MA in Practical Theology & Ministry

The Master of Arts programme in Practical Theology and Ministry focuses on the ministry of individuals and communities within the contemporary society. Rooted in academic practical theology and in dialogue with the social sciences, it integrates reflective professional practice within Christian spirituality.

Programme Overview

This programme focuses on the ministry of individuals and communities within contemporary society. Rooted in academic practical theology, and in dialogue with the social sciences, it integrates reflective professional practice within Christian spirituality. It exemplifies research and practice-led teaching for ministry, which is a distinctive feature of LST’s educational mission.

LST is evangelical and interdenominational in ethos and this programme invites evangelical theology to be in conversation with the broader tradition of the Christian church. The programme allows students to engage with a range of perspectives within academic practical theology and seeks to enable deep theological reflection, whether in an explicitly church-based context or in charity or secular professional settings.

Who is this Programme for?

This programme is ideally suited for:

Existing church leaders looking to develop a theologically-informed practice of ministry
Graduate students in theology and religion wanting to spend a year or more preparing for Christian ministry.
Graduate students looking to acquire a secure foundation in academic practical theology as preparation for research degree level study (MPhil/PhD).

Programme Structure

The MA Practical Theology and Ministry (180 credits) includes the first core module on Practical Theology and Reflective Practice (40 credits), which is central to the whole programme. It provides an essential grounding in the literature in the field.

The second core module on Dissertation Research and Design (20 credits) is compulsory, as well as the Dissertation (60 credits), where the student can select a particular topic for study in significant depth. Three further optional modules (each 20 credits) are chosen by the student according to their interest.

Optional 20 credit modules

Term 1

• Education in Context

• Leadership and the Public Square

• Empirical Research Methods

Term 2

• Pastoral Psychology

• Ministry in Context

• Spirituality in Ministry

• Practicum

• Empirical Research Methods

Download our Module Syllabus for more information.

Modes of Study and Time Commitment

Students study either in blended mode or online mode. ‘Blended mode’ means that students will study up to 60 credits onsite at LST with their other credits studied via LST’s Virtual Learning Environment. ‘Online mode’ means that students will study entirely through LST’s Virtual Learning Environment.

Full-time (12 months) students are expected to commit around 40 hours per week to their studies.

*For Full-Time (12 months) study, we strongly recommend that you have a theology or religious studies (or closely related field) degree.

Part-time students (24 or 36 months) are expected to commit from 14-20 hours per week to their studies.

Entry Requirements

In normal circumstances students will be required to have a UK BS Honours degree at 2.2 level (or equivalent) as well as the necessary English language ability. A qualification in theology is not required.

However, we strongly advise that those seeking to study the programme full-time in one year have a qualification in theology or religious studies.