Ridley Hall, Cambridge

Courses: MPhil

Who is it for?

The MPhil In Theology and Religious Studies is for students wishing to do a Masters (i.e. advanced) course in Theology. This can be taken either as complete in its own right or as a preparation for doing a PhD.

Who awards it?

The MPhil is awarded by the University of Cambridge. MPhil students are members of a university college alongside membership of Ridley.

Entry requirements

Ordinands wishing to undertake the MPhil need to have the approval of their DDO and Ministry Division. MPhil students need to have studied theology for at least two years, normally having taken a degree in the subject and attained at least a 2:1 (i.e. equivalent to an overall A- level in North America).

Independent students who wish to undertake the MPhil should note that application must be made directly to the University of Cambridge and that Ridley does not offer an ‘inside track’ in the application process; entry into the University also requires acceptance by one of the normal matriculating colleges. Living as part of the Ridley community would entail additional fees on top of the normal matriculating college and University charges for the degree.

Length of study

The MPhil is a full-time nine-month course.

Who teaches it?

The MPhil is taught by lecturers in the Divinity Faculty.

Cost

See our course fees page for full details of the cost of studying for the MPhil in Theology and Religious Studies.

Details

The requirements for the MPhil are:

1. A thesis of between 15,000 and 20,000 words on a subject approved by the Divinity Faculty Degree Committee.
2. An essay of not more than 4,000 words on a subject falling within one of the following areas of study:
   • The Old Testament
   • New Testament Exegesis
   • Reformation England
   • The Christian God
   • The Philosophy of Religion
   • The Psychology of Religion
   • Issues in World Christianity
   • World Religions
3. Two pieces of written work chosen from the following
   • A three-hour examination on a language studied during the year
   • A second language
   • An 'exercise' assessed by an essay of not more than 4,000 words
   • An essay of not more than 4,000 words on a subject chosen from a list available in the Faculty Library
4. Attendance at a course of seminars relevant to the area of study in which students are working
5. An oral examination on the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.