MA Taster Module – ‘Texts and Traditions in Christian Spirituality’

In this exciting postgraduate-level taster module, you will engage with a range of voices from the Christian spiritual tradition and explore both their context and impact.

Key info

  • Duration: Autumn term (September to November)

  • Location: Southwark campus or 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.

Christian Spirituality tutor Chris Chapman chats about the content and scope of this engaging MA-level taster module.

About the taster module

The MA taster module ‘Texts and Traditions in Christian Spirituality’ dives into the exploration of a range of voices from the Christian spiritual tradition, including how they relate to disciplines of academic study and non-theological subject areas.

Together with your fellow students, you’ll be introduced to a range of texts from the writings of great figures within the tradition of Christian spirituality. From the Rule of St. Benedict to Julian of Norwich’s Showings, and from the Cloud of Unknowing to the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.

Each text opens a fresh window on the development of a relationship with God, the practice of prayer and our experience of life. You will examine how to read these wisdom texts within their own context and explore their contemporary relevance. The course is led by lecturers Chris Chapman and Barnabas Palfrey, both tutors at St Augustine’s.

The ‘Texts and Traditions in Christian Spirituality’ taster module is taught by Chris Chapman.

“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 take place through the Autumn term (September to November) Monday evenings at our Southwark centre.

Location: Trinity House, Southwark campus
Start Date: Monday, 4, 11, 18 & 25 September; 2, 9 16 & 30 October (reading week 23 October); 8, 13 & 20 November.

Time: 6:30pm – 9pm

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. It allows 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 occur over the following dates:

Southwark campus (Monday evening classes)

  • 11 September
  • 18 September
  • 25 September
  • 2 October
  • 9 October
  • 16 October
  • Reading Week – no classes
  • 30 October
  • 6 November
  • 13 November
  • 20 November

West Malling campus (Friday teaching days)

  • 22 September
  • 6 October
  • 20 October
  • Reading Week – no classes
  • 10 November
  • 24 November

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.




    How is the module assessed?


  • 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:

  • 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 taster module is £500, payable upon application.

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.