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Introduction

The MA in Biblical Interpretation offers a high-quality programme of study taught by experts within the field of Biblical Studies. The programme explores the literature and world of the Bible from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

We have a long and distinguished tradition of specialist teaching in Biblical Studies which continues to this day. All our Biblical Studies staff participate nationally and internationally in significant biblical research.

Theology and Religion have been an important part of life and teaching on the Lampeter campus since the early 19th century. The teaching of Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies is one of the oldest of its kind in the UK and was the first of its kind in Wales. If you join our programme, you will become a part of a world-wide community of learners benefiting from a long-established tradition of teaching excellence.

Location

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Course Length

Course Length:
Part-time: 4 years
Distance Learning
Full-time: 2 years
Start Date: 1 October/ 1 February

Why choose this course?

• You will be able to choose from a wide range of interesting topics taught by experienced university lecturers who are specialists in the field of biblical studies.
• Students are provided with a vibrant research culture due to the ongoing, cutting edge research published by our staff.
• You will gain research skills that will be a sound basis for further study, as well as a range of important skills which can be easily transferred to the workplace.
• The programme is offered as part-time, distance learning, October or February entry.
• Since the course is a distance-learning course, you can study from the comfort of your own home using our VLE (virtual learning environment) and the course content and reading.

Overview

Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies provide a vibrant research culture, and MA students are encouraged to participate in research seminars.

The programme is delivered part-time through distance learning. All module content is available through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students will be supported throughout their studies with regular access to their module tutors, either one-to-one (by email, Skype, phone), in groups (using media such as Skype), or via VLE module discussion forums or wikis.

We hold an annual residential graduate summer school for postgraduate students. Students experience a wide range of lectures and seminars as well as engaging with other research students.

In Part I, students study two 30 credit compulsory modules and two 30 credit optional modules (120 credits in total). Further information can be seen in the section below.

Part II involves a 15,000-word dissertation under the guidance of a seasoned academic. Whether your goal is to develop the beginnings for further doctoral research or just to indulge curiosity, the dissertation provides you with the chance to develop and explore your own research interests.

Modules

Part I (PG Cert, PG Dip & MA)

• Christology and Atonement (30 credits; optional)
• From Patriarchs to Prophets: Reading and Reception (30 credits; optional)
• Political Theology (30 credits; optional)
• Social Theory and the Ethics of Reading Biblical Texts (30 credits; optional)
• The Bible: Text and Transmission (30 credits; optional)
• The Doctrine of the Trinity (30 credits; optional)
• The Gospel of John (30 credits; optional).

Part II (MA)

• MA Dissertation (Religion) (60 credits; compulsory).

Entry Criteria

Applicants are expected to have a good first degree (a first or upper second), although every application is considered in its own merit, so places may be offered on the basis of professional qualification and relevant experiences. Candidates with a lower degree classification or no degree may be admitted at Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma level, with an opportunity to upgrade to Master’s level if satisfactory progress is made.

ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.

IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.

Assessment

ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview

Assessment

The modules are assessed by a variety of assessment methods: short essays (2,500 words), longer essays (4,000-5,000 words), comparative analyses, literary reviews, textual analyses and one 15000-word dissertation.

Career Opportunities

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