MA Practical Theology & Ministry

MA, PG Dip., PG Cert.

The Master of Arts programme in Practical theology and Ministry focuses on theology and skills for the practice of ministry within contemporary society. Rooted in biblical and academic theology, and in dialogue with the social sciences, this programme integrates professional practice with theological reflection to give students a cutting-edge understanding of practical theology. 

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Programme Overview

This programme develops the skills of those in ministry and professional practice to make theological changes in their ministry context. It equips students to engage with the social sciences and bring them into critical dialogue with Christian theology and biblical study. It focuses on the local context and particular situation, seeking to discern what God is doing here in this space, encounter, or community. 

It exemplifies research and reflective practice on ministry, which is a distinctive feature of LST’s educational mission. London School of Theology is evangelical and interdenominational in ethos and this programme this programme brings evangelical theology into 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. 

Studying Practical Theology at LST helps you answer the question “What, in Jesus’s name, should I do in this ministry situation, or for this person?” It is biblical, reflective, and prayerful, and equips Christian ministers to seek the Kingdom of God with theological insight and in the power of the Spirit.

Alistair McKitterick, Practical Theology and Ministry Programme leader

Programme Videos and Testimonials

Why Theology?

3 Videos

Key Information

Applications for the Practical Theology and Ministry programme are invited at certificate, or degree level. This programme can be studied full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or 3 years). 

Online: The MA Practical Theology and Ministry programme can be studied fully online. There is no requirement to come on campus at any point and 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 occur through online forum discussions. Students undertake critical reading, theological reflection and research, to develop their knowledge in the field.

All our online modules include face-to-face seminars with fellow students and the module tutor.  This produces a strong sense of studying as part of a cohort, and helps students engage with and learn from their peers.

Blended: ‘Blended mode’ means that students on this programme will study up to 140 credits onsite at LST and their other credits are studied online, via LST’s Virtual Learning Environment.

The normal minimum requirement for studying on the MA programme is the equivalent of a UK Honours degree at 2ii level, as well as the necessary English language ability. A qualification in theology is not a requirement but will be an advantage.

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

Full-Time students do their MA programme in 12 months and are expected to commit around 40 hours per week to study.

Part-Time students do their MA programme in 24 or 36 months and are expected to commit around 20 hours per week to study.

This programme is ideally suited for: 

  • Existing church leaders wanting to develop a more theologically-informed practice of ministry;
  • Graduate students in Theology and religion who want to prepare for Christian ministry.
  • Those with a degree in other disciplines (such as the social sciences) seeking to integrate their discipline with an evangelical approach to practical theology and reflective practice.
  • Graduate students wanting a secure foundation in academic practical theology as preparation for research degree level study (MPhil/PhD).

What you will study

The MA Practical Theology and Ministry programme consists of three core modules:

  • Practical Theology and Reflective Practice (40 credits)
  • Dissertation Research and Design (20 credits)
  • Dissertation – 15,000 words (60 credits)

There are a range of optional modules to choose from including*:

  • Spirituality in Ministry
  • Pastoral Psychology
  • Education in Context
  • Ministry in Context
  • Practicum
  • Leadership and the Public Square
  • Empirical Research Methods

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

The MA Practical Theology and Ministry programme is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award upon completion.
Programme Documents:
Programme Specification
Module Narratives
Academic Regulations
Fees and Funding
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Practical Theology and Ministry Student Testimonies

As a church leader and practitioner within the charismatic-Pentecostal tradition, I recognised the need for a robust theological framework that could ground and sustain my ministry in today’s complex ecclesial and cultural landscape. I was particularly drawn to LST because of its commitment to practical theology—a discipline that resonates deeply with my desire to reflect critically on the lived experience of faith within the local church. London School of Theology's openness to reflective practice, combined with a strong evangelical ethos and a rigorous academic environment, offered the kind of theological formation I was seeking.
The forums have been a great space for thoughtful interaction and learning from diverse perspectives. They’ve encouraged deeper reflection and helped build a sense of shared journey among peers.
This course surprised me - I enjoyed it immensely! I was challenged in significant ways, and it impacted my spiritual and prayer life directly and immediately.

Alistair Mckitterick
Programme Leader

LST is the ideal place to study academic Practical Theology in an evangelical context. God is active throughout practical theology: in the initial situation, and in our reflections, and in our actions. Practical theology is evangelical if it retains the importance of Scripture for seeing things biblically, and if it shapes our actions so they resemble Jesus. Evangelical practical theology keeps Jesus in the centre, whilst being open to the insights from other disciplines, especially the social sciences, to gain deep understanding. At LST we engage deeply with cutting-edge scholarship in a context of worship, prayer and mutual encouragement all with a view to witnessing to Christ in our world. It is a very exciting place to follow your calling to study at Masters level.

Read Alistair's Bio