Ministry, Theology & Practice MTh/PgDip/PgCert
Creative Ministry TRS5104
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Critical Studies
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This Masters course looks at ways of enhancing ministry through creative and self-reflective practice.
It introduces key methods of reflection that develop personal self-awareness as well as responsiveness to social, cultural and political challenges. It explores how such creative and reflective practices can enrich theological reflection on pastoral ministry, worship and mission in local congregations.
Timetable
4 x 5hr seminars as scheduled on MyCampus
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ 2,500 word portfolio of critically-informed reflection on experience of personal and/or professional practice (50%)
■ 2,500 word essay (50%)
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions).
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Introduce a variety of methods that support reflective practice;
■ Examine the role of reflective practices (including life-writing) in the support and development of creative ministry;
■ Locate such reflective practice within the context of social, cultural and political awareness.
■ Identify appropriate tools to reflect critically and theologically on pastoral ministry, worship and mission.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Articulate the strengths and weaknesses of significant methods of reflective practice;
■ Employ tools of reflective practice (including life-writing) in relation to their ministry;
■ Formulate a reflexive account demonstrating how personal self-awareness has been developed within the social, cultural and political context of ministry.
■ Present a portfolio of theological reflection focussed upon a significant aspect of practice in pastoral ministry, worship or mission.