Theology MTheol (Hons)

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Theology alongside additional Divinity modules or modules offered by the Faculties of Art or Science.

Typically, you will take two Theology modules per semester during your first two years, and two to four modules during your third and fourth year

1st Year

Students take the following compulsory first-year modules:

• Introduction to Practical Theology and Theological Ethics: introduces students to the work of a number of practical theologians as well as key concepts from the history of Christian ethics, such as natural law, divine command, virtue ethics, the relation of scripture to ethics, and political theology.
• New Testament 1: Jesus and the Gospels: consideration of the historical contexts of the New Testament texts, including political, socio-economic and religious factors within the Greco-Roman world and Early Judaism.
• Old Testament 1: Torah and Prophets: an introduction to the life, literature and religion of Ancient Israel, with particular consideration of the main literary types of the Old Testament literature.
• Theology: Issues and History: addresses a variety of themes within Christian theology. Each theme will be approached with a view to its biblical roots and historical development, its critical reception and restatement in the modern period, and its significance for contemporary theological reflection.

Students are encouraged to choose one of the following modules:

• Hebrew 1: Introduction to Hebrew Language: aims to give students a sufficient knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of Old Testament Hebrew to be able to read and analyse prescribed texts. Continues on to Hebrew 2.
• New Testament Greek 1: introduces the essential grammar, morphology, and vocabulary of New Testament Greek which will continue into New Testament Greek 2.

Students will take at least three of the following compulsory second-year modules:

• Christian Thought and Practice 1: explores the historical development and present expression of key topics in Christian doctrine and Christian ethics.
• Old Testament 2: Wisdom, Psalms, Apocalyptic and Apocryphal Literature: an introduction to the literature and theology of the period of Israel’s history from exile to the consolidation of the canon.
• New Testament 2: Paul and the Epistles: examines the developing theology of the New Testament, paying particular attention to the issue of unity and diversity, and to the themes of Christology and soteriology.
• The Early and Mediaeval Church: History, Beliefs and Practices: explores key themes in the organisation, practice and beliefs of the early and mediaeval church, focusing mostly on the period from the first to the ninth centuries.

If you decide to take Theology in your third and fourth years, you choose from a wide variety of advanced options focusing on primary biblical and theological texts.

Theology Honours modules which have been offered in previous years include:

• Book of Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
• Christian Ethics and Contemporary Society
• Creation and Chaos in the Old Testament and Ancient Near East
• Medieval Monastic Spirituality
• Religious World of Dante
• The Nature of Theology
• Theology, Spirituality and Pastoral Care.

In fourth year, students also undertake a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice. The School provides significant support for the dissertation, with a breakdown of the assessment into different stages and a programme of seminars to assist in the development of advanced research and communication skills.