Explore Catholic thought, history, and practice with our inclusive Theology master’s
Reflect on several Christian perspectives with our Theology master’s. You will balance theory and practical application while covering topics like:
- Christian ministry
- Systematic theology
- Liberation theology
- contemplative spirituality
- Catholic social teaching
- spiritual direction
- Catholic history and its impacts on contemporary practice.
Our postgraduate Theology degree suits:
- Religious Education (RE) teachers
- those engaged in Christian ministry and priesthood regardless of ecclesial background
- people working within charities, the voluntary sector, or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of Christian theology.
Upheld by Catholic values
We have a long and distinguished history as a Catholic institution. As part of our Catholic mission, we prioritise:
- recognising everyone’s dignity and rights
- openness and inclusivity
- mutual understanding.
Pursuing Catholic, as well as Anglian, Reformed and Orthodox Church perspectives, the programme seeks to explore the place of theology in contemporary society.
Specialist teaching and support
You will learn from a multi-disciplinary team committed to your wellbeing. Our student, Michael, tells us our academics were “universally welcoming, friendly, and very helpful”.
Study around your schedule
You can take our Theology MA on a part-time or full-time basis, meaning you’ll study around your commitments.
Matthew James
Course Lead
Upcoming webinars and events
Postgraduate events
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Course content
Modules
After a foundation offering a grounding in Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology, you will have a choice of three further optional modules. If you are studying for a Master’s degree, a dissertation or service-based learning research will complete the programme.
The course looks to address issues that you bring from your context and will encourage you to reflect critically on Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology in relation to those contexts.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:2
Previous degree
Students are required to have a good first degree in Theology (or similar).
Additional requirement information
Applicants without such qualifications may be considered for admission if they possess relevant experience and can evidence of ability to engage with postgraduate study.
Although rooted in the Catholic theological tradition, the programme's tutors include those from several other Christian communities, and is open to students from all faiths or none.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
September 2025
Home
£9,240
International
£17,820
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
You can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
A variety of different forms of assessment are employed across the programme, including:
- essays
- portfolios
- case studies
- article reviews
- issue reports
- oral presentations.
In addition, in order to achieve the MA, you will be required to complete a 15,000 word dissertation, which is supported by individual supervision.
Career opportunities
With our Theology master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills like human understanding, communication, and critical thinking.
You can work within pastoral care, ministry, and chaplaincy within:
- education
- healthcare
- the armed forces
- prisons
- retreat work
- spiritual and religious guidance
- adult formation.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Theology MA, PGDip, PGCert include:
Apply now
PGDip applications for 2025/26 are not yet open. Register your interest now.
September 2025
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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