Thinking of signing up for a higher degree?

If you have a BA or BD or BTh degree - in theological/ religious studies - you may be thinking this springtime of going into a higher degree like an MA / MTh or even later, a Doctoral degree. Maybe you are just finishing a BA. The research is intriguing. Can you do more ... on x or y theories? Masters degrees come in many shapes and sizes- and even prices. Most are either a full 12 months of solid work, or part time over 2 years. Either way you need to check you have the time to give to it while working in some other way. It will cost in time as well as money.

How would you find out which course suits you?

Many simply go with their alma mater- their original university/ college. You know the staff. You know their systems. You know what resources they have. You are at home there.

What would another college mean? New systems, new people, new library access etc. Advantages may include your own identity is not known yet. Maybe a previous incident or grade makes you wary of going back to your alma mater. Maybe you just want a new experience, a new adventure. Maybe it would be an upgrade in terms of the type of university.

So what would you need to get into the course? First of all your earlier degree would need to have good marks, good credentials, and often provides good references from prior academic staff. Often for a British university degree, at least a 2:1 in the BA degree is required to get into an MA program. Why? Well, it is a step up from the BA. There is a lot more 'critical thinking required'. A 2:1 shows you have made a start on that style of writing. An MA requires more; answering the 'why factor' in every source used, every reason you give for an answer is the 'critical factor'.

Look around at the various colleges and universities that offer courses in theology and religious studies. There are so many different options. It can become quite bewildering in choices. So that implies you need to know where you want to specialise. Is it in Biblical studies? or Patristic studies or other church history angles like revivalism or how liturgical practices have developed through the ages. Perhaps you would want to look at leadership principles for church or charity reasons of your own practice. Do you want to 'stay safe' within your particular denominational ethos? Or perhaps do you dare to branch out and take on understanding a different ethos of theological and brand of church style?

Ask yourself, why do you want to do a further degree? Would it enhance your present ministry? Would it help in training others up within your church in discipleship and mission? It may be that it is purely to keep yourself reading around the topics pertinent to your ministry. It is always good to keep thinking things through and to do it academically it provides a broader perspective than on your own resources.

A generic graduate? Or could you become a purposed graduate?

When should you apply? SOON- universities like to know by July if there is a big enough cohort for September entry. NB There are student loans for MAs now -but not doctorates; next blog... how to consider a doctorate.