ObjectivesAn introduction to aspects of the methods and content of Christian theology.
Entry requirementsFor those who wish to develop their skills in Systematic Theology or to prepare for postgraduate research in the discipline
Academic titleMA Systematic Theology
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Theology with a strong ‘this-worldly’ focus, taught in the very centre of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
- One of the largest Systematic Theology research institutes in the UK, employing three full-time systematicians and two other related full-time staff in Ethics and in Culture.
- A thriving graduate research environment supports a long-standing systematics seminar which draws in leading scholars; a regional AHRC training centre together with the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oxford; unparallelled access to specialist libraries and other resources in central London.
This course provides an opportunity for those with a degree in Theology to explore its doctrinal dimension in-depth, and for those with a degree in related subjects to transfer to the discipline. The core module Revelation & Reason is an exploration of the relationship between faith, reason, theology and philosophy. The module in Modern Doctrine engages with topics from Trinity, Christology and Creations, or Ecclesiology. Both modules emphasise the contemporary, though not to the exclusion of classical theologians. A third module in Systematic Theology looks at the theory and practice of biblical hermeneutics, although students are free to choose their third module from a range of other non-systematic MA modules offered by the department. The dissertation provides an opportunity to integrate different parts of the course or to explore one of them in greater depth.
Programme format and assessment
Taught core and optional modules assessed by coursework and/or examination plus a 15,000 word dissertation.
Programme modules for MA Systematic Theology
Revelation and Reason: Content and Method in Systematic Theology
An approach to the nature of systematic theology with particular reference to its methods and use of criteria. What are the sources of Christian theology? What is the place of the Bible and tradition? What are its relations to other neighbouring intellectual disciplines, and how are they to be assessed? Of particular importance is the question of the nature of the Christian theological enterprise in relation to the challenges offered by modern thought.
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.