University of St Andrews
Online MLitt in Bible and the Contemporary World
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
18 Jul 2024
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 8,630 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* overseas - MLitt dissertation module, £5,750 per module / home: £2,595 per module, £3,895 MLitt dissertation module
Introduction
The online PG Diploma/MLitt in Bible and the Contemporary World is a part-time virtual learning programme that connects biblical and theological studies with other disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Course details
The PGDip and MLitt in Bible and the Contemporary World is a part-time online programme aimed at both lay people seeking personal development and clergy seeking continued professional development.
Highlights
- Gain an understanding of how public issues and culture both shape and are shaped by Christian theology, biblical interpretation and practice
- Join an international and interdenominational group of students, most of whom are laypeople
- A residential study week in St Andrews starts each module with lectures and seminar discussions and allows you to meet your fellow participants and tutors
- Opens possibilities for future doctoral work in fields such as practical theology or for those who seek to deepen their critical thinking in careers (often in the voluntary sector) that have a religious dimension.
Admissions
Curriculum
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
Each module typically comprises:
- Online lectures and seminars
- 100% coursework assessment.
Students will take the modules in different orders depending on their point of entry.
September 2024 entry
Semester 1
Residential study week in St Andrews: Monday 2 to Friday 6 September 2024.
- Sacred Scripts: From Cuniform to Twitter: examines how writing systems and media transform the way sacred scripture is understood and experienced. Writing systems are not neutral, each particular script and form of media affects cognition and shapes the reception of ideas.
Semester 2
Residential study week in St Andrews: Early January 2025 – exact dates to be confirmed.
- The Bible and Contemporary Issues: explores a variety of approaches to interpretation to make connections between the Christian scriptures, events, trends, and cultural assumptions.
Semester 3
Residential study week and module in St Andrews: To be announced.
January 2025 entry
Semester 1
Residential study week in St Andrews: Early January 2025 – exact dates to be confirmed.
- The Bible and Contemporary Issues: explores a variety of approaches to interpretation to make connections between the Christian scriptures, events, trends, and cultural assumptions.
Semesters 2 and 3
Residential study week and module in St Andrews: details to be announced.
Dissertation
MLitt students take a fourth module for their dissertation and attend its associated study week in St Andrews. Dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of 15,000 words must be submitted at the end of the course.
Those on the PGDip program will finish their studies after the third semester, and suitably qualified candidates will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
Teaching
Teaching format
Each semester begins with a residential study week held at St Mary's College, the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews.
A typical residential study week includes lectures, seminars, sessions on using the Moodle and MMS internet platforms, and study skills training. It is also a good opportunity for you to meet your online peers and tutors in person.
Attendance is required at each study week from Monday through Wednesday, but students are encouraged to stay for the remainder of the week. You will need to pay for your own travel and accommodation costs to attend these mandatory study weeks.
Both MLitt and PGDip students take three taught modules throughout their programme. Each module comprises 15 weeks of study (typically divided into four units) and focuses on independent learning.
In each unit of a module, students are supplied with many scholarly articles and extracts from books which are supplemented by two written lectures available online in digital format; you will also have access to the library's extensive online subscriptions of journals and ebooks. Instead of seminars, you will participate in online bulletin board discussions with your peers (not held in real-time).
The MLitt programme is followed by a 15,000-word dissertation submitted at the end of two years of study. Students are assigned an individual supervisor for their dissertation, and meetings with supervisors are normally held via online video messaging or telephone.
Assessment
Students typically write four essays for each module (one for each unit) and receive written feedback.
Support
Students will have one personal tutorial with a tutor (usually via online video messaging or telephone) per module where they can discuss their recent essays.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Students in this program are often already in employment. Others have gone on to work in the charitable sector and to further studies. Previous students have had professional occupations in:
- Education
- Law
- Business
- Administration
- Charities
- Ministry.
Further study
Many Divinity graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews.
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with the Duolingo English Test! The DET is a convenient, fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities (like this one) around the world.