Why study this course:
This programme will appeal to:
- Recent graduates in Theology and Religious Studies who wish to pursue their studies further, possibly with a view to working in the public or voluntary sector
- Graduates with a first degree in the humanities who have a personal, intellectual or spiritual interest in the role of religious belief in world history, society and human behaviour
- Professionals requiring advanced training/education in the impact of faith-based activity and organisations on public life, politics and social policy
- Professionals working in some area of faith-based welfare provision, social enterprise or social policy wishing to gain advanced understanding of their own context and practice
Features:
- The programme offers candidates a range of approaches to the study of the relationship between religious faith and public policy.
- A range of different specialist modules offers perspectives on historical, cross-cultural and theological dimensions of the role of religion in society today, with special emphasis on the impact of faith on public policy, welfare, civil society and political life.
- TRS at Chester represents national and international research leadership in areas of public theology, practical theology, religion and civil society.
Flexible and Distributed including: distance and online learning, face to face sessions, intensive residentials.
Programme Structure:
Core module:
Introduction to the Study of Religion and Public Policy (40 credits)
Introducing the complex interactions between religion and public life at a number of different levels and contexts (e.g. local, national, global)
- Examining and analysing a range of intellectual perspectives, policy debates and future trajectories in the study of faiths and public policy
- Identifying and evaluating a range of appropriate research methodologies in the field of faiths and public policy
Optional specialist modules (60 credits total)
International Perspectives in Religion and Public Policy (20 credits)
This module engages with global trends and approaches in the study of faith and public policy, and to undertake some comparative work in relation to specific issues or topics of their choice – e.g. the impact of multiculturalism, global capitalism, environment, globalization, responses to religious discrimination and defamation, social cohesion, social care and welfare delivery, etc.
Contemporary Issues in Public Theology (20 credits)
This module provides an introduction to the study of the origin, nature and methods of public theology within the Christian tradition. It seeks to provide a critical understanding of the role of theology in relation to public issues facing individuals and society today.
Module content will engage with biblical and historical foundations of public theology and explore the public relevance of theology as a critical discourse on public affairs.
Urban Theology (20 credits)
This module seeks to examine and critically evaluate a range of theoretical and theological responses to the urbanization process, with particular reference to the changing context of the three major cities of the region (Chester, Liverpool and Manchester).
Module content will include:
- Historical and sociological dimensions of urbanization
- ‘Writing the City’: the emergence of modern urban theory; urban ethnographies and auto-ethnographies.
- Theological traditions of engagement with urbanization, e.g. Social Gospel, Anglican social ethics, theologies of liberation, neo-orthodoxy
- Strategies of faith-based involvement in urban regeneration: social capital, the ‘Big Society’, Church-based reports.
- Globalization, mongrel and hybrid cities; ‘third space’ thinking and urban theology.
Independent Practice-Based Research Project (40 credits)
This double-weighted module enables students to reflect in detail on specific areas of policy provision relevant to their own practical and professional interests. The aim of the module is to relate academic research to specific areas of students’ professional and voluntary practice in the field of faiths and public policy.
Research dissertation (80 credits)
The dissertation will provide the opportunity to specialise in a particular approach and field of study at an advanced level. All students are assigned a specialist supervisor from within the programme team, and will be assessed via the production of a dissertation of between 16,000 and 20,000 words.
The programme will use a range of approaches to assessment. Typically, students will be expected to produce an extended research paper or a portfolio of work involving literature reviews, research proposals, seminar papers or reports.
- The MA in Faiths and Public Policy will be useful for those considering going on to further research at doctoral level
- This programme of study will also appeal to those seeking a postgraduate qualification as a stepping-stone into a career in government or the public sector
- It may also be used by professionals already working in the voluntary or public sectors or for a faith-based charity or voluntary organisation looking to enhance their own skills and experience in the field
Candidates will normally be admitted to the programme on the basis of the following qualifications:
- an upper second or first class Honours degree in Theology and/or Religious Studies
- an upper second or first class honours degree in another relevant subject, together with evidence of certificated learning in religious studies or substantial related experience.
Evidence of a lower qualification may be acceptable if accompanied by substantial appropriate professional or voluntary experience. Please consult Programme Leader for further details.
