Mattersey Hall offers three different Masters programmes, two MA degrees and an MTh. Our MTh in Practical Theology and MA in Mission both require completion of four modules, examined in each case by a 5,000 word essay, and a dissertation of approximately 20,000 words. You can take both the MTh or MA part time over 24 months or full time over 12 months. The MA in Missional Leadership runs on slightly different lines and is available for part-time study only.

A number of different teaching strategies are employed in all these courses, including directed learning, seminars, workshops, field trips and group presentations as well as formal lectures. Each taught module will be worth 30 credits under the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) at Level 4/Level M, and will require 300 study hours of which approximately 20 will be formal contact hours. All our teaching staff are highly-qualified and respected academics, but experienced, active practitioners who understand the real-world implications of their teaching and are as interested as you will be in the practical, everyday application of the new skills, knowledge and abilities you will gain in working toward your qualification.

If you are studying part time, you attend Mattersey Hall for two weeks in early September for two consecutive years. Each year you take two modules. You then start work on your dissertation half way through your second and final year, when you have passed all four modules.

You can also study full time for the MTh in Practical Theology as a residential or day student at Mattersey. In this case, you will attend your first lectures in early September, completing your work for these modules by Christmas. You will then take a further two modules from January to March by directed learning, which entails supervised reading and research with the possibility of attending a formal undergraduate lecture programme related to the issues you are studying, if you choose. Upon successful completion of your four modules you will begin work on your dissertation in April, completing it by the end of August, and if it is acceptable you will graduate with your Masters degree before Christmas, just 14 months after starting the programme.

As a full-time Masters student, you will receive regular and proactive support from your module and dissertation supervisors, as well as mentoring and personal development meetings with the Graduate School leadership. You will also be expected to participate actively in the school’s research seminar programme with other members of your cohort group.

All graduate students undertake our Research Training Programme as part of their course, which provides an excellent introduction to study at this level. The RTP covers academic writing and research skills in particular, aiming to prepare students as effectively as possible for the dissertation phase.

Applicants under 25 should normally have a first degree in a biblical or theological discipline, ideally at Upper Second or First Class level, though we are able to take other qualifications into account and may be able to accept you on the basis of an entrance test and interview. Applicants over 25 can be accepted on the basis of their experience in ministry and do not need formal qualifications for admission. Please contact the Graduate School for guidance.