MA Biblical Studies

PG Cert., MA

The MA in Biblical Studies 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. 

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Programme Overview

Students on the MA Biblical Studies programme 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.

When we read Scripture, engage in worship, go to our places of work, we are engaged in theology whether we recognise this or not. Studying theology provides the opportunity to reflect on God, on Scripture, on worship, and our traditions so that we can confidently proclaim to a world that needs to hear the good news of Jesus and his kingdom.

Julie Robb, Programme Leader MA Biblical Studies; Programme Leader MA Theological Studies

Programme Videos and Testimonials

Why Biblical Studies?

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Key Information

Applications for the Biblical Studies programme are invited at certificate, or degree level. This programme is studied entirely in part-time and online through the School’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

There is no requirement to come on campus at any point in your studies and can be studied over 2-3 years.

Online study means that the teaching material will be provided entirely online, through the School’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Interaction with fellow students and the tutor will occur through online forum discussions. Students will undertake critical reading, theological reflection and research, to develop their knowledge in the field.

The normal entry requirements for this programme are a first degree in theology (2:2) or a previous degree in another discipline but with evidence of having studied theology to DipHE level.

However, the Programme Leader has discretion to consider other entry qualifications, so if your background does not conform to these requirements, please contact the Programme Leader to discuss a possible way forward.

Additionally, those applicants from a non-majority English-speaking country will be required to demonstrate the necessary English language ability (IELTS Level 7).

Students will usually complete the 180 credits in 2 or 3 years, studying part time.

A weekly time commitment of 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.

This programme is ideally suited for: 

  • Theology graduates seeking an innovative and flexible Masters-level qualification in biblical studies.
  • Students contemplating PhD level work in biblical studies or a related discipline and seeking a solid foundation for doctoral research.
  • Individuals involved in ministry and looking for a path of lifelong learning that will enhance their ministry.
  • Those not formally qualified in theology but wishing to integrate professional and personal interests with biblical and theological understanding.

What you will study

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

*We make every effort to run all our modules, however optional module availability is subject to student numbers.

The MA Biblical Studies programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award upon completion.
Programme Documents:
Programme Specification
Module Narratives
Academic Regulations
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Biblical Studies Student Testimonials:

The MA Biblical Studies programme is fearless in examining the Bible from every hermeneutical angle people have managed to conceive. LST will transform you, your faith, and your understanding of Scripture. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the text of the Bible, and a greater understanding of its authors, interpreters, and readers (past and present). You will develop an appreciation for context and how contextuality impacted -- and continues to impact-- the way in which Scripture is read and received. You will mature in your faith. You will be a better apologist for your faith.
I was very interested in exploring how the Bible has been interpreted in different ways, leading to different applications and impacts in Christians’ lives. This MA programme provided a systematic study on this topic through various hermeneutical lenses, which was very inspiring. I also thoroughly enjoyed studying the other modules I took in this course. The journey of doing the research for my dissertation was very memorable and my highlight. The encouraging and inspirational comments from my thesis supervisor widened my understanding and helped me grow spiritually and academically.

Julie Robb
Programme Leader

Whether the student is studying the MA Biblical Studies or MA Theological Studies, my hope is that they will grow spiritually and develop in the varied ministries that God has called or will call students into. I want to equip students with the tools to be able to reflect upon and to enable others to reflect upon the hard questions that we all ask, whether Christian or non-Christian.

Read Julie's Bio