Graduate Study

Graduate work most closely aligned with the Centre's concerns is pursued through the Faculty of Theology and Religion's taught postgraduate degrees, principally along the Christian Ethics pathway. Three routes are open to prospective students.

MSt in Theology 

A full-time, nine-month taught master's running from early October to late June. The Christian Ethics pathway gives a comprehensive grounding in the discipline's basic moral concepts and methodological debates, its historical development, and its bearing on practical questions in sexual, medical, economic, and political life.

Teaching is tutorial-based, working closely with texts drawn from across the Christian tradition, and the course is examined by essays and a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

MPhil in Theology

A more extensive, research-intensive route studied over 21 months, designed for students seeking rigorous training in research method ahead of doctoral work. The Christian Ethics stream examines select texts and practical issues in the field through written papers, alongside a substantial piece of independent research.

Candidates submit either one long essay of up to 15,000 words or three shorter essays of up to 5,000 words each, on a topic agreed with their supervisor. Successful MPhil candidates who go on to the DPhil may be permitted to expand their thesis.

 MTh in Applied Theology 

A part-time degree for those already engaged in ministry, chaplaincy, or public and professional life, studied alongside continuing work over three to four years. It brings sustained theological reflection to bear on practice, complementing the Centre's own interest in the traffic between academic theology and public deliberation.

A related one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology is also offered by the Faculty for those not seeking the full MTh.

DPhil in Theology and Religion

The University's principal research degree, pursued through sustained, independently directed research culminating in a substantial thesis (normally up to 100,000 words), making an original contribution to the field. Students working in Christian ethics are typically supervised by Faculty members whose interests overlap with the Centre's own concerns in moral theology, political theology, and theological ethics in public life.

Entry is normally via the MPhil or an equivalent research master's, though well-prepared applicants may occasionally be admitted directly. Progress is reviewed through formal transfer and confirmation of status stages, and the degree is examined by thesis and viva voce.

The MSt, MPhil, MTh, and the DPhil are degrees of the University's Faculty of Theology and Religion, not separate Centre qualifications: the Centre's role is to enrich them, chiefly through the Christian Ethics pathway, and its seminars and public lectures, which are open to students on all three degrees. Applications for all courses are made through the University's Graduate Admissions process.