MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture

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  - Theology and Human Culture (20 Credits) - Students explore the nature of the relationship between theology and culture through creative and critical perspectives. Students will be allowed to refine and update their knowledge of theologians and key theological debates as they relate to human culture, show how central themes in theology are expressed through different forms of culture in history and today, and be allowed to critically reflect on human culture through a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. Students will be introduced to the interface between the divine and human culture and become familiar with the distinct methodological approaches taken within the sociological, philosophical, and theological studies of culture. Students will attend to the interdisciplinary nature of the study of culture from the 17th century to the present day and gain an appreciation of the creative interactions between different ways of understanding culture. As the core module, students will also be introduced to relevant research methods and skills as part of their induction to the program.

MANDATORY MODULE -  Text, Interpretation, and Imagination (20 Credits) - The images, stories, myths, and teachings of the Bible have served as a foundation for the Western cultural imagination. When read in each new cultural context, the Bible requires that one become sensitive to both the reading of the text and the act of being read by the text. Students will engage in critical and creative hermeneutics and a deeper and closer reading of the Biblical texts themselves, see how these texts inform and are informed by human creativity. Students will pursue intertextual analysis and offer the opportunity to compare different types of text (sacred and otherwise) and be encouraged to explore a variety of original and imaginative interpretations of certain biblical texts.  OPTIONAL MODULES  - The MA at Sarum College offers a vast 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.