The Federation works in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University in offering an MA degree in Pastoral Theology. This taught course is intended to deepen the theological skills and perceptions of those actively engaged in pastoral work and those preparing for ministry in the Church. The degree is open both to students affiliated to institutions of the Cambridge Theological Federation and to independent candidates living within the region.
To be admitted to this programme, candidates must provide evidence: 1) of prior learning in Theology or Religious Studies, 2) that they could reasonably be expected to work at a level appropriate to a Master's degree, and 3) of engagement in pastoral work in the church, broadly interpreted. In addition, candidates whose first language is not English, must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0. Students with prior learning in the field of Pastoral Theology at Masters level or equivalent may be admitted with credit using the standard Anglia Ruskin APL and APEL procedures: the Director of the MA is glad to advise.
To obtain the MA students are required to complete four taught modules, one of which is the compulsory ‘Pastoral Theology in History and Practice’ module, known as the ‘core’ module. Students must also complete a 15,000 word dissertation. Various assessment methods are used, typically a combination of seminar presentation and essay, but assessment is never through unseen examination. The programme can be taken full-time (within one year) or part-time, usually over two years for the taught element of the course.
Students are able to register directly for a Post Graduate Certificate or Post Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Theology, with the possibility of transferring to the MA later. The PG Cert comprises two modules and the PG Dip comprises four. Both courses require students to undertake the core module first, as in the MA. Students are able to study both courses on a full or part time basis, and the same fee structure as the MA applies.
At present the following modules are regularly offered, but please note that not all modules are offered in every year.
- MOD000813 (M0813) Pastoral Theology in History and Practice (compulsory module)
- MOD000800 (M0800) Modernity, Postmodernity and the Gospel
- MOD000804 (M0804) Christian Ethics
- MOD000805 (M0805) Pastoral Placement
- MOD000808 (M0808) Christian Worship and Human Community
- MOD000809 (M0809) Contemporary Spirituality and its Sources
- MOD000812 (M0812) An Orthodox Approach to Pastoral Life
- MOD000814 (M0814) Postgraduate Research Methods
- MOD000817 (M0817) Health Care Chaplaincy
- MOD000824 (M0824) Church and Ministry
- MOD000834 (M0834) Independent Learning Module
- MOD000835 (M0835) Postgraduate Major Project
- MOD003417 (M3417) Christian Doctrine and Contemporary Culture
- MOD003418 (M3418) Mission in Context
- MOD003420 (M3420) Scripture and Theology
Regional Teaching Centres: Some of the modules are offered in Chelmsford, Norwich and St. Albans, please check with the MA office for further details.
Teaching methods: Each module of the MA offers twenty four hours class contact time, and is normally taught in twelve-week semesters with a two hour class held every week. Some modules are offered on a fortnightly basis. Two modules are offered at the summer school in August each year, one of which is the core module. In Cambridge teaching is mostly during the daytime, but a small selection of modules are offered in the evening. In the regional centres teaching is in monthly sessions on Saturdays. Classes comprise between 6 and 12 students, and are normally run in seminar format, with maximum student participation. Students are expected to do substantial amounts of reading and preparation for each class.
Assessment: This varies from module to module. Typically it would consist of a combination of seminar presentation and essay. Overall assessment for each module is set at the equivalent of a 6000 word essay. There are no unseen examinations in this degree. For an example of the creative possibilities for MA assessment, see this page on the Westcott House website.
Application: All those who wish to undertake this programme, and who meet the eligibility criteria set out above, should make an application by completing an MA Application Form.
If you wish to discuss the MA please get in touch with the MA Administrator at: pg-enquiries@theofed.cam.ac.uk
Current Fees: Fees for students starting in 2012/13 are £1,100 per module or £5,500 full-time fee.