Catholic Social Teaching induction information

About your programme

Module information

You’ll complete your course one block or ‘semester’ at a time. In each semester you’ll study modules. Some are core modules you have to take – others you’ll be able to choose between when you arrive, personalising the course to your interests.

In your first semester you will study the following modules:

• Pastoral Theology of Ministry: Scripture and Ministry 

Pastoral Theology of Ministry: Scripture and Ministry

The module explores the interface between scripture and pastoral theological methodologies as it reflects on the contemporary practice of ministry. Students will learn how to situate their ministry within scriptural and theological paradigms and thus equip them to undertake the later theological reflection on their ministry leading to a research project.

• Credits: 20
• Basic Principles and History of Catholic Social Teaching 

Basic Principles and History of Catholic Social Teaching

The module aims to give a thorough introduction to the principles and history of Catholic Social Teaching, drawing on its sources in the Bible and the Church’s philosophical and theological tradition. It will also look in detail at the fundamental principles of Catholic Social Teaching, such as solidarity, subsidiarity, the dignity of the human person and the family. It will also study in depth the modern teachings of the Magisterium from 1891 to the present day.

• Credits: 20
• Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes - part-time CST students only Optional

Systematic Theology and Contemporary Themes - part-time CST students only (Optional)

This is an optional module for part-time CST students only.

It brings together and seeks to interrelate two articulated components:

• An historical component examining the origins of Christian doctrine (or ‘theology’) by examining foundational controversies in the opening centuries of the Christian church via key patristic texts.
• A present-day component examining ecclesial and academic controversies, over how best to interpret and perpetuate this theological heritage today.

In addition, students will be introduced to core research skills.

• Credits: 20
• Dissertation 

Dissertation

This module, compulsory for the MA, is your chance to dig into an area in depth. It enables you to identify, delimit, research and communicate your findings on a topic of your choice within Theology (understood as the broad range of areas covered by the modules within the MA), with the support of a lecturer to supervise your research.

You will have an introductory short series of classes on research methods and approaches to help in thinking your project through to a proposal before you formally start work on the research.

• Credits: 60
• Service-Learning Based Research 

Service-Learning Based Research

This service-learning based module requires 150 hours minimum of volunteering and/or work in the charitable sector in service of the community. It will include the development of a portfolio which links the service to the community with the learning outcomes of the course and academic and practical research in the relevant field. The portfolio will include a reflective journal, a review of academic/think-tank articles, and a report or paper.

This is an independent study module, supported by supervision from one of the course team and by an appropriate member of staff at the organisation at which they are volunteering. The volunteering can take place at any time and will be limited to a UK registered charity. The student is responsible for organising the volunteering or paid service to the community, though advice will be given by the Course Lead. This module will be supported by group study seminars and workshops. If you are already working or volunteering in the charitable sector, this module can be based around that community service.

Further information about the structure of your course can be found within the programme specification document.