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MRes in Theology

About the Course

The Master of Research (MRes) in Theology at Regents Theological College focuses on developing your advanced research skills within a specific theological discipline to prepare you for future work at MPhil/PhD level. The programme utilises both taught modules, and an extended dissertation to increase your methodological awareness. It deepens both your expertise and subject knowledge in relation to your chosen theological discipline, and enhances your ability for advanced critical reflection on Christian beliefs and praxis.

Research proposals for the extended dissertation are welcome in relation to the following disciplines:

  • Biblical Studies (especially Biblical Theology, Hermeneutics, Reception History).
  • Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies (Theology, Spirituality, History, Praxis).

The introductory module, Thinking Theologically, introduces you to the methodological skills required for engaging in advanced theological study. These skills are practiced through exploring a topic related to your area of interest, and in writing a proposal for your dissertation. A second optional module deepens your knowledge within your chosen area of study, while the final module assigns a supervisory team to support you in the writing of an independent and innovative extended dissertation within your selected area of theological research.

Educational Aims of the Programme

  • To provide graduate students with the opportunity to develop an independent and substantial scholarly contribution in their chosen field of research, within the discipline of theology
  • To ensure research students are informed by, and contribute to, broader academic debates about the methods, approaches and practices that underpin the theological disciplines
  • To provide students with training in advanced theological research appropriate for Level 7
  • To develop students’ self-management, planning, and communication skills. To fully prepare those students with suitable interests for further postgraduate research at MPhil/PhD level

Mode of Learning

The Regents course can be completed in 1 year of full-time study, or 2 over years part-time.

The structure of the MRes in Theology can be outlined in three stages:
Stage 1: Study of the core module TH7179 Thinking Theologically: An Introduction to Theology and Its Methodologies. Successful completion of this module is a pre-requisite for earning the MRes in Theology award. It must be taken as the first module, and is always offered at the beginning of every academic year.

Stage 2: Completion of one module from the list of modules available on the programme. The selected module will usually be in the same theological discipline as your final dissertation. With the exception of TH7179, most modules run on alternate years, with one module from each of the five category clusters being offered each year. For example, of the two chaplaincy modules, if Practical Chaplaincy Development is offered this academic year, then Christian Ministry in an Institutional Context will be offered in the subsequent academic year. Modules currently include:

Biblical Theology

  • God and Israel in Biblical Theology
  • Spirit and Salvation in Luke-Acts

Pentecostal Studies

  • Pentecostal Spirituality
  • Pentecostal Theology in Transformation

Mission and Discipleship

  • Towards a Theology of Whole-Life Discipleship and Mission
  • Contemporary Christian Missions

Christian Leadership

  • Christian Leadership Development
  • Christian Leadership and Strategic Organisational Transformation

Chaplaincy

  • Practical Chaplaincy Development
  • Christian Ministry in an Institutional Context

Stage 3: Completion of the dissertation module TH7181 commences following successful completion of the two 30 credit modules. The length of the extended dissertation is 25,000 words. The provisional subject and title of the research dissertation are to be submitted as part of the application process, during which a provisional supervisory team will also be assigned.

Employability and Professional Practice

Track Leaders

Dr. Martin Clay BA, PhD

Martin has been at Regents since 2002. He has a BA (Hons) from the University of Manchester and a PhD from the University of Wales. His doctoral studies explored the intersection of biblical theology and philosophical hermeneutics. Much of his teaching focuses on facilitating deeper Christian understanding of the Old Testament, especially the literature and theology of the Torah/Pentateuch and the Hebrew Prophets. His current research interests concern the field of biblical theology, especially the problem of the interrelationship of the Old and New Testaments, the relevance of Scripture for contemporary theological and ethical controversies, and the role of Scripture in healthy discipleship formation. He also cultivates a critical interest in the appropriation of Scripture by continental philosophers, and particularly Gianni Vattimo.

Dean of Postgraduate Studies

Martin has been at Regents since 2002. He has a BA (Hons) from the University of Manchester and a PhD from the University of Wales. His doctoral studies explored the intersection of biblical theology and philosophical hermeneutics. Much of his teaching focuses on facilitating deeper Christian understanding of the Old Testament, especially the literature and theology of the Torah/Pentateuch and the Hebrew Prophets. His current research interests concern the field of biblical theology, especially the problem of the interrelationship of the Old and New Testaments, the relevance of Scripture for contemporary theological and ethical controversies, and the role of Scripture in healthy discipleship formation. He also cultivates a critical interest in the appropriation of Scripture by continental philosophers, and particularly Gianni Vattimo.

Validation and Entry Requirements

Regents Theological College is an approved academic partner of the University of Chester. The Master of Research (MRes) in Theology is validated by the University of Chester and students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible for a University of Chester award.

An initial degree in Theology and/or Religious Studies; OR

An initial degree in another subject, together with evidence of certificated learning in theology and/or religious studies.

Applicants must hold at least a 2.1 honours degree with a dissertation score in the same category or higher.

Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL internet 90. Students who wish to be admitted on the basis of non-EU previous qualifications are required to submit a certificate of comparison from NARIC upon which their application will be considered. The college is unable to issue CAS numbers for UK visa applications to international students.

For more information on the available modules, click here.

Awards

Completion of the MRes in Theology requires that students obtain a total of 180 credits, comprising two 30 credit modules, with a further 120 credits for their dissertation. Most students are currently part time, and usually take two 30 credit modules in the first year, followed by the dissertation in their final year. Students who successfully complete the master’s programme are awarded a Master of Research (MRes) in Theology.

Course Fees and Funding

For course fees, please visit our college fees page here.

Postgraduate loans for the MRes in Theology course are available to applicants based in England and Wales. For further information, please see Regents Student Finance Codes.

How to Apply

As a research degree, the MRes in Theology has its own distinctive application process. To register your initial interest please contact our Student Services Manager, Shelley Cave via email or on 01684 588979 and 01684 588965.