University of Exeter

Program Information

Degree Offered

MA by Research Theology and Religion

Format: Campus, Online

Program Description:

The Master by Research in Theology like other research degrees contains no taught element and offers you the opportunity to pursue a research project, without entering into the commitment of a PhD. As such, it’s ideal for those in employment who are interested in pursuing a specific shorter-term research project. The degree programme is intended both as an award in its own right or as a progression route to a PhD.

The Department adopts a ‘hands on’ approach to supervision which has proven effective with respect to successful completion. The research culture at Exeter is characterised by conversation that crosses sub-disciplinary boundaries (biblical studies, patristics, historical theology, systematics, ethics and philosophical theology), and is sustained by a variety of formal and informal means.

To support your research, the College offers an established series of courses in generic research skills and the Department offers various fora to enable research students, staff and distinguished visiting theologians to exchange ideas, encourage each others’ research and present papers. Staff are actively involved in societies such as the Society for the Study of Theology and the Society for New Testament Study and postgraduates are encouraged to attend and present papers. You will also be able to take advantage of the University's Effective Researcher Development Programme.

The minimum period of study for this programme is one year full-time and two years part-time. A Masters by Research degree is assessed by a written dissertation of up 40,000 words. The dissertation will not need to constitute an original contribution to knowledge but will need to provide evidence that you have worked at the current limits of understanding of the subject. Unlike a taught Masters degree, there is no taught element, so dedication and enthusiasm for your subject are essential. As with other research students, you may be required to ‘audit’ all or part of certain modules, following a training needs analysis.

It may be possible to study for a PhD or MPhil with only occasional visits to the University. Distance-based students undertake the majority of their research at an off campus location of their choosing, while split-site study may be appropriate if you have access to suitable academic facilities locally. If you think you may be interested in a distance-based MPhil/PhD, please read see our website for further information.

Accreditation:

University of Exeter

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes