Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies MA/Diploma/Certificate (Distance Learning)

MA/Diploma students will study two core modules, four optional modules and a 15,000 word dissertation.

Certificate students will study one core module and two optional modules.

All students will study the following core module:

This module concentrates on the origins, history and development of Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism in different parts of the world. There is a particular emphasis on the theological and historical precedents to Pentecostalism in late 19th- and early 20th- century Evangelicalism and the significance of Pentecostalism to global Christianity.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

MA and Diploma students take an additional core module:

This module focuses on research methods, skills and theories associated with the study of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements from different disciplinary perspectives.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

MA and Diploma students will choose four optional modules, while Certificate students will choose two optional modules. You will choose from a range which typically includes:

This module discusses the theology of the Holy Spirit since the twentieth century in contemporary Pentecostal, Charismatic, and related Evangelical movements. Attention is given to the contributions of contemporary pneumatology to other theological concerns. You will engage with the most recent scholarship in the area of pneumatology by reading primary texts, discussing selected passages, and by reading secondary scholarly literature located in journals.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

This module looks at the growth and development of worship in the Evangelical and Pentecostal movements since the 1970s and include consideration of the theology of music and worship and a historical survey, as well as a discussion and analysis of contemporary practice. It considers developments in 'ordinary theology' and the writings of key Evangelical/ Pentecostal/ Charismatic worship leaders and ministers (such as Kendrick, Bowater, Redman, Zschech, Hayford) as well as more obviously 'academic' studies of the relevant issues (including the work of Begbie and Ward) and makes use of the developing methodologies for 'reading' music as a form of biblical interpretation and as a way of doing theology.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

This module examines the use of the Bible in the Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic traditions, highlighting similarities and differences between their approaches to and appropriation of the biblical text. It examines the fundamental theological conceptualisations which underlie the traditions, considering their doctrine(s) of scripture, exegetical, hermeneutical and homiletic models and the use of the Bible (the latter particularly in terms of ethics, worship and liturgy and culture), considered in the light of recent published research in the field and also of available empirical data. The module will seek to facilitate the origination of distinctively E/P/C readings of biblical texts and ask what makes such readings important or unique.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

This module examines key theological issues relating to the global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements under the heading of the so-called full gospel, which proclaims that Jesus Christ is saviour, sanctifier, Spirit baptizer, divine healer, and coming king. Particular attention is given to the concerns of spirituality, mission, culture and society, and globalisation. Contextual and multi-disciplinary approaches to Pentecostal and Charismatic studies will inform the theological reflection.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

This module studies Pentecostal and Charismatic movements from a sociological perspective. Attention is given to the ways in which sociologists conceptualise Pentecostalism. We then examine how sociologists have studied these movements using empirical research methods and social theory for explanations. The beliefs, practices, attitudes, and demographics of Pentecostals and Charismatic Christians, and the organisations that support the subculture, are also discussed. Finally, the relationship between global society and Pentecostalism forms a particular focus.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

This module studies the enormous changes in the nature and demography of world Christianity from the time of the missionary movement and the Second Evangelical Awakening in the 19th Century to the end of the 20th Century, with particular focus on schisms and denominational histories, including Roman Catholicism, the Protestant churches, non-conformist and evangelical churches, African and Asian independent churches, and Pentecostalism. Attention will also be given to globalisation and the relationship between Christianity and society.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay, and participation in online discussion

Alternatively, you may select up to two of your optional modules from our other distance learning programmes in the School of Philosophy, and Theology and Religion – MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.

In addition to the taught modules, MA students will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.