MA Christian Spirituality

This master's is designed to offer you the opportunity to study this field in some depth, from historical, theological, psychological and other points of view. The course examines different understandings of how Christians seek to relate to God, the underlying theology and the particular practices or lifestyles that express these understandings.

The search for ‘spirituality’ is one of the most striking aspects of our contemporary Western cultures. In simple terms, the word ‘spirituality’ stands for the way we seek to live out our fundamental beliefs and values. In Christian terms, spirituality is based on a relationship with God, to whom we seek to respond.

Why St Mary's?

As an institution, we have been at the forefront of the development of spirituality, as an academic discipline. In 2009, we held one of the first European conferences connected to its study, the proceedings of which were published as Sources of Transformation: Revitalizing Christian Spirituality (Eds. Peter Tyler and Edward Howells, Continuum 2011).

We have developed on our world-class scholarship and experience in this department into an innovative, stand-alone, MA in Christian Spirituality.

Course content

Please note: in any given year not all modules will be offered, only a selection according to staff availability and student demand. The course will be taught on eight Saturdays at St Mary’s University.

Modules

• Foundations of Christian Spirituality Core
• The Mendicants: Franciscan, Dominican and Carmelite Spirituality Optional
• Contemplative and Monastic Spirituality Optional
• Christianity in Dialogue Optional
• Mystical Theology Optional
• Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation Optional
• Marian Studies Optional
• Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes Optional
• The Theologies of Liberation and Political Theology Optional
• Aspects of Biblical Interpretation Optional
• Dissertation Core

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control.

In line with the University Mission and the QAA Characteristics Statement for Master’s Degrees, the primary aims of the MA in Christian Spirituality are to:

• Attract students of a variety of ages and academic backgrounds to develop and expand their range of theological skills and knowledge.
• Provide students with a range of learning experiences that are supported by a variety of teaching approaches and delivered in a supportive learning environment.
• Offer students the opportunity to explore and reflect critically upon theological studies with particular regard to the richness of Christian spirituality.
• Develop an informed awareness of the dynamic nature of the Christian tradition and a developed facility in the theological task of subjecting this tradition to a process of testing and renewal.
• Give students the tools to engage in dialogue with other faiths.
• Draw on a variety of academic disciplines and discourses to enable students to reflect critically on Christian spirituality.
• Foster in students an ability to relate areas of spirituality to broader areas of human understanding and life.
• Use the research interests of staff to inform and enhance the students’ learning experience.
• Promote the development of key transferable skills that will assist students in their career options.
• Equip students to undertake original research at the doctoral level.

This degree has flexibility for students, allowing you to study part-time. This enables you to continue professional development alongside various forms of Christian ministry and leadership. Or on a personal level, this MA is a way of continuing your interests, while enhancing your future employability or advancement to more senior roles.

This advanced education in Christianity would open specific opportunities in school teaching, and work with Christian or other charities and agencies.

The skills acquired through this programme will provide an education that sensitises you to engage with religious and ethical ideas from other times, cultures and places. Thus, it will equip you to go into a profession that engages with cross-cultural situations, such as non-governmental organisations in the UK and overseas, international relations, and the civil service.

Finally, the increasing role of psycho-spiritual formation in counselling and psychological settings is reflected in our optional module, Spiritual Direction, Psychology and Spiritual Formation, which will prove valuable if you want to pursue a career in these areas.