This Programme enables students to engage with the complexities of Christian Theology through critical engagement with biblical texts, contemporary thought and culture and the practice of Christian ministry.  Through the programme, the student will develop mastery in the interpretation and application of scripture and theology in order to encourage personal and spiritual growth and development. This will be achieved, primarily, through enabling the student to develop mastery in understanding hermeneutical theory and its implementation in order to exegete and interpret biblical texts.

Recognising that every student has their own distinctive worldview that can act as filters on biblical interpretation, the student will be asked to examine these for their influence on their understanding of Scripture and the contemporary world and enable them to develop as reflective practitioners, who use skills of critical enquiry and reflection to enhance their own practice of ministry, to become agents of change within the church context locally and globally.

Students have embarked on this MA programme to prepare for a number of professional careers as well as to enrich their present careers. Here are just a few of the reasons students have chosen the MABS:

• To deepen knowledge of biblical interpretation and engage the current issues in the world

• To inform teaching and preaching, understanding the role that Scripture has to play in our communities and societies

• To think about how to interpret the Bible as we seek to follow Jesus in the 21st century.

• To provide a secure foundation for writing on Christian issues in the future.

This programme is for you if:

• You are a theology or religious studies graduate seeking an innovated and flexible Masters-level qualification in biblical studies;

• You are contemplating PhD level work in biblical studies or a related discipline and you are seeking a foundation for doctoral research;

• You are involved in ministry and are looking for a path of lifelong learning that will enhance your service;

• You have never formally studied theology but wish to integrate your professional and personal interests with biblical understanding.

Download our Module Syllabus for more information.

The MA Biblical Studies (180 Credits) is comprised of three core modules:

• Hermeneutics (40 credits)

• Dissertation Preparation (20 credits)

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Three Optional Modules (20 credits each for a total of 60 credits):

•Women and the Bible

• Race and the Bible

• Bible and the Environment

• Old Testament Theology in Context*

* The Old Testament Theology module can be studied as a 20 credit module or a 40 credit module.

Download our Module Syllabus for more information.

This programme is studied entirely in part-time online mode, through the School’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). There is no requirement to come on campus at any point in your studies. The programme can be studied over 2 or 3 years. The teaching material will be provided entirely through the School’s Virtual Learning Environment and interaction with fellow students and the tutor will occur through interactive forum discussions.

Students will usually complete the 180 credits in 2 or 3 years, studying part time. A weekly time commitment of 15-20 hours per week should be allowed, this will enable progress through the weekly units of teaching material provided on the School’s Virtual Learning Environment.

PGCert

The PGCert is particularly suitable for students with no formal theological education who may be unsure as to whether an entire MA programme is achievable. Thus, this award allows progression to taught MA programmes, by way of formal introduction to theological education at a postgraduate level.

The PGCert Biblical Studies (60 credits) lays the foundation for the study of the Hermeneutics (core module) and allows the student to engage in further hermeneutical study through one optional module. The PGCert is comprised of Core Module: Hermeneutics (40 credits) and one optional module (20 credits).

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.

London School of Theology programmes are quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.

The programme utilises a variety of assessment methods including essays, book reviews, and critical reflection. For those who progress to the MA, having completed the taught modules, they will write a 15,000 word dissertation that will enable the student to research and to write a sustained piece of writing on a topic of the student’s choosing but which has a clear link to the core of the programme: hermeneutics.