MA in Christian Spirituality

The MA is completed part-time over a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. Students at Sarum College usually complete the degree within three years (two years for the taught part and a further year for the dissertation). Students who satisfactorily complete six taught modules and an Independent Study (180 credits) gain an MA awarded by the University of Winchester. Students who satisfactorily complete three taught modules (60 credits) and exit obtain a Postgraduate Certificate. Students who satisfactorily complete six taught modules (120 credits) and exit obtain a Postgraduate Diploma.

All taught modules are worth 20 credits. Students are expected to complete the two Core Modules (compulsory) and four Optional Modules. This may include any one module from another Sarum MA programme.

CORE MODULE 1 -  Foundations and Forms of Christian Spirituality (20 Credits) The module introduces students to the nature of Spirituality in the Christian tradition until the end of the eighteenth century. It examines several spiritual traditions within Christianity and enables students to place these in their historical and philosophical contexts. Students will become aware of the problems we face in interpretation matters when dealing with classical spiritual texts and will be encouraged to apply a range of interpretative methods to the texts to which they will be introduced.

CORE MODULE 2  - The Nature of Contemporary Spirituality (20 Credits) The module introduces students to the nature of Spirituality in the Christian tradition from the nineteenth century to the present day. Students will investigate the proliferation of Christian spiritualities in this period and consider the impact of modernity, postmodernity, feminism, and political theology on contemporary conceptions of Christian Spirituality. Students will also investigate the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of academic responses to Christian Spirituality (concerning literature, psychology, film, etc.) and the extent to which these extend the discipline's taxonomy. OPTIONAL MODULES The MA in Christian Spirituality at Sarum College offers an extensive range of Optional Modules. Each module runs every other year, and the dates of the Optional Modules will be available two years in advance to help students plan their program of study.

Sarum College is an ecumenical centre for Christian study and research where our passion is learning that nourishes the human spirit. Welcoming people of all faiths and none, we offer space and time for enquiring minds to grow in wisdom and courage.

Our postgraduate programs are validated by the University of Winchester and can lead to a postgraduate diploma or an MA degree. Some places are set aside for those who wish to attend postgraduate modules without seeking a qualification.

Short courses range from short evening lectures to four-day residentials and plenty in between. The content also ranges widely, from academic to experiential to leisurely.

We also offer a range of ministry training programs and students can choose full-time, part-time, or practice-based study and training. These courses create opportunities for all to learn, think, speak, and act with greater theological confidence.