Modules in Detail
Standard Pathway 1
Below are the details of each of the modules within the Standard pathway 1, Bachelor
of Arts (Honors) Degree in Theology and Pastoral Studies.
(240 credits: 120 at level 2 + 120 at level 3).
Year 1/term 1: 4 Saturdays; Level 2: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the history and theology of Christian mission plus an audit
of the student’s home church and community, and an essay.
Year 1/term 1: 9 evenings & 2 Saturdays (term 2); Level 2: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the history and practice of Christian ministry, a placement
in a parish of a minimum of 50 hours contact time plus the writing of a reflection
and an essay.
Year 1/term 2: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday (term 3); Level 2: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the development of Christian worship, with visits to places
of worship, workshops on liturgy plus a written report, and an essay.
Year 1/term 3: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday; Level 2: 20 credits.
Lectures on understanding and interpreting the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament),
seminars, an exegesis, experiential Bible study, and an essay.
Year 2/term 1: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday; Level 2: 20 credits.
Lectures on the books of the New Testament, student led seminars, an exegesis on
a biblical passage plus an essay.
Year 2/term 2: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday; Level 2: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the history of the Church and theological developments
from the early Church to the medieval period, with an essay.
(Level 3: 20 credits)
Written assignments based on the Easter school that year.
Year 2/term 3: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday; Level 3: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the ministry of the churches within the wider community;
with a supervised sector placement of 50+ hours, a written case study and theological
reflection.
Year 3/terms 1-3: 6 Saturdays; Level 3: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on some selected books of the Bible, seminars on homiletics
with a written exegesis on a biblical passage and sermons.
Year 3/term1: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday; Level 3: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the people, movements and theology that shapes Christian
discipleship since the Reformation, with written study of a classic text and an
essay.
Year 3/term 2: 10 evenings & 1 Saturday; Level 3: 20 credits.
Lectures and seminars on the philosophy and theology of ethics and a range of ethical
issues, with two essays.
Level 3: 20 credits.
An opportunity to research and present a piece of work on a chosen subject through
supervised research assistance and private study with the writing of a 6000-8000
word dissertation.
Standard Pathway 2
All of the following modules are taught through lectures, group work, observation
on placement and in the home church and community, and private study and written
assignments.
(240 credits: 120 at Level 1 + 120 at Level 2)
Years 1/2, term 1; Level 1: 20 credits.
Introducing key skills in the critical use of biblical texts in home church and
placement contexts through the study of genre, narrative and theological themes
in the Old Testament.
Years 1/2, term 2; Level 1: 20 credits.
Introducing basic sources, methods and norms in Christian ethics to show how diversity
and pluralism lead to critical thinking about taken-for-granted assumptions, and
to lead to constructive thinking about the role of the Church in addressing ethical
issues.
Years 1/2, term 3; Level 1: 20 credits.
Introducing key terminology and issues relating to Christian mission in the contemporary
context. In particular, to encourage applying insights and learning to placement
and home church contexts, through reflection on academic and placement encounters.
Years 1/2, term 1; Level 1: 20 credits.
Equipping with skills required to study the New Testament through the study of genre,
narrative and key theological themes and enabling application of these to home church
and placement contexts.
Years 1/2, term 2; Level 1: 20 credits.
Introducing key doctrines and theological concepts within the Christian faith. Particular
attention is given to the historical development of theology and to the variety
of contexts in which doctrine has emerged.
Years 1/2, term 3; Level 1: 20 credits.
Introducing basic concepts and ideas within the study of worship, liturgy and the
sacraments and providing an opportunity to develop learning in relation to home
church and placement contexts.
Years 3/4, term 1; Level 2: 20 credits.
Developing a critical understanding of the place of children and young people within
the mission and ministry of the Church and evaluating different approaches to working
with children and young people.
Year 3, term 2; Level 2: 20 credits.
Engaging in practical experiences of theology and ministry through placement-based
learning. This learning will provide a basis for critical theological reflection,
especially on leadership.
Year 4, terms 1, 2 & 3; Level 2: 20 credits.
Weekend lectures and seminars on some selected books of the Bible, seminars on homiletics
with a written exegesis on a biblical passage and sermons.
Years 3/4, term 1; Level 2: 20 credits.
Introducing the theoretical perspectives and practical skills for engaging in pastoral
care contexts, and reflecting theologically on practical experiences in the home
church and placement context.
Year 4, term 2; Level 2: 20 credits.
Providing an opportunity to research the way ordained ministry is perceived and
expressed in the title parish, both in the church and wider community, and reflecting
on those findings.
Year 4, term 3; Level 2; 20 credits.
Providing an opportunity to undertake independent research within the field of theology
and ministry. It will help students develop skills as independent learners, planning,
negotiating and managing different aspects of their learning.