)

  • Location: West Malling campus, in Kent

  • 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 have an interest in Christian spirituality, particularly the life and teachings of Ignatius of Loyola and Ignatian practices.
  • You are an ordained minister or a theology graduate seeking to deepen your theological knowledge or explore postgraduate-level study.
  • You are considering becoming a Spiritual Director or pursuing further theological education but are unsure about committing to a full degree programme.

Ordinands and students at St Augustine’s College of Theology reflect on their experience of taking a 3-month Taster Term, to get a feel for theology study and find out whether it was for them.

About the theology masters taster term

This masters-level module will focus on Ignatius of Loyola and Ignatian spirituality.

It will include detailed attention to the historical context within which Ignatius lived and its importance for the development of Ignatian spirituality; critical analysis of selected theological themes in Ignatian spirituality; exploration of the nature of and reasons for the enduring significance of Ignatius’ contribution to the Christian Spirituality; and examination of how Ignatian spirituality continues to shape the life and mission of the Church today.

Questions that we will discuss

Who was Ignatius of Loyola? How did the spirituality associated with him develop, and what is distinctive about Ignatian Spirituality? How is this spirituality lived today, and what makes Ignatius of Loyola so popular?

This MA Taster Term is led by St Augustine’s tutor, Susanne Carlsson.

“If you’re thinking about studying one of the Taster Terms at St Augustine’s, I encourage you to try one out because you won’t regret it!

St Augustine’s Taster Term student, 2023

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 term might be for you.

Taster terms give you an opportunity to test your appetite and aptitude for postgraduate academic study. It allows you to take a single 20-credit term from our MA programme in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

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

Classes occur over the following dates:

  • Friday 14th March 2025
  • Friday 28th March 2025
  • Friday 2nd May 2025
  • Friday 16th May 2025
  • Friday 30th May 2025

You should expect to devote at least 10 hours of independent study time per week. In order to complete the Taster Term, you will be expected to complete a 6,000-word written assignment (due June 10, 2025).

In order to complete the term, you will be expected to do a 6,000-word written assignment (due June 10, 2025).

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:

  • either a 2:1 degree or other equivalent level 6 qualification (e.g. a Graduate Diploma) including a substantial element of theology and/or ministry
  • or 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
  • or 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 Masters Taster Term is £500, payable before you begin your studies. While the college does have a bursary fund, we are not able to offer financial support to those undertaking a Taster Term at this time.

If you choose to engage in further study at Masters level after completing your Taster Term, you’d be most welcome to apply for financial support through our college bursary.

Yes. This Taster Term option is often used by people who are considering ordained or licenced ministry. If you are going through the discernment process, but are not yet on a church-sponsored ministerial programme, it is an ideal way to familiarise yourself with theological study at undergraduate level. Sometimes, your DDO may recommend it.

We have two libraries that you can use and borrow from: one at our Southwark campus and one at West Malling campus. If you’d like to borrow a book from our library, you will have to do so in person.

If you are not intending to use our libraries, it is vital you find other sources to get the books you need.

You can chat to our admissions team about any concerns you might have and they may be able to help you identify appropriate resources.

It’s up to you! You can choose to stop there, or, subject to passing the Taster Term assignments, you can enrol into our MA programme. If you enrol, your completed Taster Term will count towards that programme.

Please note: If taking the MA Taster Term in order to demonstrate your potential for studying theology at postgraduate level, you cannot enrol on the MA programme at the end of the Taster Term. Provided you have successfully completed all elements of the Taster Term, including the assignments, you will be able to enrol on the MA at the beginning of the following academic year. (It is possible to do a Taster Term later in the year, i.e., nearer to the beginning of the next academic year, if that suited you better. Please ask the office for further information.)

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.