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Master of Theology MTh

EDUCATIONAL AIMS:

On completion of studies each student on the MTh programme is expected to have

  1. developed a specialised understanding of a theological area chosen under the guidance of a supervisor;
  2. demonstrated evidence of wide and independent reading;
  3. developed research skills through engaging in an extended supervised dissertation.

CRTIERIA FOR ADMISSION

Applicants for admission must hold either (a) a 2:1 honours degree or above from a recognised institution where Theology and Divinity is the main subject area, or (b) a 2:1 honours degree in a subject other than Theology/Divinity, and the QUB Graduate Diploma in Theology with a pass mark of 60% or above in each module.   For overseas students a 2:1 honours degree is equivalent to a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher from an accredited institution.  Where appropriate, applicants will also require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE:

The course of study shall consist of four taught modules or equivalent at Level 7 and a dissertation that is equivalent to two Level 7 modules. Each taught module shall be assigned 30 CATS points at Level M.  The Reseach Study Skills module is compulsory for all students.  The dissertation shall be assigned 60 CATS points at Level M. The individual courses of study and subjects of examination shall be determined by the supervisor in consultation with the candidate, subject to approval by the Theology Postgraduate Research Committee.

THE7000   Research Study Skills

The titles of the following courses, along with the three assignments which make up the course, must be approved by the Associate Director Postgraduate Studies, in consultation with the Theology Postgraduate Research Committee:

THE7002   Master of Theology: Module 2
THE7003   Master of Theology: Module 3
THE7004   Master of Theology: Module 4

The dissertation title must be approved by the Theology Board:

THE7009  Dissertation

EXAMINATIONS

The compulsory Study Skills module, and the three elective modules, will be assessed by 100% coursework.   The dissertation will be approximately 20,000 words, with a word count significantly less or more than this potentially leading to failure. The pass mark for each module and for the dissertation shall be 50%.

No re-sits are permitted for any course.  If candidates do not pass the dissertation, they may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology.

Candidates may not submit the dissertation until all the written examinations have been passed.

In the case of full-time students, the dissertation shall be submitted no later than 15 September following completion of the written examination requirements. In the case of part-time students, the date of submission shall be prescribed by the Theology Postgraduate Research Committee but shall be not earlier than two and not later than five years from initial enrolment for the MTh course. In exceptional circumstances, the Theology Postgraduate Research Committee may grant an extension of time not exceeding twelve months to students in either category.

The regulations governing the presentation of the dissertation shall be the Regulations for Theses.

Candidates whose dissertation does not satisfy the examiners may, at the discretion of the examiners, be permitted to re-submit their dissertation. If such permission is given, the dissertation shall be re-submitted within six months.

 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 achieved.  In order to receive the award with distinction, candidates must achieve an overall average mark of 70% or over, a mark of 70% or over  in the dissertation element, and an average of 65% or more in the other modules..