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 two 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 M03.

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.

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
M09 Revival: Biblical, Theological and Historical Reflections
M10 Aspects of Modern Mission
M40 Biblical Law**
M41 Pastoral Response to Trauma**

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

**(New module – availability subject to University approval. The final approved module title may vary somewhat from that shown here.)

Programme assessment
All modules are written, taught and marked by WEST lecturers and are accredited by the University of Wales, Lampeter. The University appoints an external examiner, in liaison with WEST, who moderates all assessments. Modules are assessed by means of coursework. A 20,000-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 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 MTh programme may be completed on a full-time basis in 14-17 months, from August to October/January. 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, but those who wish to may use the full period until the following January to submit. The MTh programme may be completed on a part-time basis taking up to 4 years, with the taught modules occupying either two or three of those years and the remaining time given to the dissertation.

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.

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. All students must take the 2 hour introduction to the DL element in one of the September teaching weeks (with the exception of students commencing in January). The 10 hours of class teaching may be taken either in September or January. All students are normally expected to attend all 12 hours of teaching. However, students opting to take the module for zero credit who may have legitimate difficulties with attendance at the 10 hours class-based teaching (due to timetabling and/or travelling distance) may apply for exemption from this element.

Programme cost
Please see tuition fees.

Application process
If you wish to apply for this programme, please download the WEST 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 are relevant to your application, though they do not meet the academic entry requirements.  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.

Since, if you are accepted, you will have be a student of the University of Wales, Lampeter as well as of WEST, it is also necessary to complete a University of Wales, Lampeter application pack.  Please download the instructions for completing the application, the application pack and reference form which are attached below.  The completed application pack should be sent to WEST alongside your WEST application (you must not send it directly to the University).  It is your responsibility to obtain the required references and to ensure that they are received at WEST.  If you have any queries about completing the application pack please contact Anwen Davies, Academic Registrar (Postgraduate Students), via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  If you are applying in July or August to start in September you may submit the application form with your WEST application without waiting to receive the references, to prevent any delay in processing your application.  In such a case, you should ensure that the references are received by the point at which you accept any offer of a place made to you.

Instructions for Completion of University Application Pack

University Application Pack (Taught Postgraduate Programmes)

University Reference Form