Master of Philosophy
Programme Overview
The MPhil programme offers students the opportunity to conduct careful, critical investigation and evaluation of an approved topic and demonstrate an understanding of the research methods appropriate to the chosen field. The full or part time option for this programme, offers flexibility and allows students to study while continuing in work or ministry.
The thesis (50,000 words) should be at (or informed by) the forefront of an academic or professional discipline. This piece of work must offer a distinctive independent contribution to knowledge, including a critical evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and evidence of the ability to critique new ideas and interpret knowledge.
While students would normally be expected to read the language of their primary sources for an MPhil, there is no expectation to engage with untranslated secondary literature.
My time as a research student has been amazing. Postgraduate research at London School of Theology has truly transformed me both as an academic and as a Christian.
Laura Evans, Postgraduate Research Alumna
Programme Videos and Testimonials
Research Testimonials
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Key Information
Applications for the Master of Philosophy programme are invited as a full-time or part-time option. Full time study will take 2 years and part time study will take 3 years.
As this is a research degree, students are not required to attend any lectures or seminars. Students pursuing research from a distance will be required to attend LST for two weeks residency if full time and one week per year if part time.
All research students are required to attend the 3-4 day Research Student Induction held the week before the academic year begins in October.
To be eligible to apply for the MPhil/PhD programme, in normal circumstances, you should have a UK Masters degree in a theological discipline (or equivalent). During this degree, you should have completed some supervised but self-directed research writing, such as a final-year project.
Applicants from North America will normally have a Masters degree in a theological discipline or an MDiv with a GPA of 3.3 for application to the MPhil/PhD. If your GPA is under this, but very close, and your transcript shows that you did better on modules relevant to your proposed research, the Head of Research will judge on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates registered for the MPhil only, and whose work proves to be of the appropriate standard, are entitled to transfer their registration to PhD (with the agreement of their supervisor/s, the Head of Research, and Middlesex University)
All applicants will need to give full details of their qualifications and provide transcripts. Applicants with non-UK qualifications should provide proof of how any national qualifications relate to the stated UK minimum requirements. Applicants for whom English is not their first language must take a Secure English Language Test (IELTS) – please refer to section 6 of our Admissions Policy for more details.
This programme is available both full time and part time. Full time study will take 2 years and part time study will take 3 years.
It is expected that full time students commit around 40 hours per week to study whilst part time students will be expected to commit around 20 hours per week to study. Students pursuing research from a distance will be required to attend LST for two weeks residency if full time and one week per year if part time. All research students are required to attend the 3-4 day Research Student Induction held the week before the academic year begins in October.
An MPhil provides an excellent apprenticeship in research and research writing for those who wish to progress to a PhD programme. It is also ideal preparation for a range of vocations including:
- Teaching
- Writing
- Pastoral work
- Christian Ministry
Recent MPhil Theses from our graduates
Thomas Parkins – Liquid Modern Relationality.
Gerald Hovenden – The Metaphor of Slavery and the resolution of conflict in Paul
Rosemary Ashley– An Investigation into Authority in the Church from a Biblical Perspective.
Katarina Almonte – The link between Charismatic Experiences and Revelation in John’s Gospel.
Berhane Asmelash – The History of the Khatmiyyah Tariqah of Eritrea and the Impact of its Rituals and Ceremonials on Pre-existing Beliefs and Practices of the People of Eritrea.
The MPhil Master of Philosophy programme is a collaborative research initiative between London School of Theology and Middlesex University.
Programme Documents:
Research Student Testimonies
Cor Bennema
Head of Research
I love to work with students, training them to think biblically, analytically and practically about God and his work in this world. Come with an open mind. Prepare for getting transformed. Enjoy your study, God and fellow students.