Go deeper into theological thinking with our postgraduate MA. Study in a unique way that encourages both personal and professional development.
Programme duration
2 years taught (part-time) plus 1 year for dissertation, with a possibility of gaining an extension into a second year.
Location and mode of study
- Christchurch
“Studying for a MA has truly added value to my pastoral work. The knowledge gained on this course with the emphasis on Christian Leadership has positively transformed my outlook and service as a Pastor of a local congregation. I would recommend this programme to those in leadership teams at their local Church.”— John, MA graduate
Programme content
Our MA in Applied Theology will help you root your practice more deeply in Scripture and develop sharper insight into opportunities and challenges in your particular context.
Study theology alongside others in a way that encourages both personal growth and vocational development – all without the need to leave your responsibilities at home or work.
The MA in Applied Theology requires the completion of 180 credits. The programme effectively has two main parts: the taught element, which accounts for 120 credits; and the dissertation, worth 60 credits.
The programme is designed to be pursued on a part-time basis over three years and is structured to facilitate this. The taught element spans two academic years, and is followed by a one-year dissertation, with the possibility of gaining an extension into a second or third year.
In year one, we dive into the areas of biblical interpretation and theological reflection, exploring the significance and implications of establishing solid theological foundations as a basis for Christian practice. You will also choose one optional module to complete from our suite of optional modules. These modules focus on different areas of Christian theology and are all rooted in one or more aspect of Christian ministry and practice.
In year two, you’ll choose two more optional modules to complete. You can choose a pathway of your own or select modules from one of our recommended pathways: Christian Leadership, the Bible and Preaching, or Societal Engagement.
From year three, you embark on the final component of the MA in Applied Theology, which consists of either a 15,000-word dissertation or a practice-based research project. The dissertation involves researching and writing on a topic of your choice, one that is both theologically rich and relevant to your own context and practice. The practice-based research project requires you to plan, deliver, and reflect on a new initiative or project in your practice setting. Whichever you choose, you’ll be individually allocated a supervisor, appropriate to your field of research, who will provide you with support and guidance. We prepare you for this extended piece of research by providing training on advanced research skills throughout the taught phase of the programme.
Available Modules:
- Bible and Context
- Christian Leadership in Contemporary Contexts
- Spirit and Mission in Acts and Today
- Bible and Preaching
- Ethics, Humanity and Morality
- Christian Life and Thought in a Post-Enlightenment World
- Christian Leadership in Contemporary Contexts
- Church and Revelation Today
- Justice, Ecology and Poverty in the OT and Today
(Please note that the revised format for our MA Applied Theology programme as outlined above is subject to approval from the University of Gloucestershire.)
“After over 22 years of ministry, my MA has enabled me to become a more reflective practitioner. I found it challenging and fulfilling and enjoyed sharing the experience with those in my cohort, along with supportive and inspiring tutors.”— Jane, MA graduate
“My friend had been to Moorlands College, and I saw something in them I wanted to emulate. I liked the location and the programme, the emphasis on spiritual, applied theology—rather than simply theorising. This MA offered study which was grounded in reality.”—Michael, MA graduate
Assessment and feedback
Assessment is exclusively by coursework. Most taught modules are assessed by a single assignment, normally of 6,000 words for 30-credit modules and 4,500 for 15-credit modules. These are marked by the relevant module tutor and are returned, together with written feedback, within four weeks.
Timetable
Delivery of the taught components of the MA is by means of two-day intensive study blocks at the Christchurch Campus (plus a one-off induction day). Study blocks typically occur in September, December, February and April every year.
Helpful links
*Students from the UK may be entitled to a Government-funded Postgraduate Master’s Loan. Contact the Admissions department for more information.
Application deadline
We look forward to receiving your applications by July 2025.
If you have missed this deadline, please get in touch with the Admissions department for further advice on admissions@moorlands.ac.uk
Entry requirements
A degree in theology or similar subject or equivalent (see below):
Postgraduate MA programme
We realise that some people interested in our programmes don’t have a degree in theology, but have developed a sufficient understanding to succeed in and benefit from it through other means. If you think you may be in this category, please talk to us about your situation.
You will need to show evidence of:
- A capacity to benefit from the study of practice, as part of your continuing professional or vocational development. You will normally have at least two relevant years of experience, and you will be engaged in practice while you undertake the programme.
- Commitment to Christian life and service—not only to gain qualifications, but to continue to strive to go deeper and become more committed in your walk with God.
- Sufficient academic ability: you are normally expected to have a British degree in a theological field.
- GCSE in English (Language or Literature) at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications at level 2, including an IELTS Academic Certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each of reading and writing or nationally-recognised English language-based level 3 award, equivalent to these IELTS scores, from a different testing system.
If your formal education does not meet the entry requirements, but you have experience and non-certificated learning to the appropriate level, or you wish to enter at a level other than the first year of study, please submit a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application. You will also need to supply evidence to support it.
Please do get in touch with us if you have any questions, we will be happy to guide you through the process.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree in Theology or if you need to submit an RPL application, please apply by the 31st May, otherwise please submit your application by 31st July.
Apply now
Our programmes are validated by
Student profile: Myles MacBean
Quite quickly I was led to Moorlands College, as I gave up business life and made the time for theology studies. Despite my concern that as a scientist and businessman I had never written a humanities-style academic essay in my life, the Moorlands College approach to the MA in Applied Theology was a perfect match for me.
“The MA in Applied Theology was a perfect match for me. The ‘applied theology’ approach encourages such students to bring all their professional, life and church experience to bare in a very beneficial way.”
The ‘applied theology’ approach encourages such students to bring all their professional, life and church experience to bare in a very beneficial way; and the focus on ‘practice’ allows us to immediately use what we learn at Moorlands in our ministry.
This academically rigorous, practical theological grounding I received at Moorlands College certainly gave my wife and I additional confidence as we stepped out with God anew and—in a move that turned out to be a greater surprise to us than our friends and family—end up on the mission field in Malawi.
Acting as Church Development Partners for the last three years, we have been able to deploy all our life-skills for the benefit of the Church in Malawi while also learning so many things about ourselves, about God and about his world.