In Systematic Theology you explore the doctrinal dimensions of theology. Compulsory module: Revelation & Reason. Leads to research in the Department of Theology or careers in teaching, journalism or the church.
KEY BENEFITS
- King's has unparalleled resources in Theology with strength across two departments. It has one of the largest Systematic Theology research institutes in Europe, employing five full-time systematicians and numerous other full-time staff in related fields.
- A thriving graduate research environment supports a long-standing systematics seminar which draws in leading scholars from home and overseas and also offers students the opportunity to hone their skills in a supportive educational environment.
- Students of Theology at King's find themselves at the centre of one of the world's most dynamic cities, which offers all kinds of opportunities for theological engagement as well as unparalleled access to specialist libraries and other resources in central London.
- Originally an Anglican founding college of the University of London, King's has had a unique place in shaping the theology of the future for some two hundred years. It continues to provide a vibrant, inter-denominational environment for theological education and research, and enjoys extensive contacts and collaboration both with Church institutions and communities in London, as well as other theological centres.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Research in the Department of Theology; teaching; journalism; careers in the church.
Programme leader/s
Professor Oliver Davies
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Arts and Humanities
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Closing date
31 August 2013.
Please note that applicants wishing to apply for funding (e.g. AHRC) must submit their application by the relevant funding deadline, which is usually early in the year. Please
seehttp://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources/index.aspxfor information on the available funding opportunities and deadlines.
No set number.
Fees
PT Home: £3950 (2013)
PT Overseas: £8125 (2013)
FT Home: £7900 (2013)
FT Overseas: £16250 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Officer, Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 2765 / 2232 / 7232
fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
For those who wish to develop their skills in Systematic Theology or to prepare for postgraduate research in the discipline. An introduction to aspects of the methods and content of Christian theology.
DESCRIPTION
Systematic Theology offers the opportunity to study Theology in depth. The programme includes modules on philosophical theology, biblical theology, practical theology, historical theology, ethics and the arts, as well as doctrine, in order to deliver a uniquely comprehensive study of Theology at King's. The course is rigorous and inclusive, and has a strong 'this-worldly' focus. It places an emphasis on thinking through the place of theology in the contemporary world based upon its traditional resources. Compulsory module: Revelation & Reason. Leads to research in the Department of Theology or careers in teaching, journalism or the church.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Revelation and Reason: Content & Method in Systematic Theology;
- Modern Doctrine;
- Dissertation.
Indicative non-core content
- Theological Interpretation of Scripture;
- The Idea of Beauty.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Taught core and optional modules assessed by coursework and/or examination plus a dissertation.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7AATC999
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 60
Semester:
summer session 1; summer session 2;
Teaching pattern: The dissertation is to be on a topic chosen by the candidate with advice from his or her supervisor, and written under supervision.
Assessment:
coursework
Assessed by 1 x dissertation of up to 15,000 words
For a full module description and further information, please see the
module page on the Department of Theology & Religious Studies website.
Module code: 7AATC404
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 40
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring)
Assessment:
coursework
one x 5,000-word essays
This module aims to provide a grounding in the advanced study of theology as a doctrinal discipline. It therefore focuses firstly upon the history of doctrine (Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology) before proceeding to examine some of the primary ways in which theology has developed contextual expressions and critiques of doctrine. The emphasis is upon learning the parameters within which the different theological schools are doctrinally shaped and formed. The module examines a number of contemporary theological projects which seek to recontextualise doctrinal traditions within current modes of understanding.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc404.aspx
Module code: 7AATC401
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 40
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern: Taught via one three-hour class per week (10 weeks)
Assessment:
coursework
2 x 5,000 word essays
This module approaches the nature of systematic theology with particular reference to its methods and use of criteria
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc401.aspx
Module code: 7AATC421
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 40
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
coursework
Assessed by 2 x 5,000-word essays
The aim of the course is to bring you into critical engagement with biblical texts through a range of commentaries from a variety of periods reflecting a wide range of hermeneutical approaches. You will develop not only an awareness of your own hermeneutical assumptions when approaching the text, but also an 'intellectual empathy' for approaches that are not your own. Beyond this, you will learn how to analyse and evaluate the various exegetical methods employed, to negotiate between conflicting interpretations and to reflect on the hermeneutical issues that arise
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc421.aspx
Module code: 7AATC230
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Teaching pattern:
Assessment:
coursework; presentation/s;
1 x seminar presentation (10%) - graded on presentation (5%) and short seminar paper (5%), with due dates progressive through course. 1 x 5,000 word essay (90%)
This module is devoted to the study of the passion narratives of the canonical Gospels (with some attention to the non-canonical Gospels) and their reception within creative media. Initially there will be a focus on the texts, as well as the social, political, historical and archaeological background relevant to the debates concerning the death of Jesus. Following this, the second part of the course will be an examination and analysis of the representation of the passion in art, literature and film. Students will explore how the passion of Jesus has been utilised and depicted in a variety of artistic, literary and cinematic productions.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc230.aspx
Module code: 7AATC411
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 40
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
coursework
Assessed by 2 x 5,000-word essays.
The module will teach students about the sustained and rich discussion of the theme of the beautiful in the Western Church, a discussion which runs through every century of its history and has often provoked fierce contention (as in the Reformation). It will introduce students to this tradition, tracing its debts to classical models of the relationsihp between beauty and goodness (especially in the works of Plotinus), through the medieval discussions of beauty as a transcendental (especially in the work of Aquinas), to the theological influence on philosophical aesthetics in the 18th and 19th centuries (including the observation of a distinctively British tradition in Coleridge, Ruskin, Hopkins and others). It will conclude with the major works in the area of theological aesthetics that have been produced since the 20th century (Jacques Maritain, David, Jones, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Davie Bentley Hart, Rowan Williams).
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc411.aspx
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree (or overseas equivalent - US applicants should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3) in theology, religious studies, related disciplines, or other relevant qualifications/experience. Applicants without experience in the field should consider our Graduate Diploma, especially designed to ease the transition from another subject.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your application will be assessed by at least one academic member of staff. We aim to process all applications within four to six weeks, although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please provide a personal statement with your application, (e.g. explaining why you wish to take our programme, and outlining any relevant background experience) and give your undergraduate and/or any other degree qualification, School/College, subject, grade and date.
FUNDING
Small grants (up to c. £2,000) awarded by the King’s Theological Trust to MA and research students in the department. Two Walton Scholarships (approximately £4,500 each year), normally awarded to one full time MA student and one full time research student. Otherwise AHRC, Graduate School and School of Arts & Humanities scholarships and bursaries, self-funded.
For further information, please see our graduate funding page:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/study/funding/index.aspx
Related programme student profile
Christianity & the Arts MAI didn’t so much choose King’s, as it chose me. I was actually looking at a job advertised on the National Gallery’s website when I saw a reference to my course. Intrigued, I had a look at King’s’ site and although I had never considered doing a Master’s it suddenly seemed to be exactly what I was looking for: an opportunity to focus my interests and learn more about a field I was hoping to work in. For several years I had been thinking about ‘Christian art,’ in particular what it might look like today, along with its place and function.
It has been said that art galleries are the cathedrals of today and therefore places where truth and revelation may still be sought. In Western culture where there is a general wariness of organised religion and a turning away from traditional means of Christian communication, perhaps art could be a means of bridging the gap? To embark upon such a course of study may seem unusual for someone like myself with many years of working life already behind them. But rather than cruising towards retirement I felt there was still time to explore something new.
My first year is more than fulfilling my expectations, with great teaching, good support, and a wealth of resources available. I knew of King’s excellent reputation for Theology and its Christian foundation when I applied and for me this adds an extra dimension.
The Chaplaincy keeps me informed of events and services which reflect the rhythm of the church year. And the
college choir is fantastic!
I know what I’m doing is a privilege. Two years will pass very quickly.