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    Biblical Studies
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    Durham University

    Biblical Studies

    Durham University

    Durham University

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    United Kingdom, Durham

    University RankQS Ranking
    78

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Master by Course Work

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Course Code

    V8K207

    Campuses

    Durham City

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2024
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 24,750  / year
    Next Intake September-2024

    Biblical Studies

    About

    This course focuses on the context and interpretation of biblical and pseudepigraphal texts, along with the study of biblical languages. Durham has a long tradition of outstanding biblical scholarship, providing a wide range of distinctive approaches to biblical studies, including historical, critical and theological.

    Course Structure

    • Paul and His Interpreters - core module*
    • Three optional modules
    • Dissertation.

    Core modules:

    • Paul and His Interpreters*
    • Dissertation

    *Core module may be subject to change

    Examples of optional modules:

    Optional modules in previous years have included 2-3 choices from:

    • Beginners' New Testament Greek
    • Biblical Hebrew
    • Advanced Hebrew Texts
    • Advanced Aramaic
    • Middle Egyptian
    • The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and the New Testament
    • Gospels and Canon

    Plus up to 1 choice from:

    • Paul and his Interpreters
    • Patristic Exegesis
    • Patristic Ecclesiology
    • Christian Northumbria 600-750
    • Anglican Theologyin Context
    • Classic Texts in Christian Theology
    • Liturgy and Sacramentality
    • Conceiving Change in Contemporary Catholicism
    • Twentieth-Century Catholic Theology
    • Christian Gender
    • Principles of Theological Ethics
    • Theology, Ethics and Medicine
    • Social Scientific Methods in the Study of Religion
    • Ritual, Symbolism and Belief in the Anthropology of Religion
    • Literature and Religion
    • Catholic Social Thought
    • Ecclesiology and Ethnography
    • Doctrine of Creation
    • Religion in the Neo-Liberal Age
    • The Thought of Thomas Aquinas in Context
    • Selected modules from the MA in Theology and Ministry course
    • Level 3 undergraduate module, or any Level 1–2 language module offered by the Department of Theology and Religion, taken in conjunction with the designated Extended Study in Theology and Religion module
    • 30 credits from another Board of Studies (including appropriate credit-bearing language modules offered by the University's Centre for Foreign Language Study).
    Deepen your knowledge of biblical studies.

    Most MA teaching is delivered through small group seminars and tutorials. These exemplify and encourage the various skills and practices required for independent scholarly engagement with texts and issues. Teaching in the Department of Theology & Religion is 'research led' at both BA and MA levels, but particularly at MA level. Research led teaching is informed by staff research, but more importantly it aims to develop you as independent researchers, able to pursue and explore your own research interests and questions. This is why the independently researched MA dissertation is the culmination of the MA course. Such engagement with texts and issues is not only an excellent preparation for doctoral research, it also develops those skills of critical analysis, synthesis and presentation sought and required by employers.

    Many MA classes will contain a 'lecture' element, conveying information and exemplifying an approach to the subject-matter that will enable you to develop a clear understanding of the subject and improve your own ability to analyse and evaluate information and arguments. Seminars enhance knowledge and understanding through preparation and interaction with other students and staff, promoting awareness of and respect for different viewpoints and approaches, and developing skills of articulacy, advocacy and interrogation. Through small group discussions and tutorials, feedback is provided on completed work, with the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing knowledge and writing skills.

    The Dissertation module includes training in generic research skills, from the use of the Library to issues in referencing and bibliography. The subject specific core module introduces you to questions of interpretation and argument in the disciplines encompassed by theology and religion, and helps to develop your own interests and questions that will issue in the MA dissertation. The latter is a piece of independent research, but it is fostered and guided through individual tutorials with a supervisor, with whom you will meet throughout the academic year.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Academic

    You need a good first degree or diploma in a relevant subject. 

    • Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance: you need proof of Maths or other numerate subject modules within your undergraduate degree or diploma.
    • Law and Social Science: you may need a relevant first degree, depending on your chosen progression degree.
    • Science and Engineering: you need a relevant degree or diploma.

    Age: 20+

    * We accept equivalent proof of English if you do not need a Student visa, or are exempt in another way.
    ^ Please note: the Pre-Masters in Law and Social Science programme is not available as a two-term option.

    Recognised first degree or equivalent

    Career

    Career opportunities

    Theology and Religion

    Our graduates are highly valued by employers. They enter into or continue in, a wide range of career areas, including law, teaching, government, marketing, business and finance, industry, charity work, media, the clergy, theological education and journalism. The MA is also a possible jumping off point for doctoral studies in Theology and an academic career.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee

    GBP 24,750  / year

    How to Apply

    If you want to be challenged and inspired to achieve the extraordinary then we’d love to hear from you. 

    Most applicants apply to us using UCAS, however where applicants and their schools are not using UCAS at all, but are using Common App we will accept applications through this route instead. 

    Applying through UCAS

    If you’re applying to us through UCAS, use our handy guide below to help you. 

    1. Deadlines

    For the best chance of receiving an offer, you’ll need to apply by 18:00 (GMT) on 26 January 2022. If you’re applying for Oxbridge, or Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science, then the application deadline is 15 October. Your school or college may have their own deadline for you to apply so they have enough time to write your reference, so you’ll need to bear this in mind. 

    2. Register 

    Register with UCAS. If you’re applying through school or college then you’ll need a buzzword, so make sure you know what this is. If you’re not applying through a school or college then you won’t need a buzzword. When you register you’ll be given a username, will need to create your own password, and will be given a UCAS personal ID. Make sure you keep these safe as you will need them a lot. 

    3. Start your application

    You can usually start your application from September for entry to university the following year. The online system lets you complete your application in stages – simply save as you go along and you can return to it later. 

    The application is made up of different sections, including your personal details, qualifications, course choices, a personal statement and a reference. 

    UCAS have some great guides to help you complete your application on their website

    You can choose up to five courses. Use the institution code D86 for Durham. 

    4. Colleges 

    You can also let us know what your college preference is on your UCAS application. If you want to do this then use the appropriate campus code from the list below. If you don’t have a preference for a particular college then use the campus code O. 

    College  Campus Code 
    Collingwood
    Grey
    Hatfield
    John Snow 
    Josephine Butler
    South College
    St Aidan’s
    St Chad’s
    St Cuthbert’s Society 4
    Stephenson 8
    St Hild & St Bede 5
    St John’s J
    St Mary’s M
    Trevelyan T
    University U
    Van Mildert V

    5. What happens next 

    Once you’ve submitted your application to UCAS they will let you know they have received it and will send it to all of your university choices. Selection processes vary between universities and courses so don’t worry if you don’t hear from your choices straight away. When the universities you have applied to are ready to make their decisions, you’ll be able to see them on at UCAS.

    You can find out more about the selection process at Durham here

    Applying through Common App

    1. We welcome applications through Common App as an alternative route for applicants who are unable to use UCAS. Please note if you are using UCAS for any university or college application, we are unable to consider your Common App application, and you would need Durham to be one of your five choices with UCAS.

    2. As part of your Durham application you’ll need to submit a personal statement. We’ll consider this rather than your Common App essay questions.

    3. You can submit your college preference through one of our Durham specific questions in Common App.

    4. After submitting your application, you can send evidence of your qualifications (e.g. College Board reports, academic transcripts) directly to Durham by emailing [email protected]

    Hints and Tips

    1. It’s never too early to start thinking about the course you want to study. Do your online research and take advantage of Open Days, Campus Tours (virtual options available) and talking to current students to find out as much as you can about your subject and the universities you’re interested in. You only have a maximum of 5 choices on your UCAS application, so it’s important you take advantage of all the resources available to choose the right courses and universities for you.

    2. Give yourself enough time to complete your application before the deadline – don’t leave it until the last minute! You need to give yourself the best chance of getting an offer, so plan in enough time so you don’t need to rush. 

    3. Double check each section before you submit your application. It’s especially important that factual information is correct, especially the grades you achieved in your qualifications. 

    4. If you’re using a school email address then don’t forget to change this to a personal one before you leave. Most universities send you information by email and don’t want you to miss important messages they might send during the summer months. 

    5. Don’t forget, UCAS have lots of helpful hints and tips, including a video guide. Or you could Ask one of our friendly advisers, who are always happy to help.

    Durham University

    Biblical Studies

    Durham University

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    United Kingdom,

    Durham

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