Applied Theology (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). 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.

This course may be taken if you hold a ministerial or pastoral appointment at present, or if you are able to include a period of approved pastoral experience in your course of study on the MTh.

Course structure
An overview of the course structure is provided below. Details of the compulsory and optional elements of the course are provided in the Course components section of this page.

Core classes and seminars on methodology, approaches and topics in applied theology will be offered weekly and comprise Part I of the course. Both full-time and part-time students attend these classes and seminars in person during their first year.

The classes will include required reading and discussion. Extended essays for particular units will be supervised by an individual tutor.

Part II of the course is a dissertation.

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 further lectures and postgraduate seminars offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religion. Participation in some of these may require permission of the convenor. Colleges may offer further seminars for their Applied Theology students.

Progression to the DPhil in Theology relies on a strong performance in the taught course as well as an outstanding application and a research project that can be supervised by a member of the faculty. The faculty would normally expect a final grade of 67% or above.