MTh Theology in Scriptural Context *
(* WEST's MTh has taken a new title for 2011/2012 onwards, replacing the old title of MTh in Scripture and Theology for Practice.)
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The MTh Theology in Scriptural Context provides WEST students with a programme of studies within an evangelical and reformed theological context. Specifically, it offers students the opportunity to both explore and to reflect critically upon the doctrine of Scripture and other aspects of theology, as well as to relate study of Scripture and theology to diverse areas of practice. The MTh programme is validated by the University of Chester.
Who is the MTh for?
The programme for WEST's MTh Theology in Scriptural Context could serve as an excellent preparation for further academic theological study by research, but it will have a wider appeal, for example to pastors who wish to have an academic and stimulating challenge to think biblically and explore the interface between Scripture and a range of issues.
Subjects covered
The subjects covered centre on the doctrine of Scripture and a number of applications and issues.
For information regarding the option to take non-accredited modules please click
here
Admission requirements
Normally, applicants should have an upper second class honours degree in a discipline relevant to the subject area. Applicants may also be admitted who have achieved an aggregate of 50% in the WEST Graduate Diploma in Theology. Alternatively, admission on the basis of experience in a responsible role relevant to the programme may be permitted, if the applicant is deemed capable of meeting the demands of the programme. This experience must be of at least two years' duration and should normally have been in a full-time position.
Applicants have to satisfy WEST English language requirements, where English is not their first language, namely IELTS 7.0, or equivalent, with minimum of 6.5 in any category.
The admission process requires applicants to submit an application form supported by at least two references. All applicants are interviewed, either in person or using telephone or VOIP. In the case of applicants applying for entry on the grounds of experience, other appropriate methods may be used in addition.
Benefits of the MTh
The programme will provide the opportunity for deeper theological study. The course is an ideal bridge between undergraduate level theological studies and thesis-based research.
Modules and programme outline
The MTh programme at WEST consists of two parts:
- Part One: taught modules, and
- Part Two: a Dissertation
In Part One students study six taught modules.
The current list of Part One taught modules appears below. Please note that the list of option modules available may change in subsequent academic years.
- TH7802 The Doctrine of Scripture*
- TH7803 The Practice of Modern Hermeneutics
- TH7821/TH7822 Research Methods*
- TH7804 The Development of the Doctrine of the Trinity
- TH7805 Scriptural Studies in Christology and Soteriology
- TH7806 Creation and Ecology
- TH7807 Aspects of Modern Mission
- TH7808 Biblical Law
- TH7809 Pastoral Response to Trauma
* Core modules
An overview of the MTh modules can be found here.
Programme assessment
All modules are written, taught and marked by WEST lecturers. The University of Chester appoints an external examiner, in liaison with WEST, who moderates all assessments. Modules are assessed by means of coursework. A 15,000-word dissertation completes the programme. Coursework assessment papers are given to students in the relevant teaching week and are usually submitted 6 - 8 weeks later (sometimes a little later in Semester 1). The deadlines always fall before the next set of teaching weeks.
Programme awards
It is possible for students to terminate their studies having completed 3 taught modules (a total of 60 credits), which must include the module The Doctrine of Scripture, to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate.
It is possible to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma having completed 6 taught modules (a total of 120 credits), which must include the modules The Doctrine of Scripture and The Practice of Modern Hermeneutics.
MTh duration
The MTh programme may be completed on a full-time basis in approximately one year, from late August/early September to the following autumn. Full-time students complete the taught modules by June and commence the dissertation in July. This allows sufficient time to complete the dissertation by the autumn. The MTh programme may be completed on a part-time basis taking up to 6 years. Part-time students may enrol to start in August/September or, alternatively, in January.
MTh teaching dates and schedule
The taught modules are delivered in six intensive teaching weeks during the Academic Year. The timetable for 2011/2012 is available here as a PDF file for you to download.
Students may be offered choices of modules to take for some of the teaching weeks, from the list of Part One modules above, but this will be dependent on student numbers and staff availability.
The Research Methods module involves a total of 12 hours of class time. This consists of a 2 hour introduction to the distance-learning (DL) element of the module, plus 10 hours of class teaching.
Programme cost
Please see tuition fees.
Who to Contact
Dr Sungho Choi (Deputy MTh Programme Leader)
E: pgadmissions@west.org.uk
T: +44 (0)1656 645411
Application process
Apply for the MTh Programme
This programme is offered In partnership with the University of Chester.