Program Overview

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Theology and Religious Studies MA

Overview

The Master's in Theology and Religious Studies course allows you to explore your own areas of interest, which could be anything from biblical studies to the social scientific study of global religions, under specialist one-to-one supervision.

Study Options

• Full-Time (MA) at Exton Park, Chester/Online
• Full-Time (MA) at Online
• Part-Time (MA) at Exton Park, Chester/Online
• Part-Time (MA) at Online

Level

• Postgraduate

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 1 year (Full-Time)
• 2 years (Part-Time)

Location

• Exton Park, Chester/Online
• Online

UK Fees

• £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• £4,388 for a part-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £15,000 (2025/26)

Course Contents

Course Summary

The course is designed to accommodate students with external work commitments, and all our hybrid seminars take place between 17:00 and 19:00.

Why You'll Love It

Research Excellence Woven Throughout

• Learn from internationally leading scholars across theology and religious studies.
• Expertise spanning biblical studies, systematic/practical theology, philosophy, and the social scientific study of religion.

Flexible Learning, Tailored to You

• Design and build an MA tailored for you by selecting specialist pathways and optional modules that align with your own interests.
• Shape your studies to support your career goals, research ambitions, and intellectual curiosity.

Learn Alongside a Diverse Community

• Engage in stimulating discussions with a broad range of students from different backgrounds.
• Dynamic learning environment fosters rich, thought-provoking debates.

Modules

Studying Theology and Religion (I) Core Module

• Equip you with the academic study skills required for study in Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) at Level 7.
• Introduction to the first two of four sub-disciplines in the field: theology and philosophy.

Studying Theology and Religion (II) Core Module

• Continue developing the academic study skills required for study in Theology and Religious Studies at Level 7.
• Introduction to two further sub-disciplines in the field: biblical studies and religious studies.

Research Dissertation Core Module

• Choose a topic relating to your course aims/learning outcomes and personal and/or professional interests.
• Guided, but largely independent, research.

Optional Topics

• Book of Revelation
• Contemporary Islam
• Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls
• God and Philosophy in the 20th Century
• TRS Conference Study
• Independent Study in TRS

Who You'll Learn From

• Professor Hannah Bacon
• Professor Caroline Tee
• Dr Ben Fulford
• Professor Paul Middleton
• Dr Steve Knowles
• Dr Matthew Collins
• Dr Dawn Llewellyn
• Dr Deborah Casewell
• Dr Richard Gauvain

How You'll Learn

• Teaching is via hybrid research seminars and individual supervision.
• Assessment is via coursework and a dissertation.
• Flexible delivery and can be undertaken in person, hybrid, or remotely online.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: Normally a 2:2 honours degree in a Humanities subject is required.
• International/EU Students: Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study.

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester
• Modern learning resources and library
• Fitness facilities
• Student Services
• Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces
• Accommodation
• Catering

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Develops skills in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and religious literacy valued by employers.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.