Postgraduate

MA IN TRANSFORMATION: SCRIPTURE, CHURCH AND WORLD

God transforms the world through the Gospel. Back in the seventies, and again most recently in 2010 the Lausanne Covenant affirmed that life-giving power in individual lives, within the church and throughout the world. LST stands firmly within that tradition and the MA in Transformation: Scripture, Church and World seeks to equip graduate students both to experience themselves and to foster God’s work of transformation in others.

Course Content

The core module (40 credits)

Christian Wisdom and Transformation: reading wisely, living wisely.

The core module demonstrates and engages hermeneutical tools for understanding the biblical text well, and applying it to life. It will highlight the nature of biblical wisdom, the way it has been understood and applied, and its transforming effects in and through the life of the believer. As part of this course the student writes a reflective journal of their experience of the course. Assessment is by way of two essays of 3,000 words.

Optional Modules^[1] (to total 80 credits)

In 2011-2012 the following options will be offered:

Scripture

As transformative study of Scripture is at the heart of our evangelical understanding of the faith, we make sure that you can choose up to three 20-credit options.

Mark's Gospel

Holy Spirit in Luke/Acts and Paul

Exegesis of Greek Texts

Exegesis of Hebrew Texts

Church and World

All students must choose at least one 20-credit option that examines how the Gospel transforms the church or world in which we live.

Bible and Social Transformation

Theology and Social Transformation

Transforming Contemporary Apologetics

Each optional module is assessed by an essay of 5,000 words.

Dissertation (60 credits)

MA candidates must complete a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words. The weighting of the dissertation recognises its significance as an independent piece of work in which candidates apply methodologies and skills mastered in other modules to a topic of their own choice. It is the climax of the course. Students are allocated a supervisor whom they see regularly and who advises and guides them in the creation of a large-scale piece of writing.

Course Length

Full-time: 12 months

Part-time: 2-3 years (first and second years usually 1 day per week at LST, third year as necessary for dissertation)

Delivery

Teaching is normally in the form of seminars, most of which are led by students. With ample preparation and feedback this forms an important part of the students personal and academic growth. Whilst high academic standards are a priority, we are also committed to helping you grow spiritually and experience the transformative impact of further study yourself. This process will be encouraged by pastoral letters and by tutorial conversation slots, designed to help you reflect on the 'MA experience' as it unfolds.

The diverse nationalities, cultures and denominations of students provide an enriching environment in which prior perspectives are challenged and broadened. Indeed, the programme encourages freedom of thought and the exploration of faith within a framework of trust in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

A small number of lectures and periodic reflection on postgraduate study skills help to supplement the learning process both in general and as part of each module.

Entry Requirements

Our normal entry requirement is an upper second degree in Theology (UK) or equivalent (overseas). Applicants with degrees in another discipline, and who are able to demonstrate an acceptable level of academic attainment in theology, may also be accepted.

Research Seminars

MA students are encouraged to attend the research seminars organised throughout the year for the MTh, MPhil and PhD students under the auspices of the Director of Research. They serve to create awareness of wider issues of concern in contemporary theological thinking, to sharpen research method, and to provide a forum for research students to test their ideas.

[1] . No options will run which have less than five students interested. The only exceptions are the Greek and Hebrew options for which only three students are necessary.

Related Information

MA Fee Sheet

MA in Transformation: Scripture, Church and World Application Form