Applied Theology (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MTh in Applied Theology is designed to enable theological reflection upon experience in pastoral practice. It may be taken if candidates hold a ministerial or pastoral appointment at present, or if they are able to include a period of approved pastoral experience in your course of study on the MTh.

The MTh may be taken either full-time (residential) in two years, or part-time in three or four years.

The course is divided into two parts. Part I is the first year of taught study during which you must be resident in Oxford if you are studying full-time. If studying part-time, you must participate regularly in accordance with University regulations for part-time study. You may transfer from full-time to part-time after the first year. As a part-time student, you may be non-residential but you must attend classes and seminars in Oxford on one day each week (currently Fridays) during your first year and continue to take part in occasional seminars and supervisions for your essays during the subsequent years. Colleges may offer further seminars for their Applied Theology students.

You will take four units in total during Part I. The two core units are:

• Doctrine, Context and Practice

• Experiential Project with Theological Reflection.

Further units may include the following options, subject to supervisor availability:

• Sociology of Religion

• Pastoral Psychology

• Science and Faith in the Modern World

• The Use of the Bible

• Christian Spirituality

• Liturgy and Worship

• Christian Ethics

• Mission in the Modern World

• Inter-faith Dialogue

• Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context

Core classes and seminars on methodology and approaches in applied theology will be offered weekly. If studying part-time, you will attend these classes during their first year. The classes will include required reading and discussion. Extended essays for particular units will be supervised by an individual tutor. In addition to the core classes, the Applied Theology Research Seminars provide an opportunity for all students to hear from senior members of the University as well as visiting scholars. The Research Presentation Seminars allow students to present their current research to one another and receive feedback. Thus there is a balance of supported learning and independent research.

You will be encouraged to attend lectures and postgraduate seminars offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion. Participation in some of these may require permission of the convenor.

In Part II of the MTh, you will write a dissertation of up to 20,000 words on an agreed aspect of applied theology. This dissertation can be completed part-time.