Courses
The Centre promotes opportunities to engage in studies relating to Christian ministry at all levels of the curriculum. Candidates for the ministry from a number of denominations study via our undergraduate degree programme which has options in practical theology as well as opportunities for placement learning.
The MTh is used both for the initial training of candidates with previous relevant experience and also by pastoral practitioners seeking to develop their professional competencies. There is a lively research community associated with the Centre and a programme of research seminars, conferences and key speakers is offered to our doctoral students.
MTh Modules and Further Information
Theology in Practice: Students examine the major models of theological reflection and reflect critically upon them. They are also required to engage with these models in their own context and produce a significant work of theological reflection upon their own practice.
Congregational Studies: Students inquire into the nature of Christian communities in contemporary Western culture. Questions are asked about Christian identity, partnership and dialogue.
Women and the Revisioning of Christian Ministry: Explores the work of women practical theologians who are generating new ecclesiological thinking and challenging models of pastoral practice.
Christian Spirituality and Mysticism: This module presents an overview of patterns of Christian spirituality and their practice in contemporary spiritual life and communal empowerment.
Resourcing Reflective Practice: This course will introduce tools for social analysis, the development of personal awareness and theological reflection - many of which have been developed through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). These will be used to critically examine students' engagement in Christian ministry. Participatory group work will form a key part of the educational process.
Spiritual Care: This course will introduce contemporary thinking on the practice of spiritual care in plural communities. Attention will be given to key points in the human life cycle and to crisis moments in personal life. Ritual, narrative and artistic practice will be explored as key resources for pastoral care. Assessment will be related to project work within a placement/ministry context.
Ethical and Pastoral Issues in Contemporary Medicine: This course will explore the challenges raised by new developments in medical and reproductive technology. It will ask how we might begin to respond to new procedures which raise ethical dilemmas not previously tackled by moral theologians or Christian ministers. What resources can we employ to guide our thinking on these issues.
Further Information
To obtain the Masters Degree students must complete three courses and a dissertation of 15,000 words. The period of study can vary between 1 and four years. Most courses entail 2 hours per fortnight in seminar groups although some courses will be taught over 4 study days. Trinity College can offer financial support to Church of Scotland ministers who are studying via the MTh with the intention of enhancing their ministry. Please note that courses are offered on a biennial basis and therefore prospective students should check what is being taught in the year they intend to study.
Contact Heather Walton, 0141 330 5272 or hew@arts.gla.ac.uk for more details.