Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations is an interdisciplinary course that explores the inherent contextuality and pluralism of theological reflection, and especially their implications for inter- and intra-faith relations. ‘Faith’ here is understood broadly, drawing from a wide range of religions and spiritualities, some traditional and institutionally structured, others more experimental and experiential.

Students attend to the practical and theoretical possibilities of engaging — in depth and in context — with the challenging theological praxis of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. By offering a wide range of critically reflective faith perspectives from the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, this Masters programme blends together the themes of liberation theologies, with those of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.

There are three main strands in the course:

1. Religions, politics, ethics and pluralism in multiple contexts (e.g. Global South and Global North) with a particular focus on religion and secularity; religion and human rights; religion, conflict and peace; religion and race, caste, gender, sexualities; and religion and postcolonial/decolonial critique.
2. Ecumenical dialogue, with a particular focus on how ecclesial communities reimagine formerly antagonistic relationships as part of a repentant reconfiguration of postcolonial and postimperial religious identities.
3. Liberationist and interreligious theologies that blend interfaith dialogue with the themes of justice, peace, reconciliation and the integrity of creation involving Buddhist-Christian, Buddhist-Muslim, Hindu-Muslim, Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Christian and indigenous traditions.

Applicants should normally have an Honours degree at second-class level, or GPA 3.2 (or above). Students not meeting these criteria may be considered at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Studies under exceptional circumstances.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Graduates of this course can go on to further education and academic research. Graduates will learn research skills, as well as analytic, written, and verbal communication skills that are highly valued and effective in a great variety of careers.