Science and Faith
MA Taster Term for March 2024

Explore the relationship between science and faith with exciting new MA-level Taster Term – taught exclusively online so you can study from anywhere.

 

Key info

  • Next enrollment: March 2024 – Sign up now

  • Duration: March to June 2024 (Spring Term)

  • Location: Online classes (Monday evenings)

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

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

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.

“If you’re thinking about studying one of the Taster Terms at St Augustine’s, I encourage you to come and try a module at the West Malling campus, because you won’t regret it. You will be in love with this space; a place where the visible and invisible meet.”

St Augustine’s Taster Term student

About the taster term

This exciting new taster term invites you to explore and reflect upon the relationship between science and faith.

You’ll examine the many ways science and the Christian faith intersect and impact one another, using a range of historical and cultural lens to do so.

Led by our academic experts, you’ll study the doctrinal basis for engaging with science. Together with your fellow students, you’ll hone your critical skills as you dig into the perceived conflicts between science and the Christian faith, tracing origins and interegating misconceptions.

You’ll also gain the confidence to meaningfully engage with questions surrounding faith and science in a Christian ministry setting.

This MA Taster Term is taught by Dr Hannah Waite and will be delivered and taught exclusively online. Weekly online classes will take place on Monday evenings, beginning with worship at 6:30pm and ending at 9:00pm.

“I opted to study at St Augustine’s because I felt I was somewhere where my course of study would be individualized rather than simply following a curriculum. There was a genuine openness to people of all traditions and backgrounds at the College, too.”

St Augustine’s student

Where and when will I be attending classes?

Classes for the Science and Faith MA Taster Term will be taught exclusively online.

Location: Online (via Zoom)

Date: Mondays (weekly)

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

All classes will take place within the 2024 Spring term. Alongside the classes listed below, there will also be a short induction session (online) held shortly before classes begin.
  • Monday 11th March
  • Monday 18th March
  • Monday 15th April
  • Monday 22nd April
  • Monday 29th April
  • Tuesday 7th May
  • Monday 13th May
  • Monday 20th May
  • Tuesday 28th May
  • Monday 3rd June

Please note that the sixth and ninth week’s classes will take place on a Tuesday, to accomodate for the Bank holidays.

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 (sometimes referred to as “taster modules”) give you an opportunity to whet your appetite and test your aptitude for studying theology at MA level. By taking a single 20-credit module from our MA programme in Theology, Ministry and Mission, we hope you’ll gain a fantastic insight into what studying theology at postgraduate level is like.

Completing the taster term 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 your MA qualification.

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

You should expect to devote at least 10 hours of independent study per
week to get the most out of your academic experience. As part of your studies, you will be expected to complete one or more written assignments.

You will also be expected to attend your classes at our West Malling campus, which will be held on alternating Fridays.

While your tutors will offer guidance on suitable texts during your studies, you can get started on learning about this topic by reading the following texts:

  • McGrath, A., The open secret: A new vision for natural theology (Wiley Blackwell: 2008)
  • McGrath, A., Inventing the Universe: Why we can’t stop talking about science, faith and God (Hodder & Stoughton, 2015)

In order to complete the module, you will be expected to submit two assignments comprising 2,500 words each.

The deadlines for these two assignments are Tuesday 14th May and Tuesday 11th June 2024.

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.

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

Katrina Jenkins,
St Augustine’s student

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.