FAQS - DISTANCE LEARNING

MA by Distance Learning FAQs

How much will it cost?

Download the latest MA by Distance Learning fee sheet here: MA by Distance Learning fee sheet.

What study material will I receive?

For each module you will receive a Study Book and a reader of photocopies from relevant books and journals. You will also need to obtain copies of a number of specified textbooks for each module.

With the assistance of a subject-specialist tutor, you will work through this material. On occasion, you will send sample material for evaluation by the tutor, as well as being able to discuss your essays with him or her.

Several of our tutors are abroad and all work submitted to and from them is sent by email. You will also be able to contact other distance learning students and discuss the study with them. Essays must be emailed to LST.

How will I be assessed?

For each module you will submit two 5,000 word essays. Assessment is done solely from those essays. Deadlines are set by the Open Learning Department, after discussion with each student to take into account their particular working patterns and responsibilities. You can expect to write two essays a year.

How much study will I need to do?

Typically you’ll need to study for a minimum of 10 hours per week, for 40 weeks of the year, for each module.

Obviously, if you have more hours available each week then you will be able to complete your programme in less time. Alternatively, your work may allow you to spend concentrated periods of a few weeks or months solely on study. Distance Learning is flexible enough to accommodate this.

There is also the advantage of up to 2 years abeyance – so if you are unable to complete part of your course, due to other commitments, you can leave and come back to study at any given time within a 2-year framework.

What entry qualifications do I need?

For the MA you are normally required to have a British Honours Degree in Theology at 2:1 level. If you only want to complete the Postgraduate Diploma you’ll need a good 2:2 in a British Honours Degree in Theology (with satisfactory progress you can upgrade to the MA).

Qualifications from outside the UK are assessed following guidelines from the British Council. For example, students applying from the United States need to have an MDiv, or a BA with a GAP of 3.6 or higher.

Applicants with a degree in a subject other than Theology might be considered eligible for registration provided that they can produce evidence of having reached a satisfactory standard in some previous theological study and offer some other qualification, such as:

  • A Degree in another relevant discipline, plus a Diploma in Theology
  • A Diploma in Theology with relevant practical experience
  • A Diploma in Higher Education in Theology
  • An equivalent qualification

In exceptional cases, mature candidates who lack the formal qualifications set out above may, nevertheless, be accepted for the Postgraduate Diploma if they are able to show satisfactory evidence of relevant practical experience together with an acceptable level of academic attainment in theology.

What if my qualifications don’t fit?

We have a range of preparatory courses that can be taken prior to the MA itself. Apply in the normal way, submitting transcripts and any information that you think will help your application. The Director of Open Learning will then contact you to discuss your situation and agree what would be appropriate for you.

My first language isn’t English, can I do the course?

Those whose native language is not English should (on application) give documentary evidence of having achieved an appropriate level of English for conducting research and for writing a thesis. The minimum standards required are as follows: British Council IELTS 7.0 (or recognised equivalent); ETS/TOEFL 600 (or recognised equivalent).

Do I have to attend LST at any point?

No. We realise that arranging to attend LST regularly might be difficult for a number of people and there is no compulsory attendance.

However, there is the option to attend LST twice yearly on a Saturday or for a weekend. Here you will have the opportunity to meet other distance learning students, tutors, the Academic Adviser for the MA and the Director of Open Learning. You’ll be able to participate in seminars similar to those held for on-site students, and make use of London School of Theology’s library facilities.

If you do live close enough, and can make the commitment, then you may study in mixed mode. You would attend the School for the seminars of one of the modules, including those not available in distance learning format. With advance discussion with the Director of Open Learning, you might also attend isolated seminars for any of the modules.

Can I just do one module?

You can enrol for single modules by distance learning without registering for any of the awards. You would still have full access to a tutor and the study events for distance learning students. If you do not register for the award, however, we cannot give credit for your study.

How can I apply?

  1. Download an application form by clicking here: MA by Distance Learning application form.
  2. Download information about a written interview by clicking here: MA by Distance Learning written interview. You will need to respond to a number of prompts regarding the ‘ins and outs’ of studying at a distance. This interview takes the place of a face-to-face interview, which those applying for the on-site MA attend.
  3. Fill out the application form, write your response to the written interview, and arrange payment of the £30 administrative fee.
  4. Send all three components to Lisbet Diers, Postgraduate Registrar, London School of Theology, Green Lane, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2UW, UK.
  5. We will process what you have sent us and contact you as soon as possible. If your application is successful, and once we receive payment, we will send you the material for the first module and put you in touch with your tutors.
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