MTh in Applied Theology

at University of Oxford

The MTh is divided into two parts. Part I is the first year of taught study during which full-time students must be resident in Oxford and part-time students must participate regularly in accordance with University Regulations for part-time study. The MTh may be taken either full-time (residential) in two years, or part-time in three or four years. Students may transfer from full-time to part-time after the first year.

Students will take four units in total during Part I. The two core units are:
 

• Doctrine, Context and Practice
• Experiential Project with Theological Reflection.

Further units may include the following options:
 

• Sociology of Religion
• Pastoral Psychology
• Science and Faith in the Modern World
• The Use of the Bible
• Christian Spirituality
• Liturgy and Worship
• Christian Ethics
• Mission in the Modern World
• Inter-faith Dialogue
• Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context

The Doctrine, Context and Practice unit is taught by weekly classes. The other three modules are taught by individual supervision. This means that each student will be provided with a tutor with whom they meet regularly to discuss their written work, resulting in an extended essay for each unit taken.

In Part II of the MTh, students will write a dissertation of up to 20,000 words on an agreed aspect of applied theology. 

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or higher) undergraduate degree with honours in theology, religious studies or another closely related field. Entrance is very competitive.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.8 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores

Other examination results may be submitted alongside degree qualifications. If offered, the minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores normally sought are 160 in verbal reasoning, 5.0 in analytical writing and 150 in quantitative reasoning.

Further guidance

Progression to the DPhil in Theology relies on a strong performance in the taught course. The faculty would normally expect a final grade of 67% or above.  

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic 

7.5    

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£12,710

Overseas    
£29,100

Graduate destinations

Students who leave the University of Oxford with graduate degrees in theology enter a variety of careers all around the world. The majority who graduate with the MTh in Applied Theology secure employment in Christian ministry or other faith-based pastoral contexts. Occasionally students have progressed to doctoral study from the MTh.