Master of Theology

MTh

The Master of Theology is aimed at those who have completed formal Theological training and wish to pursue a specific research topic, rather than committing to a taught programme. 

Programme Overview

The MTh is an ideal programme for those who want to dig deeper into a specific area, as supposed to exploring the wider variety of questions posed by one of the taught MA programmes. The full or part time option for this programme, offers flexibility and allows students to study while continuing in work or ministry. 

The MTh is a first research degree, combining training in research, research method and writing skills. Candidates for this degree follow a programme of study approved by the Director of Research and supervision team and write their thesis (30,000 words) on a topic in one of the major theological disciplines. 

The thesis must be at (or informed by) the forefront of an academic discipline, field of study or area of professional discipline and be an independent contribution to a distinct critical survey of knowledge. It must include a critical evaluation of current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and be appropriately presented with clarity and conciseness of expression. As well as the thesis, the MTh is assessed through an oral examination (Viva). 

Guided by wonderful faculty, and encouraged by a community of fellow Postgraduates, London School of Theology drives Researchers towards the highest academic standards, and enriches our wonder and worship of God.

Benjamin Evans

Programme Videos and Testimonials

Research Testimonials

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Key Information

Applications for the Master of Theology programme are invited as a full-time or part-time option. Full time study will take 1 year and part time study will take 2 years.

As this is a research degree, students are not required to attend any lectures or seminars. All new research students will be required to attend a 3-4 day residential research induction at the start of October. Students starting in February may choose to attend the October induction prior to the start of their course or the following October induction. 

 
In addition, all research students are required to come on site to London School of Theology for one week each year (full-time students) or one week every two years (part-time students).  LST organises a structured research residential week each year in March/April which all students are strongly encouraged to attend (except students starting in February), and during which you may fulfil your annual residency requirement.

To be eligible to apply for the MTh programme, in normal circumstances, you should have a BA Honours degree in a theological discipline at 2:1 level (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 BA or an MA majoring in a theological discipline or an MDiv with a GPA of 3.3 for application to the MTh. 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.

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 1 year and part time study will take 2 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. 

An MTh 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 MTh Theses from our graduates

Joshua Shek – Adoption: Exploring a Neglected Doctrine of Salvation

Colin Schofield – This is the Word of the Lord: Nicholas Wolterstorff’s Account of Scripture, Appropriated Discourse, and Divine Authorship

Simon Robert Hill – Hybrid Christian Youth Ministry. A study of Closed-Group Social Media

Matthew Whyte – David’s Political Mourning in the Hebrew Bible: An Analysis of How David Mourns in instances of Political Significance

Reuben Zwiggelaar – The Doctrine of Heaven and New Heaven: coming to a doctrine of heaven and new heaven through Karl Barth and Jürgen Moltmann’s work on creation and eschatology

Jack Beattie – Jewish Jesus, Gentile Church – Jewish meal? The Origins and Development of the Lord’s Supper through a Jewish Prism

Matthew Visk – A Taxonomy of Contemporary Versions of Penal Substitutionary Atonement

The MTh Master of Theology programme is a collaborative research initiative between London School of Theology and Middlesex University.
Programme Documents:
Programme Specification
Academic Regulations
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Master of Theology Student Testimonies

The MTh programme at LST is perfect for anyone who is interested in conducting research. Whether you are unsure and want to explore a career path in the academy, or you simply want to further develop your skills, the MTh offers you the chance to see what an MPhil or PhD would be like. Further, it allows you the opportunity to work closely with a supervisor in their specialised field. Such a rewarding and invaluable experience!

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.

Read Cor's Bio