Postgraduate theological study

Postgraduate Study

For church leaders, both lay and licensed, and others who are looking to deepen their understanding and practice of ministry and mission, Ridley Hall offers part-time postgraduate theology courses with the flexibility to choose between intensive teaching weeks or term time study.

Intensive teaching weeks enable you to fit study around your existing commitments, while term time study may suit those living closer to Cambridge or looking to study full time.

Which courses are available?

Which courses are available?

We offer three courses on the postgraduate stream:

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

Postgraduate study in theology normally requires at least two years' prior theological study. We offer the Graduate Diploma as a ‘conversion course’ for those with a good prior degree. Follow the course links or contact us on study@ridley.cam.ac.uk for further details including specific admissions requirements for particular courses.

When and where will you study?

When and where will you study?

There are two ways you can undertake postgraduate study with Ridley:

1. Intensive teaching – two, three-day teaching blocks at Cambridge, per term (i.e. students typically undertake 60 credits by attendance at six teaching blocks, spread evenly across the year)
2. Term-time teaching – weekly, one or two half-day sessions, throughout three eight week terms in Cambridge

Supervised modules

It is possible to take an Independent Learning module in an area not covered by other teaching. This will involve mainly independent study and supervision by an experienced lecturer in that area.

The MA requires you to undertake a dissertation on an agreed topic of your choice.

What will you study?

What will you study?

The standard module choice is as follows:

• TMM40520 Issues in Biblical Theology (suggested year 1 – 20 credits)
• TMM44120 Relationships & Emotional Management (suggested year 1 – 20 credits)
• TMM42220 Research and Reflection (suggested year 1 – 20 credits)
• TMM41020 Advanced Study of a Theological Text (suggested year 2 – 20 credits)

We strongly recommend students undertake the suggested modules and then choose two further modules from the optional list:

• TMM42520 Chaplaincy and Christian Mission (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
• TMM44320 Christian Doctrine & Contemporary Culture (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
• TMM43920 Independent Learning Project Cambridge (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
• TMM46120 Advanced Church Planting in Perspective (optional year 2 – 20 credits)

Compulsory dissertation for MA students:

• TMM42360 Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission (60 credits)

Module outlines

Module outlines

TMM40520 Issues in Biblical Theology (suggested year 1 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM44120 Relationships & Emotional Management (suggested year 1 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM42220 Research and Reflection (suggested year 1 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM41020 Advanced Study of a Theological Text (suggested year 2 – 20 credits)
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

TMM42520 Chaplaincy and Christian Mission (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM44320 Christian Doctrine & Contemporary Culture (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM43920 Independent Learning Project Cambridge (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM46120 Advanced Church Planting in Perspective (optional year 2 – 20 credits)
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.

TMM42360 Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission (compulsory dissertation for MA students – 60 credits)
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.

Further information

To talk to us before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.