The Pentecostal/Charismatic and Evangelical movements are among the largest and fastest growing traditions within world Christianity and indeed of any faith, representing on some estimates well over half a billion people. Birmingham has a long-standing tradition of studying these movements ranging back over some 40 years, and remains today a world leader in this field of research. Our specialisms include: Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic history; missiology; doctrine; biblical interpretation; worship; and liturgy.
This course provides an excellent preparation for further research in the field but as a standalone course which will be of interest to: people from within these Christian traditions; those who are fascinated by religious phenomena, growth and development; professionals in social policy, education, politics and economics; and the faith groups who engage regularly with individuals and communities from Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic backgrounds.
To achieve the MA, you will study two core modules and four optional modules, which are assessed by essays. To complete the course, you will also produce a 15,000-word dissertation, which allows plenty of opportunity for you to explore your own specific interests in the field.
To gain a Diploma, you will study six taught modules (as above – two are core, four are optional) and to complete a Certificate-level qualification, you will study three taught modules (two core, one optional).
- You will study two core modules:
Research Methodology
This module provides an introduction to the study of graduate-level Theology and to research in this field.
History of Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism
This module concentrates on the origins, history and development of Evangelicalism in different parts of the world. There is a particular emphasis on the theological and historical precedents to Pentecostalism in late 19th- and early 20th- century Evangelicalism and the significance of Pentecostalism to global Christianity.
- You will also choose your optional modules from a range which typically includes:
Pentecostal/Charismatic Theology in Context
This module examines key theological issues relating to the global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Particular attention is given to the subjects of spirituality, mission, culture and society, and globalisation. Contextual and multi-disciplinary approaches to Pentecostal and Charismatic studies will inform the theological reflection.
Evangelical Theology in Comparative Perspective
This module will be a reading-based course, focusing on the close reading and comparison of systematic theologies of selected evangelical theologians with non-evangelical ones.
Contemporary Theology of the Holy Spirit
This module will consider the theological distinctives of contemporary Evangelicalism, tracing their historic roots and practical outworking today.
Evangelical and Pentecostal Approaches to Music and Worship
This module will look at the growth and development of worship in the Evangelical and Pentecostal movements since the 1970s and include consideration of the theology of music and worship and a historical survey, as well as a discussion and analysis of contemporary practice.
Evangelical and Pentecostal Hermeneutics
This module will examine the use of the Bible in the Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic traditions, highlighting similarities and differences between their approaches to and appropriation of the biblical text.
Alternatively, you may select up to two of your optional modules from other programmes in the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion. This includes modules in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, Religion and Culture, Global Ethics, the History of Christianity, the Philosophy of Health and Happiness as well as Theology and Religion more generally.
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2013/14 are as follows:
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Home / EU: full-time - £5,130
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Overseas: full-time - £13,200
Part-time programme fees are one half of the full-time programme fees.
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.