MTh Applied Theology

Course overview

The Master of Theology in Applied Theology (MTh) is designed to enable theological reflection upon experience in pastoral practice mainly, but not only, in the context of ministry in the Church. It may be taken by those who hold a pastoral appointment at present, or by students who can include a period of approved pastoral experience in their course of study for the MTh.

Syllabus

The MTh is divided into two parts. Part I is one year of taught study when full-time students must be resident in Oxford and part-time students must attend classes in Oxford once a week.

Students take four units in total, each assessed by extended essay. The 2 core units are:

  • Doctrine, Context and Practice
  • Experiential Project with Theological Reflection

Students choose 2 further units from the following options:

  • 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

In Part II of the MTh, candidates write a dissertation on an agreed topic in practical theology. This dissertation can be completed part-time with no requirement to be permanently resident in Oxford.

The MTh may be taken either full-time (residential) in two years, or part-time in three or four years. Students may transfer from full-time to part-time after the first year.

How to apply

For information on the application process and to apply, click here.

Course handbook

To review the course handbook, click here.