Course description
This programme is intended for those who wish to reflect on their professional experience and enhance their skills, as well as for graduate students who are looking to further their studies or acquire new skills in a particular area of theological ethics. This programme provides a unique in-depth encounter with the tradition of Christian ethics through study of contemporary theological ethics and engagement with ethical issues in contemporary society. You will take a common core course in Christian Ethics and select a specialisation in ecology, globalisation, media or Christian political thought.
Learning Outcomes
You will develop an understanding of and a capacity for critical reflection upon the tradition of theological ethics through the study of key sources and figures.
How You Will Be Taught
Students participate in seminars, tutorials and lectures. You will also complete a supervised 15,000-word dissertation.
This MTh programme provides a unique in depth encounter with the tradition of Christian ethics through study of contemporary ethics and engagement with ethical issues in contemporary society. It draws on the research strengths of the scholars who deliver the programme and reflects the research foci provided by the Centre of Theology and Public Issues and the Media and Theology Project both based in the School of Divinity.
It is a twelve month full time or two year part time course.
The core ethics course is taught by Professor Oliver O'Donovan.
Objectives / Curriculum
As well as providing a research-portal for doctoral and other higher degrees, this programme may serve as a supplement to an undergraduate degree in theology, or alternatively a vehicle for reflection on professional experience for those engaged in church-based or other ministries. Entrance requirements will normally be a good Honours degree in Theology or Religious Studies though account can also be taken of professional experience and other relevant academic qualifications.
The degree is designed around a common core in Christian ethics, and sub-disciplinary specialisation in
* ecology,
* globalisation,
* media, or
* Christian political thought
The programme has a multi-linear structure which is described in more detail on the Curriculum page. You may also find the Course Summaries useful.
Assessment
In line with other MTh/MSc/Diploma programmes in the School of Divinity, this programme carries a total of 180 points: each course counts for 20 points, and the dissertation counts for 60. Candidates whose achievement on the coursework entitles them to proceed to the MTh or MSc will be required to submit a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words. Students choose their dissertation topics in consultation with the Programme Director and appropriate teachers. Candidates proceeding to the Diploma will be required to submit an extended essay of not more than 10,000 words.
Further Study Opportunities
In addition to the courses specified above the School of Divinity provides a one term course in research methods, and a year long programme of seminars in Theology and Ethics drawing on a wide range of distinguished scholars from around the UK and overseas which MTh are encouraged to participate in. There are also graduate reading groups led by members of staff, including a German reading group. The School of Divinity is now part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences which hosts the annual Gifford Lectures in Natural Theology. In the last ten years Gifford Lecturers at Edinburgh have included Mary Douglas, Martha Nussbaum, Charles Taylor, Mary Warnock, and Michael Ignatief.
