MTh Systematic and Philosophical Theology

Aims of the Course

The field of systematic and philosophical theology concerns the articulation of the meaning and implications of Christian doctrine or ‘teaching’. On the one hand, this doctrine includes claims relating to, for example, God, Christ, creation, salvation, the nature of the Church, human identity and ethics. Systematic theology refers to the attempt to relate these areas of doctrine to one another in a coherent and orderly fashion in such a way that the various aspects of doctrine become mutually illuminating.

The practice of systematic theology is undertaken in many and various ways throughout the Christian tradition. From the earliest years of the Church, theologians have deployed philosophical learning as a tool in clarifying Christian teaching. This has given rise to the very closely related field of philosophical theology. Here, the particular application of philosophy to the study of Christian doctrine is examined, along with the attendant issues of the relationship between philosophy and theology, and faith and reason. The relationship is complex.

On the one hand, both theology and philosophy are concerned with the metaphysical and its relationship to the physical. On the other hand, theology is thought to contain an historical revelation which perfects and goes beyond the reason exhibited in philosophical learning. Meanwhile, philosophy has tended to set the intellectual climate in which the study of Christian doctrine is undertaken.

However, in recent years and in the wake of the theological liberalism which dominated the post-war period, Christian theology has undergone a revival of nerve in the face of the demands of philosophical reason. This has renewed the encounter between theology and philosophy in new and exciting ways that challenge the sufficiency of purely secular modes of reason.

The MTh Systematic and Philosophical Theology is therefore concerned with a field at the heart of the task of Christian theology. There is no denominational bias within the programme; students may pursue an interest in Protestant and Catholic theologies of many kinds, although always critically and rigorously. The course is particularly concerned with the tradition of Christian theology, its engagement with philosophy, the relationship between faith and reason, and the nature of the theological task in the contemporary world.

Course Structure

The degree scheme is divided into Part 1 and Part 2. Part 2 involves the completion of a research dissertation of not more than 20 000 words. Within Part 1, students complete six modules, of which one module is Study Skills. The remaining five modules are chosen from the list below.

Compulsory modules

TRDL7038 Study Skills for Theology and Religious Studies

Core modules--please select up to 40 credits from the following:

TRDL7001 Christology

TRDL7002 Theology and Philosophy

TRDL7005 The Christian Doctrine of God

TRDL Modern Orthodox Theologians

Optional modules--please select up to 60 credits from the following in consultation with the Programme Coordinator

TRDL7008 St Thomas Aquinas

TRDL7059 Dionysios the Areopagite

TRDL7004 Schleiemacher, Kierkedaard and the Philosophy of Mind

TRDL7003 Postmodernity and the Return of Negative Theology

TRDL7006 Theological Ethics

TRDL7037 Independent Project

Prerequisites

Ordinarily, it is expected that applicants will have gained a good first degree (upper second class or higher) or its equivalent in Theology and/or Philosophy, or a cognate subject. However, the University assesses each application on its merits and recognises other means by which students might be equipped to study at graduate level. For queries concerning admissions, please contact the Course Director (contact details below).

The MTh in Systematic and Philosophical Theology includes the study of advanced and technical issues. Prior experience of the study of Christian theology and/ or philosophy is very desirable. What is most important is a willingness to engage with a broad range of challenging material – much of it at the cutting edge of current research – with dedication, energy and determination. The ability to study independently, thus enhancing one’s knowledge and skills by guided reading and independent research, is crucial.

For those whose academic study has thus far been exclusively theological or philosophical, introductory modules can be made available which will enhance knowledge and skills in a particular area, thus enabling students to benefit from the full range of the programme.

Delivery – how will I study?

The MTh in Systematic and Philosophical Theology can be pursued full or part-time, by distance learning and residentially. For those students who study at distance, a study pack is provided for each module. This includes course notes, core reading and essay titles. The module tutor can be consulted by email and telephone for advice and guidance.

In addition to study packs, one or two periods of intensive residential teaching are provided each year. These typically last three days (Tuesday to Thursday) and take place in the spring and/or autumn. Residential teaching includes lectures and tutorials provided by the Faculty of the Centre for Faith, Reason and Ethics. Although attendance at residentials is desirable, it is not compulsory.

Library Resources

The library is available to all registered students, whether they are studying residentially or at distance. Increasingly, journal articles and some books are provided electronically, thus meeting the needs of distance learning students. The library staff can post key texts to students studying at distance, although provision of materials in this way may be limited in some circumstances. Most distance learning students register with their local academic library. For UK students, this is possible through the SCONUL Access scheme. This is a co-operative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. It enables staff, research students, full time postgraduates and part-time, distance learning and placement students to borrow material from other member libraries. Students based in the US frequently register with their local University library.

Awards available

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

Study mode

  • Full-time
  • Part-time

Programme delivery

  • Residential (Lampeter Campus)
  • Distance learning

Start dates

  • October
  • February

Further information

Professor Johannes Hoff
j.hoff@tsd.ac.uk

or

Dr Roy Kearsley
roykrelig@yahoo.co.uk