Master of Philosophy
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.
Programme Videos and Testimonials
Why Theology?
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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.
The student will study a topic which will be agreed on in advance with the Director of Research and the supervisor(s). Throughout the programme students will have the support and guidance of their supervision team.
As this is a research degree, students are not required to attend any lectures or seminars.
New research students will be required to attend a 4-day (Mon-Thu) residential research induction at the start of the new academic year (usually end Sep/start Oct). 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 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.
PhD candidates initially register for an MPhil with the possibility of transferring to PhD status if their work is of an appropriate standard and with the approval of the 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.
New research students will be required to attend a 4-day (Mon-Thu) residential research induction at the start of the new academic year (usually end Sep/start Oct). Students starting in February may choose to attend the October induction prior to the start of their course or the following October induction.
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
- Academia
- Pastoral work
- Christian Ministry
- Research-specific vocations, eg. publishing
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 Testimonials:
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.