9. QUEEN’S GRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

This is a brief summary of the Queen's Graduate and Postgraduate programmes available at Union College. For further information on requirements and regulations, see the Queen's Institute of Theology Postgraduate Handbook.

9.1 IN THEOLOGY (GRAD DIP)

This programme is intended for students who have a good in a subject other than Theology and who wish to study theological subjects at honours degree level.

The programme is available as a free standing qualification (one year full time or two years part time).

It is also available as a foundation programme for those who wish to proceed to the Master of Theology degree.

Students take six modules at level 3 (or one module at level 1 together with five modules at level 3), drawn from the current undergraduate programme. For a full list of modules on offer, see chapter 8.2 above and also the College website.

For further details see: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/theology- graduatediploma/

9.2 MASTER OF THEOLOGY (MTH)

There is no new intake into this programme

The MTh is a one-year full-time (two-three years part-time) programme designed for graduates with a 2.1 honours degree in Theology. The Master of Theology degree allows students to shape the degree around their own interests, normally within one theological discipline.

By the end of the programme, the student should have acquired specialised knowledge of a theological area, which has the potential to lead onto further research at Doctoral level.

Two compulsory modules lead into a more personalised four module programme designed to reflect the student’s particular interests. The four main modules will normally be assessed by 100% coursework, comprising two assignments at 3,000 words each, with some language modules requiring a formal examination or class test. The remaining component is the dissertation which is expected to be approximately 20,000 words.

The degree of Master of Theology may be awarded either simpliciter, with commendation, or with distinction. To achieve the award of Master’s with commendation, an overall average of 60% or more is required. In order to receive the award with distinction, candidates must achieve an overall average mark of 70% or over, together with a mark of 70% or over in the dissertation element, and an average of 65% or more across the other modules.

For more details see: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/ProgrammeSpecifications/201 8/pgt/detail/?org=ITHEO&plan=THE-MTH

9.3 MASTER OF RESEARCH (MRES)

This new Master of Research degree programme replaces the Queen’s MTh degree programme.

The overall aim of the MRes in Theology is to offer students the opportunity to work closely with a supervisor or supervisory team to produce a substantial piece of independent research in Theology, and to develop wide- ranging research skills within disciplinary and interdisciplinary frameworks.

The programme comprises the following four elements:

 a Research Skills module (20 CATS);  subject-specific Research Methods defined by the supervisors and written up in a research preparation portfolio (2 x 20 CATS modules);  an optional course drawn from the portfolio of modules available from within the Faculty (20 CATS),  an extended dissertation (25,000 words) or a portfolio of similar scope and depth (100 CATS).

Specialist study is available within the areas of the Old and New Testaments, Biblical Languages, Church History, Practical Theology and Systematics.

Candidates are required to complete an MRes research proposal of 750 words for consideration by the Theology Education and Postgraduate Committee at point of application. The purpose of the MRes research proposal is for the applicant to provide the Institute with information on the envisaged project in terms of the content and orientation of the work, and its methodology. When the proposal is submitted, it is scrutinised by members of The Theology Education and Postgraduate Committee, to consider the feasibility of the work, and availability of suitable supervisors.

For more details see: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/theology-mres/#course

9.4 RESEARCH DEGREE: (PHD)

The PhD (three years full time, four to six years part time) research degree is available through Queen's University. Students are expected to have a 2.1 primary degree in Theology and will usually also have a Master’s degree in Theology. Contact the College Office and see the Queen’s website for details.

Before making a formal application, prospective candidates are expected to discuss their proposed research with a member of the College teaching staff from the relevant theological discipline (by phone, email, or in person – this can be arranged through the College Office).

For more details see: http://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/theology-phd/