Theology - Applied Theology

The MA Applied Theology and the MA Transformational Leadership are designed for people who want to reflect on the interface of the Bible and theology with the practice of mission, work and ministry in a 21st-century context.



A combination of excellent teaching, student interaction and personal research creates a unique learning experience. If you are interested in reflecting on your current work and ministry context, if you want to engage with the points of view of others, if you would like to enhance your work/ministry skills, or if you are looking for something that will aid your personal transformation, the MA is for you.



Programme Structure

Both MA Applied Theology and MA Transformational Leadership are studied part-time and are designed to fit around ministry and employment. A student will do four taught modules over two years and then spend the final year completing a 12,000-word dissertation.



Validated by York St John University.

Modules:

• Bible Interpretation

• Church and Mission.

• Contemporary Theologies - Issues and Implications

• Biblical - Theological Frameworks for Life and Work.

• Enabling Pastoral Care.

• Teaching and Preaching the Bible in a Ministry Context.

• Transformational Leadership in Practice.

• Christian Leadership in Practice

• Ethics: Action and Reflection

• Dissertation / Research Project

There are 2 entry routes to this programme, Academic Route and Associate Route. For Associate Route, you need to be involved in some aspect of professional/Christian ministry*.



Academic Route

• For the Academic Route onto the MA you need to have achieved one of the following qualifications:

• a first honours degree (single or joint) at 2.2 or above (2.1 preferred) or a Graduate/Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and/or Religious Studies or a closely related subject;

• a Postgraduate Award or first class honours in another Humanities subject;

• a first degree, and at least the equivalent of a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology and/or Religious Studies.



Associate Route

• This access route is open to you if you meet one or both of the following requirements: you have obtained a first degree in a subject other than Theology and/or Religious Studies at 2.2 honours or above;

or

• you can demonstrate sufficient ministerial, professional or vocational experience to indicate that you have the ability to study at postgraduate level. You must have at least two years of significant and relevant professional/Christian ministry* experience (evidenced by referees).

• If you enter via this route you will be required to demonstrate that you are able to work at M level by successfully completing a module as an associate student. After completing and passing the module you can enrol for the full MA programme and transfer the credits.

• *Relevant professional/Christian ministry experience means significant involvement in the broad area of Christian ministry (either paid or lay) or some specific professional practice that demands aspects of theological input/reflection.

• Recognition of other studies

• If you have studied other modules at M level you can talk with the Programme Director about the possibility of credit transfer.(York St John University regulations will apply to this process.).

The application form is available by clicking the Course Web Page/ Download Application Form above. Please email the completed form to sarah@ibi.ie

3 years

The taught modules are delivered in a variety of ways; a one-week intensive block, over five Saturdays or over three weekends, spread through the academic year. To find out more about how the MA can fit into your schedule, email sarah@ibi.ie or ring us on 01 8069060.

MA Programmes have entry points in January and September, annually.