Practical and Contextual Theology

MA

Chester is a leading centre for the study of practical and contextual theologies in the UK and internationally.

Campus Chester
Course MA
Length 1 year full time or 3 years part time
Start dates February 2012
August 2012

In the MA Practical and Contextual Theology, students can choose to specialize in one or both aspects of the programme. While practical and contextual theologies can use slightly different methods in their approach to the task of theology, they are related disciplines that would largely acknowledge that all theology is both practical and contextual in nature.

In contextual theologies, there are opportunities to study and examine theologies written from, for example, feminist, black, queer, Deaf and disabled perspectives. You can choose modules that focus on contextual approaches to the Bible as well as examining the ways that contextual theologians deconstruct and, at times, reconstruct traditional theologies. You also have the opportunity to develop, through the dissertation, a critical study of an aspect of contextual theology that interests you or, indeed, to develop a piece of contextual theology from your own perspective.

Practical theology takes seriously the relationship between belief and practice both inside and outside of the church. It invites students to interrogate the traditions and ideas that shape the way that individuals, communities, the church, professional organizations, government, institutions etc. operate. It also seeks to develop new ways of thinking theologically in response to lived contemporary practices, where that is needed. Practical theology will appeal to any student interested in the way that belief and practice interact and shape each other. Professionals and volunteers who work inside the church or in any other organization will also find this programme of value in thinking about their own practice in relation to the wider institutions of which they are a part.

Next: Modules

Modules

All students begin their programme with a double core module introducing you to themes and methods in practical and contextual theology. After that you can choose an additional three modules from a range of options including:

  • Feminist Theology and Literature
  • Bodies, Gender and God
  • Religion and Disability
  • Contemporary Issues in Contextual Theology (taught through a residential event with a guest scholar with a specialism in an area of contextual theology)
  • Contextualized approached to biblical interpretation
  • Urban theology
  • Independent practice-based research project (double module)
  • Contemporary issues in public theology
  • Secularization and religions
  • Spirituality and popular culture

The programme is completed by writing a 16-20,000 word dissertation on a research project developed in one aspect of contextual and/or practical theology. You work with a supervisor to develop and produce your dissertation.

Students can pursue modules either at a distance or on campus in Chester with occasional opportunities to study modules delivered through intensive 24 hour residentials.

Next: Assessment

Typically, students will be expected to produce an extended research paper for summative assessment, with options for formative feedback, either in the context of individual supervision, or peer review and discussion (online or face to face) for example. 

Some modules will require the student to undertake independent qualitative research by fieldwork, or to use auto-ethnographic methods such as journaling. Others will draw on more conventional text-based modes of study. There are no examinations. 

The completion of a research dissertation is required for the full MA.

Next: Careers

This programme of study will appeal to those seeking a postgraduate qualification as part of their continuing academic and/or professional development.

It would suit those working in the voluntary or public sectors, or those engaged in any aspect of religious ministry.

The student who is interested in how gender, disability, queer, and black perspectives have critiqued established and traditional theologies would also value participating in this MA.

How to apply

Next: Entry requirements

The academic ability, motivation and potential of a student wishing to join the programme can be established from a number of forms of evidence such as:

  • 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 plus substantial appropriate professional or voluntary experience, evidenced in a summary of non-certificated and experiential learning.

Students without one of the above forms of evidence can, subject to the approval of the programme leader, demonstrate achievement and potential for MA study by registering for one module at a lower level. If the module is passed successfully at a level equivalent to an upper second class mark for a final year undergraduate, this can be used as evidence of ability to work at Master’s level. Please contact Cath Rogers for further information.

Beginning: Overview

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    Postgraduate Admissions

    University of Chester

    Parkgate Road

    Chester

    CH1 4BJ

    T:
    01244 512456
    postgrad@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Dr Wayne Morris, Senior Lecturer in Contextual and Practical Theology, Deputy Head of Department
    T:
    01244 511066
    w.morris@chester.ac.uk

  • Cath Rogers, Postgraduate Administrator
    T:
    01244 511518
    cathryn.rogers@chester.ac.uk