Catholic Applied Theology (Maryvale@StMary's) (Distance Learning) MA

Critically examine Catholic theology, philosophy, and the human sciences with our Catholic Applied Theology MA.

The MA in Catholic Applied Theology (2 years, part-time, distance learning) provides the opportunity to engage in an informed, systematic and critical manner with Catholic theology, philosophy and the human sciences.

Founded on a commitment to the Magisterium and the educational ideals of St John Henry Newman, you will develop a critical understanding of the anthropological, philosophical and Christological foundations of Catholic applied theology.

By learning to communicate knowledge and formulate arguments in the face of the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world, you will become well prepared to contribute to the field of theology, both academically and for practice.

There is a focus on combining academic study, prayer life and the development of an online community of students and staff which encourages, supports and enhances student progress and achievements.

(Picture of St John Henry Newman courtesy of The Fathers of the Birmingham Oratory.)

Forerunners in online and Catholic education

Maryvale@StMary’s has specialised in distance learning theology degrees (BA, MA and PhD) for over 30 years, making it one of the oldest Catholic distance learning institutes in the English-speaking world.

In June 2024, three of the theology degrees transferred to St Mary’s University, becoming Maryvale@StMary’s, the distance learning arm of the School of Theology.

With our shared Catholic ethos, we become part of the long and distinguished history of St Mary’s University, where The Faculty of Education, Theology and the Arts houses the Mater Ecclesiae College, established in 1614.

What graduates of the MA say

At the end of the MA in Catholic Applied Theology, we asked students what they found most positive about the programme. They said:

‘Learning more about the history of the Faith, about ways of thinking theologically.’,

‘The ability of the programme to make theology relevant to everyday Chrisitan life.’

‘The course content was wonderful and totally in line with Church Teaching.'

‘The course has greatly educated me, grown my faith and helped me to find my likely future path in faith ministry in my diocese’.

‘I loved the course content; it has inspired me to further study’.

‘Meeting some wonderful inspiring people and deepening my faith and spirituality in unexpected ways’.

Study techniques

The part-time, distance learning approach means you can follow a thought-provoking and inspiring theological programme from any country across the world whilst maintaining your existing work, family and other commitments.

Employing online learning, the teaching method harnesses various resources, both ancient and modern, to provide excellent tuition from specialist staff.

Comprehensive and constantly revised coursebooks (along with readers) are used as the main learning resource to guide you through each element in your area of study, while the online study weekends, study days and optional residential in year one, provide in-person contact with tutors and other students at lectures, seminars and discussion-periods.

You will have regular one-to-one tutorials with the course lead.

Home learning is based on the specially-written coursebooks which guide you through each module of your area of study. Through these, you engage with scripture, Catholic teaching and the work of scholars in their area of study.

Guidance is always available by email and Zoom or Teams from the course lead and module tutors.