MA Theology

1. Demonstrate a detailed, in-depth knowledge of the particular subject area in theology.
2. Assimilate, understand and critically evaluate the material, while demonstrating sensitivity to its distinctive character.
3. Work independently with the evidence and present your knowledge and understanding in coherent oral and written form.
4. Demonstrate your knowledge of New Testament Greek or Biblical Hebrew at a basic or more advanced level which can support MA-level study and research.

1-3 are developed by seminar work in the option modules, by course work essays and by the dissertation. These forms of understanding are developed by a combination of advanced instruction and independent study and research, the preparation and delivery of oral presentations, participation in focused discussion, the preparation of written essays and a substantial dissertation based on independent research.

4 is developed through language classes involving closely guided study of the fundamentals of NT Greek or Biblical Hebrew leading to knowledge of grammar and intermediate skills in reading and interpreting selected biblical texts. This may be used to support work in the other options and the dissertation.

The assessment of 1-3 is by extended essays and by the substantial dissertation.

The assessment of 4 is made through a combination of examination and continuous assessment testing progressive language acquisition and the ability to translate and comment on biblical passages.

5. Identify, synthesise and analyse evidence of different types, showing an awareness of the distinctive features of different types of evidence and the problems these raise.
6. Select and apply appropriate critical, interpretative and analytic methodologies when using primary and secondary materials.
7. Demonstrate your ability to frame relevant and useful questions relating to theological and allied issues, and to evolve strategies for deploying evidence to answer those questions.
8. Show an ability to move from theoretical to applied work and vice versa.
9. Demonstrate a professional approach to referencing and the use of bibliography.
10. Evaluate scholarly interpretations and present independent critical judgements.
11. Synthesise and analyse complex and diverse arguments and ideas in an independent and coherent way, in both oral and written form.
12. Develop strategies for foreign-language acquisition at a basic level and for using the linguistic skill gained in support of study, interpretation of evidence and independent research.

Skills 5-11 in general are developed through the guided study and independent research in the seminars and the dissertation. More specifically the research methodology module and e.g. the bibliographical diary module provide instruction in and deployment of 9-11.

The skills outlined in 5-8 are developed through explicit discussion and demonstration of methodology in the modules and by the student's application in oral presentations, focused discussion and written work based on independent research.

Skills 5-11 are assessed formatively through oral presentations and discussion in the seminars, and summatively by extended essays and by the dissertation.

Skills 9-11 are assessed specifically through the written assignments in the research methodology module and e.g. the bibliographical diary module.

Skill 12 is developed through regular language classes involving grammar exercises and written translation, interpretative comment and essays. 

13. Present and defend a complex and sustained argument orally in a clear, confident, organised and effective manner.
14. Communicate a complex and sustained argument in written form in a clear and organised manner, with appropriate use of correct English.
15. Work independently, constructively and responsively with others, both peers and academic staff.
16. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction, intellectual initiative, analysis and synthesis of ideas, in learning and study, in individual research, and in the management of time.
17. Lead and participate in sophisticated discussion of complex subject matter.
18. Engage with empathy and integrity with the convictions and behaviours of others.
19. Reflect critically upon one's own beliefs and practices.
20. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines.
21. Use high-level information retrieval skills including both conventional bibliographical and IT-based methodologies.
22. Understand and use a range of software and data-based packages relevant to theological and religious studies research.

Skills 13-15 and 17-19 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations and the discussion of challenging and complex material in the option modules.

Skill 15 is also developed through meeting with tutors, advising on the preparation of essays and the dissertation.

Skills 14, 21 and 22 are developed through the preparation of the written assignments for the research methodology module, option modules and the dissertation.

Skill 20 is developed through the examinations for the language-based modules and through the requirements of deadlines for essays and dissertation.

Skill 16 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is especially promoted through preparation of oral and written assignments, general preparation for seminars and language classes. It is developed further through the dissertation.

Skills 18 and 19 are also fundamental to the programme and are developed particularly through the oral presentations and seminar discussions, as well as reflected in the written assignments and dissertation.

Skills 13, 15, 17 and 18 are formatively assessed by responses from tutor and fellow students to oral contributions to seminars, and by the student’s own self-assessment of these.

Skill 15 is also assessed as part of the overall assessment of he written essays and dissertation.

Skills 14-16 and 18-22 are assessed summatively by extended essays, by examinations in language-based modules and by the dissertation.

Skills 14, 21 and 22 are assessed specifically through the written assignments in the research methodology module and e.g. the bibliographical diary module. For postgraduate marking criteria see Postgraduate Handbook.