MA Practical Theology

What is practical theology? How can theology become relevant in the real world? In this module you will study theological practice and pastoral care, their principles and underpinning theories, and their applications in professional and community settings. You will develop a wide range of transferrable skills by critically assessing the role of faith in pastoral and spiritual ministry, and what practical theology might look like in both faith communities and secular contexts. You will develop skilled understanding of the ethical questions and cultural complexities of pastoral and spiritual care.

What is spirituality? How do people experience it? In this module you will critically explore the lived experience of spirituality and religion, from indigenous spiritualities through new age to orthodox traditions. You will develop critical awareness of the way spiritualities have been defined and critiqued in diverse and inclusive academic discourses. You will reflect on your learning and link it to your own personal and professional development, your own assumptions and experiences.

How can the Bible speak to us today? What can it say to modern problems? In this module you will develop your awareness of biblical interpretations across different traditions and diverse faith communities. You will study selected biblical texts in depth and examine contemporary critical approaches to biblical interpretation, such as political, postcolonial, feminist or ecological readings and scriptural reasoning. You will also develop and articulate your independent hermeneutical judgement through assessments designed to apply the Bible to life and to theological practice.

This is your chance to follow your own interests and build on what you have learned in your MA course. Your Major Project puts you in charge of designing and undertaking your own independent research into a topic of your choice in the field of practical Theology. You will receive expert advice and guidance throughout in one-to-one meetings with your academic supervisor. By the end you will have acquired the skills to produce your own postgraduate research project and will have completed a piece of work which prepares you for future research and could even make a real contribution to scholarship.

Industry-focused and practice-led, these interdisciplinary modules invite you to work collaboratively, applying your advanced degree knowledge and skills to creatively tackle complex challenges that face our society today, to innovate, harness technology and become active change-makers in the workplace and beyond.

You will choose one of these modules. Click here to find out more and explore the full selection available.