The course aims:
- to provide advanced teaching and training in research to postgraduate students in the theologies, scriptures, histories and philosophies, doctrines and practices of Christianity; and, as far as resources permit, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, principally within their own traditions but also by means of comparative approaches
- to provide high-calibre students with an excellent education in these traditions, which is informed by current developments in scholarship and research
- to provide a stimulating environment in which students can reach their intellectual potential
- to provide an integrated structure of learning and teaching
- to help students develop a wide range of intellectual abilities and skills which will enable them to make a significant contribution in their chosen careers and walks of life, particularly training in academic research
Learning outcomes
On completion of the MPhil, students should have acquired:
an introduction to research methods and skills appropriate to a chosen sub-discipline of the subject, such as will serve both: as a preparation for more advanced research or as offering skills of value to potential employers
more advanced and specialised knowledge of some fundamental issues and literatures at the forefront of research in that sub-discipline
the ability to construct a substantive, if preliminary, contribution to research on a particular issue within that sub-discipline through the writing of a dissertation
Knowledge and Understanding:
Of research methods appropriate to a chosen sub-discipline of the subject.
More advanced and specialised knowledge of some fundamental issues and literatures at the forefront of research in that sub-discipline.
The ability to construct a substantive, if preliminary, contribution to research on a particular issue within that sub-discipline, through the writing of a dissertation.
Skills and other attributes:
Research skills appropriate to a chosen sub-discipline of the subject.
The written work which students undertake enables them to learn how to study steadily, assimilate issues and large amounts of literature swiftly, evaluate theological positions and evidence critically, to produce succinct arguments to tight deadlines, and to engage effectively with those with whom they disagree. Methodologies used include textual, critical, exegetical, hermeneutical, historical, philosophical, doctrinal, and ethical. Students will have acquired the skill to engage with the thought of major religious thinkers and their traditions, and to understand the historical, social and cultural context which produced a text or affected a writer. Students will be able to read texts in the original language critically and be able to evaluate them in their own context. Those studying theology will become sensitive to the problems of religious language. The dissertation develops the skill of articulating an argument at length and working independently under the direction of a supervisor. Students will learn to present an argument and attain analytical skills. By the end of the course students should have completed a degree which could be a basis for study at Ph.D. level. (Intellectual skills)
Use of the libraries and other bibliographical resources, taking notes effectively, learning languages. (Practical skills)
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to work to deadlines and under pressure; to manage time; to set priorities; to formulate an argument; to work independently and with initiative; IT skills (email, computer and internet use; use of bibliographical software); critical analysis; to present papers in a seminar context; linguistic skills; skills of analysis and interpretation; self-discipline, self-direction; and respect for other views. (Transferable skills)
Continuing
In order to be eligible to continue to the PhD, students must achieve at least a mark of 71 for the dissertation and an overall average of at least 71% in the MPhil as a whole. Applications are considered on their own merit.
Open Days
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
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Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
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