Below is a list of the different modules offered for the MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission including the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma. Please note that not all modules are offered each year.
This module will introduce students to a number of hermeneutical approaches to the Bible,
ranging from those concerned with the world behind the text (historical criticism), those oriented to the world of the text (literary approaches), and those that recognize the influence of the world in front of the text (the role of readers). It will equip students to raise questions concerning the meaning(s) of the biblical text, and about the assumptions or models operating behind different interpretations. It will also enable students to explore how the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) can be related to the contemporary world.
Key writers in the area of biblical theology will also be introduced, since the exploration of a theme will require critical engagement with others who have written on the theme from different points of view and employing different methods. The module will conclude with student seminar presentations of their chosen theme.
During this module students will explore a significant area of church history and will be introduced to methods of critical evaluation and a range of sources (including primary and secondary texts, art, hymnody and other material evidence) The module will include:
• In-depth exploration of the chosen area.
• Consideration of this area’s connections to the wider history of Christian life and thought.
• Attention to the relationships between this historical area and contemporary Christian practice and experience.
This module will examine and assess the contribution of the missionary theologian Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) to the thinking and practice of mission over the last 70 years. The module will explore the range of his thought from early insights into ecclesiology, epistemology and his pioneering work on a Trinitarian approach to mission, through to his later work on engaging secular post-Christian Western culture with the gospel. It will examine the theological and philosophical dimensions of his approach to theology, and study in particular his contributions to the disciplines of epistemology, Trinitarian theology, ecclesiology, apologetics, cultural hermeneutics, and public theology. Students will be encouraged to assess the continuing significance of his work as a missionary theologian in the increased secularisation and pluralisation of Western cultural contexts.
Through the design of a small-scale research project, students will understand how to develop a conceptual framework, how to use practical methods and examine ethical issues appropriate to their context and study. Students will also gain the skills required for the preparation of a literature review in support of their research proposal through the comparison of two works relevant to the study of Theology, Ministry and/or Mission.
The student is responsible for arranging supervisions and organising a timetable and plan for his/her work. An introductory meeting with the year group will introduce the dissertation and explain the process for approving the proposed topic. The area chosen may enhance and integrate study from the taught module programme providing the independent study is clearly distinguished from the content of such taught modules.
The course will also allow students to gain further experience of using a variety of methods of theological reflection in the light of their placement context in order to develop their ministerial practice.
Students will be expected to agree a plan of activities with their placement supervisor, which takes into account specific learning outcomes agreed by their Director of Pastoral Studies/Practical Theology and any requirements of their sponsoring church. A working agreement form must be completed at the start of the placement hours. At the end of the placement the on-site supervisor will complete a report identifying the student’s contribution and growth. Both of these documents must be submitted in appendices with the assessed work.
Students will be expected to work with a journal of their experiences; research their context fully using available resources and apply methods of reading and/or profiling a context, provide accounts of pastoral encounters and ‘critical incidents’ for analysis in a group context and reflect with a placement supervisor on their own development. Group teaching on specific areas of pastoral and practical theology for ministry will be linked to independent reading and research as well as to the material students bring to the group for reflection.
In this module we will explore the ways in which Christian worship helps to nurture human communities and conversely how worship is shaped by and reflects the communities in which it arises. Exploration will involve historical, theological and pastoral study of acts of worship as well as some consideration of worship as mission. Analysis of case studies will help to link the theoretical approaches studied and students will be encouraged to use this module to further develop skills in theological reflection.
This module requires the student to undertake a term of study at an institution which has been approved by the Common Awards Management Board for this purpose (including approval of a conversion scheme for marks from that institution to grades for the student’s Durham award). The Management Board will also need to have approved the TEI’s processes for ensuring that:
- the particular programme the student will undertake, in conjunction with their study at their TEI, will enable them to fulfil and demonstrate fulfilment of the level 7 learning outcomes for the MA or Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission
- the student will be appropriately supported before and during their time away
- the student is not inappropriately charged full fees by their TEI if they are also paying a fee to the overseas institution
- the student will engage in modules as provided by and agreed with the host institution. These modules will also be subject to the agreement of the sending TEI, and where necessary the student’s sponsoring church.