MTh in Scripture and Theology for Practice

The MTh in Scripture and Theology for Practice 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.

Who is WEST’s MTh for?
The programme for WEST’s MTh in Scripture and Theology for Practice 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 the MTh in Scripture and Theology for Practice covers
The subjects covered centre on the doctrine of Scripture and a number of applications and issues.

Admission requirements
Normally an upper second class honours degree in theology, or a related subject; or alternative acceptable evidence of attainment is expected. (Application of APL and APEL may be used, allowing advance standing of up to 120 credits.)

The Academic Board may decide that a non-graduate be admitted to candidature provided that he/she has held, for a minimum of five years, a responsible position which is relevant to the scheme pursued, and is deemed capable of meeting the demands of the programme.
 
Benefits of the MTh
The course 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. Compulsory (core) modules are M01, M02 and either* M03 or M20.

The complete list of Part One taught modules appears below. Please note that not all option modules are usually offered in any particular academic year.

M01 The Doctrine of Scripture
M02 The Practice of Modern Hermeneutics
M03 Research Methods*
M04 The Development of the Doctrine of the Trinity
M05 Scriptural Studies in Christology and Soteriology
M06 Creation and Ecology
M07 Evangelicals and Unity
M08 Spirituality
M09 Revival: Biblical, Theological and Historical Reflections
M10 Aspects of Modern Mission
M11 The Theology of Pastoral Care
M12 Perspectives on Bible Translation
M20 Study Skills for Theology (non-accredited module)*

*(Students are required either to successfully complete the M20 Study Skills module on a zero-credit basis or to take the 20-credit M03 Research Methods module. There is no additional fee for taking the Study Skills module and the module is taken in addition to the 120 credits in Part One. Students who opt for the Research Methods module take it as part of the 120 credits of Part One, and it is charged at the normal 20-credit module fee.)

Programme assessment
Programme assessment will be by means of essays and a 20,000 word dissertation.

Programme awards
It is possible for students to terminate their studies having completed 3 taught modules (a total of 60 credits), which must include M01, 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 M01 and M02.

MTh duration
The programme may be completed on a full-time basis in 16 months, from September to the following January, or on a part-time basis taking up to five years.

MTh teaching dates and schedule
The taught modules are delivered in six intensive teaching weeks during the Academic Year.
The timetable of teaching weeks is available 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.

Part Two
For full-time students the Dissertation is undertaken from July to January, following completion of the assessments for the taught modules.

Programme cost
Please see tuition fees.

Application process
If you wish to apply for this programme, please download the application form.  You should enclose original transcripts of your previous study with your application, showing that you meet the above entry requirements, unless you are applying on the basis of relevant experience. If you are applying on the basis of relevant experience you should nevertheless enclose transcripts/certificates for any previous studies, that though not meeting the academic entry requirements, are relevant to your application. This includes non-accredited study in theology or a related subject, undergraduate and postgraduate study in a subject other than theology or a related subject, and undergraduate study in theology or a related subject which led to an award at a lower level than a 2:1 bachelor’s degree. We may also contact you on receipt of your application to ask for any other information not included in the list above which we feel is relevant.