MTh
Masters in Scripture & Theology
Study theology alongside your ministry
Take courses in Biblical and theological studies, and ministry practice
Study in person at our Ministry Centre or in a Learning Community, either locally or online
For those who already have a degree in Theology, or a degree in another subject with significant ministry experience and theological knowledge ***
Complete in one year full-time, or 2-4 years part-time
This award is validated by the Open University
How does it work?
The MTh is delivered in-person at our Ministry Centre, or through local and online Learning Communities, meaning that you can study wherever you are.
Meet in-person or online for intensive teaching
Meet in-person at our Ministry Centre, or in an in-person or online Learning Community, for intensive delivery. Click below for details about each delivery method:
MTh at our Ministry Centre (in person)
MTh in Learning Communities (in person or online)
Study six 20-credit courses and complete a research-based dissertation
In Part One you will study six taught courses and a compulsory, non-assessed self-study Research Methods module. Students must complete this before submitting the dissertation proposal. Most courses include a 5,000-word essay as their assessment.
Students will also have the opportunity to join seminars with their lecturers after each module intensive.
In Part Two you will complete a 15,000-word dissertation on an approved research topic of your choice. Alternatively, you can choose to finish the program prior to the dissertation and receive a Postgraduate Diploma qualification.
We advise budgeting up to 200 hours of study time per course, including pre-reading, lectures and assignments. It’s advisable to also budget 600 hours for the dissertation phase of the MTh.
Complete your studies around your ministry & life commitments
Students complete the taught element of each course as per their chosen delivery method, and work on the assessment for each course around their day-to-day commitments.
Ministry Centre students complete their lectures for each course within one block-taught week on-site.
In Learning Communities, students meet over a maximum of 2 weeks. Each in-person and online Learning Community is directed by a Lead Mentor, an experienced church leader who will help you reflect on the application of your studies in your context.
Meet the lecturers
Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, introduces our Preaching and Preachers module.
What will I learn?
Students study at least one course from each of the three areas in the chart below, including Scripture & Hermeneutics (compulsory). They must also complete the compulsory, non-assessed self-study Research Methods module.
With approval and guidance from a supervising faculty member, students also complete a research dissertation where they can explore a chosen subject in more depth.
Biblical Languages courses
All MTh-level Languages courses require prior study, and enrolment is subject to successful completion of a pre-entry test.
Biblical Languages classes meet at regular intervals throughout the academic year, beginning in September. Students can join in-person or online in real time. Attendance at all sessions is required, as recordings are not available. For full details, please register for a Biblical Languages Open Evening.
Part 1: Taught Courses (20 Credits Each)
Biblical Studies
Union with Christ: A Biblical Theology Approach**
OT Studies: Psalms
OT Studies: Ezekiel
Hebrew Reading: Narrative and Poetry*
Advanced Hebrew Reading*
Greek Reading*
Advanced Greek Reading*
Theological Studies
Scripture and Hermeneutics (Compulsory)**
Theology of the Early Church Fathers**
Soteriology of the Reformation**
History and Theology of Evangelicalism
Ministry Practice
Preaching and Preachers**
Spiritual Formation of the Leader**
Christian Theology of Religions and Global Mission
Biblical Counselling and Care in the Local Church
Part 2: Dissertation (60 Credits - Compulsory)
** These are the six standard Learning Community courses. Individual students are permitted to substitute one of these (per year of study) with a campus-based course, by prior arrangement with their mentor and UST.
Who is it for?
The MTh is for pastors, elders, church planters, women’s ministry workers, ministry leaders, and others who want to deepen their biblical and theological knowledge while strengthening their pastoral, preaching and leadership skills. It is also a great preparation for prospective PhD candidates.
MTh individual courses are also available to audit – see our Shorter Courses page for further details and how to apply.
Regulations for Open University Awards at Union School of Theology
Student's Guide to Studying on a Programme Validated by the Open University
*** applicants without a prior degree in Theology will need to prove their ministry and theological experience in order to be admitted to the MTh. This may include completing a diagnostic essay, or attending an interview. Applicants should remain open to the School’s recommendation to join the GDip program as a lead-in to the MTh, if appropriate.
Ready to apply?
Application deadlines vary for the MTh delivered at our Ministry Centre and through Learning Communities.
Check the relevant pages before you apply.
Further information
UST reserves the right to make alterations to the contents or methods of delivery of programmes or assessment but only if such action is absolutely necessary for one or more of the following reasons: compliance with the validating university or regulatory bodies; in response to external examiner or stakeholder feedback; as part of periodic or annual review measures; in response to technological developments. When this occurs, UST will inform students as soon as feasible, and request feedback from and engage in dialogue with students to ensure that the changes are not disruptive to the student experience.
A student may not always be able to study a particular course when student demand is limited, and will be asked to take an alternative.
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Find out more about Union School of Theology’s Policies and Procedures. Read more >
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