Theology MSt

**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.** <br/><br/>**MPhil**<br/>The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Theology is a 21 month degree. It offers extensive study of a particular field of theology at an advanced level, with rigorous training in relevant research methods and a period of scholarly research and writing.<br/><br/>Students on the MPhil in Theology work in one of the following areas:<br/><br/><br/>- Old Testament<br/><br/><br/>- New Testament<br/><br/><br/>- Christian Doctrine, specialising in one of the following sections:<br/><br/><br/>- History of Doctrine: Patristic Theology (c. AD 100-787)<br/><br/><br/>- Issues in Theology with special reference to theology from 1780 to the present day<br/><br/><br/>- Ecclesiastical History (AD 200-600, AD 400-1100, AD 1000-1500, AD 1400-1800, AD 1800-the present)<br/><br/><br/>- Christian Ethics<br/><br/><br/>For more information about the content that is covered in each area listed above, visit the course page on the departmental website (see further information and enquiries).<br/><br/>The Faculty of Theology and Religion runs graduate seminars in different subjects, which offer a space for all those doing graduate work to meet and to share aspects of their work with peers. The seminars are an important way of staying in touch with peers and presenting research at various stages of development.<br/><br/>**MSt**<br/>The Master of Studies (MSt) in Theology is offered in different areas of theology, such as Biblical Interpretation, Science and Religion, Christian Doctrine, Christian Ethics, Ecclesiastical History, New Testament studies and Hebrew Bible studies. <br/><br/>Students of Christian Doctrine specialise in one of two areas: early Christian or modern theology. You will be part of an active and vibrant community of graduate students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. <br/><br/>The course is taught through a combination of core classes or tutorials and meetings with your supervisor, either one-to-one or in a very small group. Attendance at other lectures and seminars may be recommended or required. The topics being studied will normally be covered during the first two terms.<br/><br/>You learn to analyse and evaluate both primary and secondary literature, how to select the most significant materials, and combine them to form a structured argument. You also develop the habits of critical questioning, clear exposition, and objective evaluation.<br/><br/>Students are encouraged to attend and participate in research seminars in their subject area. There are research seminar series in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Patristics, Modern Theology, Church History, Christian Ethics, and Science and Religion. Other research seminars of interest are hosted by other faculties and seminars, colloquia, and conferences are organised by the interdisciplinary research centres affiliated to the faculty.<br/><br/>The choice of essays and dissertation topics is decided by the student, subject to advice from the supervisor, and final approval from the Graduate Studies Committee at the Faculty of Theology and Religion. For those who intend to proceed to the DPhil, the topic of the dissertation normally provides a foundation for doctoral research.<br/><br/>Students apply to work in one of the following areas:<br/><br/><br/>- Old Testament<br/><br/><br/>- New Testament<br/><br/><br/>- Christian Doctrine, specialising in one of the following sections: <br/><br/><br/>- History of Doctrine: Patristic Theology (c. AD 100-787)<br/><br/><br/>- Modern Theology (post-1789)<br/><br/><br/>- Ecclesiastical History (AD 200-600, AD 400-110, AD 1000-1500, AD 1400-1800, or AD 1800 to present)<br/><br/><br/>- Christian Ethics<br/><br/><br/>- Biblical Interpretation<br/><br/><br/>- Science and Religion<br/><br/><br/>For more information about the content that is covered in each area listed above, visit the course page on the departmental website (see further information and enquiries).