MTh Orthodox Studies

The MTH Orthodox Studies programme will aim to appeal to students with an interest in Orthodox studies (including Orthodox theology, history, ecclesiology, tradition, liturgy, art) and develop and expand their range of theological skills and knowledge at a higher level.

Students who already have an Orthodox background will be given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of their own tradition at a higher academic level, while students of a different background will be given the opportunity to approach critically Orthodox thought and tradition and connect, compare and contrast it with their own theological background at a higher academic level.

This programme will give you the opportunity to develop and expand your knowledge of the theology, the history, the tradition and the practice of the Orthodox Church.  You may choose from a large variety of modules, either to develop a broad understanding of the subject, or to gain a more specialised knowledge as a springboard for postgraduate research. 

The MTh consists of two parts: the taught element, which involves the successful completion of six assessment modules (each valued at 20 credits), and the research element, which results in a 20,000 word dissertation (valued at 60 credits).

The MTh can be taken via distance learning, with input at two residential weeks per year.

Educational Aims of the Programme

The aims of the MTh Orthodox Studies are to

• attract students of a variety of ages and academic backgrounds, with an interest in Orthodox studies (including Orthodox theology, history, ecclesiology, tradition, liturgy, art)  to develop and expand their range of theological skills and knowledge at a higher level. Students who already have an Orthodox background will be given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of their own tradition at a higher academic level, while students of a different background will be given the opportunity to approach critically Orthodox thought and tradition and connect, compare and contrast it with their own theological background at a higher academic level.
• invite students to research the Orthodox, early Christian and patristic tradition, and connect it to the needs of contemporary, multicultural society.
• provide students with a range of learning experiences (such as the encounter with Orthodox monasticism) that are supported by a variety of teaching approaches and delivered in a supportive learning environment.
• offer to students the opportunity to explore and reflect critically upon Orthodox experience with a particular regard to the richness of Orthodox doctrine, practice and expression.
• develop an informed awareness of the dynamic nature of the Orthodox Christian tradition and a developed facility in the theological task of subjecting this tradition to a process of testing and renewal.
• draw on a variety of academic disciplines and discourses to enable students to reflect critically on the entirety of Orthodox faith, tradition and practice.
• foster in students an ability to relate areas of Orthodox Theology to broader areas of human understanding and life.
• use the research interests of staff to inform and enhance the students’ learning experience.
• promote the development of key transferable skills that will assist students in their  career options.
• equip students to undertake original research at doctoral level.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the programme, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a critical understanding and competence in the area of Orthodox theology, traditional and modern
• demonstrate a critical understanding and competence in the area of Orthodox tradition and practice
• demonstrate a critical understanding and competence in other academic disciplines relevant to the practice of ministry
• read and use primary texts (ancient and modern) both critically and empathetically
• evaluate the significance of major religious, social, cultural and philosophical movements for Orthodox faith and practice, both in the distant and in the recent past
• engage with a range of issues relating to personal, communal and public life, and connect them critically with the tradition and the discourse of the Orthodox Church.

Programme Structure

The MTh Orthodox Studies consists of two parts: the taught stage, which involves the successful completion of six modules (each valued at 20 credits), and the research stage, which requires the completion of a 20,000-word dissertation (valued at 60 credits).

It may be studied full-time over two calendar years (one year each for the taught and research components), or on a part-time basis over three to five years.

The full-time mode will appeal to recent graduates who are looking for a further year of intensive study, or to those who would like to spend a year in Lampeter, in the heart of rural West Wales.

The part-time mode will appeal to those who are in employment, or have other responsibilities. If obtaining a formal sabbatical is not possible for you, this option was designed with you in mind.

The Dissertation

When the six modules are completed students who have passed the taught element of the course can submit a dissertation for the degree of MTh. This is a piece of research (20,000 words) done under the supervision of a subject specialist on a topic of the candidate’s choosing which has been approved by the course director. For full-time students, the dissertation can be submitted on any date between 1 September and 30 September of the following year (i.e. a thirteen-month period). Part-time students may write their dissertations over a more flexible time scale.

If you do not wish to present a dissertation, you can complete six modules and exit from the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodox Studies.  If you just wish to complete three modules, you can exit from the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Orthodox Studies.

Modules

Compulsory Modules

TRDL7038 Study Skills for Theology and Religious Studies

Optional Modules

TRDL7059 Dionysios the Areopagite

TRDL7061 Modern Orthodox Theologians

TRDL7060 The Experience of Orthodox Monasticism

TRDL7001 Christology and the Doctrine of God

TRDL7002 Theology and Philosophy

TRDL7005 The Christian Doctrine of God

TRDL7069 Ancient Laws in a Modern World: an Introduction to Orthodox Canon Law

Awards available

• MTh (180 credits)
• PG Diploma (120 credits)
• PG Certificate (60 credits)

Study mode

• Full-time
• Part-time

Programme delivery

• Lampeter Campus
• Distance learning with residential sessions

Start dates

• October
• February

Further information

Dr Augustine Casiday
a.casiday@tsd.ac.uk