Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate Study

The postgraduate pathway provides the opportunity for focused study, at an advanced level. The modules are delivered via intensive teaching weeks, so students can fit their studies around existing commitments.

For students without previous theological study, but with a prior degree in another subject, see our conversion course.

What Postgraduate degrees can I study?

What Postgraduate degrees can I study?

We offer three courses on the postgraduate stream:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission (60 credits)
  
• Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission (120 credits)
• Master of Arts in Theology, Ministry and Mission (120 credits plus the 60-credit dissertation)

What modules should I study?

What modules should I study?

We suggest that students undertake:

60 credits (Cert HE) or, 80 credits (PgDIP/MA), from the following modules:

• TMM40520 Issues in Biblical Theology (20 credits)
• TMM44120 Relationships & Emotional Management (20 credits)
• TMM42220 Research and Reflection (20 credits)*
• TMM41020 Advanced Study of a Theological Text (20 credits)

Plus 40 credits from the following modules (PGDip and MA):

• TMM40420 Advanced New Testament Studies: The Johannine Literature (20 credits)
• TMM40920 Advanced Topic in Christian Doctrine: Liberation and Intersectional Theologies (20 credits)
• TMM41120 Advanced Topic in Church History (20 credits)
• TMM41420 Themes in Moral Theology (20 credits)
• TMM42520 Chaplaincy and Christian Mission (20 credits)
• TMM44320 Christian Doctrine & Contemporary Culture (20 credits)
• TMM43920 Independent Learning Project Cambridge (20 credits)
• TMM46120 Advanced Church Planting in Perspective (20 credits)
• TMM47720 Advanced Topic in Worship and Liturgical Studies (20 credits)

Plus 60 credits from the following (MA):

• TMM42360 Dissertation (60 credits)

Postgraduate students can also undertake, as part of their Award

Introductory language modules .

• TMM1087 Intro to Hebrew (10 credits)
• TMM1067 Intro to Greek (10 credits)

A level 6 Module. I.e.,

• TMM3721 Reflective Practice: Ministry & Mission with Children and Families (20 credits)
• TMM3731 Reflective Practice: Ministry & Mission with Young People (20 credits)
• TMM3XXX Reflective Practice: Sports Ministry and Mission (20 credits)

There is also an option to undertake:

• TMM46040 Term Study Abroad (40 credits)

How are modules delivered?

How are module delivered?

Students, undertaking postgraduate study, typically do so through block teaching weeks. But it is also possible to undertake some modules through weekly attendance at Ridley.

We will be able to offer further guidance when you submit an application, but for initial information, please see the 2023/24 module timetable (pdf).

Supervised modules
It is possible to take an Independent Learning module in an area not covered by other teaching. This will involve independent study and supervision by an experienced lecturer in the agreed topic of your choice.

Module outlines

Module outlines

TMM40420 Advanced New Testament: The Johannine Literature (term time teaching) This module will provide a rigorous study of the Johannine Literature. Lecture material, class discussions, reading material, and assessments will explore the significance of theological, literary, and historical dynamics of the Fourth Gospel and the Letters of John for contemporary leadership, ministry, and mission in the life of the church.

TMM40520 Issues in Biblical Theology (postgraduate block teaching) The overall aims of the module are 1) to enable students to explore biblical themes in a comprehensive and nuanced way; and 2) to equip students to bring biblical wisdom to bear on contemporary ideas and practices. There will be an introduction to the various approaches to key figures and trends in biblical theology, with particular focus on the Bible’s foundational narrative framework. Several lectures will demonstrate how to explore biblical themes within the canon as well as how to engage 21st century cultural phenomena with the scriptural tradition. The module will conclude with student seminar presentations of their chosen theme.

TMM40920 Advanced Topic in Christian Doctrine: Liberation and Intersectional Theologies (postgraduate block teaching) This module will explore the topic of liberation and intersectional theologies in particular connection with contemporary Christian practice and experience. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, students will engage with biblical studies, church history, systematic theology and other relevant disciplines. Liberation and intersectional theologies are rooted in standpoint theory – the idea that a person’s identity and experiences are an essential part of their theoretical framing. By explicitly attending to the voices of those who are often marginalised from academic discourse by virtue of their identity, liberation and intersectional theologies offer up a critically engaged and intentionally prophetic lens to matters of doctrine.

TMM41020 Advanced Study of a Theological Text (postgraduate block teaching) This module will be an advanced study of David F. Ford’s recent work, The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2021). Written by the Emeritus Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, Ford’s book makes a significant contribution to Johannine studies and is the culmination of nearly twenty years of patient research and reflection on the fourth gospel. The module will move systematically through John’s gospel, closely following Ford’s commentary. It will consist of eight teaching sessions that will combine input from the lecturer, student contributions, and seminar-style discussion. The precise outline of the teaching will be provided in a Module Handbook. Through close engagement with Ford’s commentary, the module aims to give students a deeper understanding of John’s gospel and its relevance to the ministry and mission of the church today.

TMM41120 Advanced Topic in Church History (term time teaching) This module will examine historic developments from c. the 16th to 20th centuries, and explore how they reverberate in contemporary discussions and debates. The modern period is a particularly contested one in the context of today’s ‘culture wars’. Designed to provide students with the historical understanding and interpretive skills necessary for approaching current social and political dilemmas, this module centres on the question, ‘Which Christian figures and events are commemorated in this country?’. Commemorations are a particularly useful lens through which to examine the modern period because they expose the major building blocks of our shared historical consciousness and can prompt us to ask whose stories are left out. Although the module focuses on how the story of English Christianity is told and remembered through commemorative material (e.g. monuments, memorials, ‘blue plaques’, heritage tours, etc.), the ultimate aim is to appreciate the implications for the wider church on issues related to dogma, devotional practice, denominational identity, nationhood, class, race, and gender.

TMM41420 Themes in Moral Theology (term time teaching) This module will provide students with the opportunity to study some contested ethical issues, whilst developing a critical understanding of the moral theological approaches being brought to bear on these issues. The module will develop students’ awareness of the sources for moral theology (Scripture, tradition, reason - including experience and philosophical sources), so as to enable students to understand the different ways these sources are balanced and drawn upon in current ecclesial and theological discussions. In depth case studies of specific contemporary ethical debates (e.g. ecology and animal welfare; gender and sexuality; global finance) will enable students to identify and critically analyse these methodologies in action.

TMM42220 Research and Reflection (postgraduate block teaching) This module functions as the foundation for postgraduate study in Theology, Ministry, and Mission. The central aim is to channel curiosity about theology, ministry and mission toward the expansion of a theological imagination via rigorous reflection. For students new to postgraduate study, this course will support them to make this transition. For those who are new to empirical research, this module will equip them to use these approaches to make significant contributions to the various subfields within theology. As the module develops, students will learn how to ask the right questions about their ministry practice and how to craft research-informed answers. Since ministry is a ‘real world’ activity, the module introduces empirical (‘real world’) research methods like interviewing, focus groups, etc. as well as critiquing epistemological frameworks and assumptions.

TMM42360 Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission (supervisions) A dissertation provides an opportunity to develop research skills and inquiry-based learning and to lay the foundations for possible future work at a higher degree level. Participants will, in consultation and negotiation with a potential supervisor, identify a topic, issue, or ministerial area relevant to the study of theology, ministry and mission. The proposed title of the dissertation, together with a brief description and initial bibliography, must be submitted for approval by the Examination Board.

TMM42520 Chaplaincy and Christian Mission (postgraduate block teaching) To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the significance of chaplaincy as a significant and distinctive ministry within the contemporary mission of the church. To provide students with direct and substantial experience of a specific chaplaincy context and the skills with which to reflect theologically on their experience as a tool for developing best practice. To develop the capacity to inhabit with integrity the position of a chaplain including the distinctive skills and approaches to working in the specific chaplaincy context chosen.

TMM43920 Independent Learning Project (supervisions) This module is to enable participants to engage in independent learning related to a chosen subject area in the context of discipleship, mission and ministry. In consultation and negotiation with the tutor, participants will identify a topic, issue, or ministerial area relevant to the study of the theory and practice of ministry and in which there is academic expertise in the Cambridge Theological Federation. An independent learning project will be developed which may include both library and practical research. The area chosen may enhance and integrate study from the taught module programme providing the independent study is clearly distinguished from the content of such taught modules.

TMM44120 Relationships & Emotional Management (postgraduate block teaching) This module aims to support students in positively negotiating the networks of relationships which form the heart of ministry. The module encourages and facilitates considered theologically informed self-reflection in order to develop the robust emotional intelligence and resilience that ministry demands. We will focus on the power of understanding, discerning and proactively engaging with the dynamics within interlinking relationship systems to enhance the quality of ministerial interactions, decision making and personal and collective well-being. We will particularly draw on Bowens system theory which students are encouraged to locate in a culturally engaged theological worldview that is able to live in the tension between faith, hope and love.

TMM44320 Christian Doctrine & Contemporary Culture (postgraduate block teaching) This module will provide students with the opportunity to study particular Christian doctrines in the context of contemporary, predominantly secular, culture. The module will introduce students to different methodologies of Christian apologetics and cultural hermeneutics, with the aim of helping them to present and promote a dialogue between Christian faith claims and contemporary culture. Assessment activities will comprise an essay and a theological reflection. Students may use a portion of the theological reflection to demonstrate connections between the module content and their ministry, missional, or placement contexts.

TMM46120 Advanced Church Planting in Perspective (postgraduate block teaching To enable students to engage critically with different perspectives on church planting practices, drawing from biblical examples, church history and contemporary methods. To enable students to use the perspectives of other theological disciplines to understand and evaluate the practice of church planting, and to consider the contribution of church planting to the wider theological task. To equip students as effective leaders and reflective practitioners in church planting, who are equipped to develop good practice in their current and/or future contexts and to share it with others.

TMM47720 Advanced Topic in Worship and Liturgical Studies: Liturgical Theology & The Eucharist (term time teaching) What is the relationship between how Christians worship and what they believe? In this module we will be exploring a range of answers to this question and engaging in critical analysis of the work of Liturgical Theology which seeks to understand the meaning of Christian worship. What might it mean to take Christian worship as a primary source for theology? Using the Eucharist as our case study throughout the module, we will examine the relationship between Eucharistic theology and practice, the ways in which participating in liturgy forms and shapes Christians into ethical beings, and the political implications of such theologies. Engaging in creative and interdisciplinary approaches to study, this module will enable critical reflection on methodologies, theories, and theologies.