Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
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Programme Title
Ministry and Theology (MA)
Ministry and Theology (PG Dip)
Ministry and Theology (PG Cert)
Ministry and Biblical Studies (MA)
Liturgy (MA)
Note. Ministry and Theology is the initial and default pathway,
but candidates on this programme can branch into either of the
two separate pathways, or remain on the default pathway, after
the first 60 credits which are common two all three MA
pathways. PG Dip and PG Cert are only awarded in Ministry
and Theology.
RELT25 MA Ministry and Theology FT
RELT26 MA Ministry and Theology PT
RELT27 MA Ministry and Theology PDR
(PDR – Professional Development Route, see section 20)
RELT28 PG Dip Ministry and Theology FT
RELT29 PG Dip Ministry and Theology PT
RELT30 PG Dip Ministry and Theology PDR
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Programme Code
RELT31 PG Cert Ministry and Theology FT
RELT32 PG Cert Ministry and Theology PT
RELT33 PG Cert Ministry and Theology PDR
RELT34 MA Ministry and Biblical Studies FT
RELT35 MA Ministry and Biblical Studies PT
RELT36 MA Ministry and Biblical Studies PDR
RELT37 MA Liturgy FT
RELT38 MA Liturgy PT
RELT39 MA Liturgy PDR
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JACS Code
V650
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Level of Study
Postgraduate
5a
Final Qualification
Master of Arts (BA)
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
MA – Level 7
6a
Intermediate Qualification(s)
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
PG Dip and PG Cert are only awarded in Ministry and
Theology, see section 20.
6b
QAA FHEQ Level
Level 7
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Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
The Yorkshire Ministry Course and the College of the
Resurrection, Mirfield.
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Faculty
Arts and Humanities
9
Department
Faculty
10
Other Departments involved in
teaching the programme
None
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Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time, Part-time and Professional Development Route
12
Duration of the Programme
1 years for Full-time
2 years for Part-time
42 months for Professional Development Route (Part-time)
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13
Accrediting Professional or Statutory
Body
The degree programme has been given approval by the
Church of England (Ministry Division) as a “validated route” for
training clergy for the Church of England and partner
Churches.. Completion of this degree is only part of the
requirements for ordination. The full outcomes statements,
against which the College or the YMC has to make a
recommendation to the ordaining Bishop, are available at
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ministry/workofmindiv/te
tc/safwp/outcomestatements.doc
Furthermore, three of the modules have been approved as
providing “post-ordination” training for curates in the five
Yorkshire dioceses.
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Date of production/revision
March 2015
15. Background to the programme and subject area
Christianity is not an abstract faith. From its beginning, Christianity has engaged with the most pressing
questions of the age. This is no less true in the 21st century. The resources of the Christian tradition all serve to
enrich and inform pastoral practice and ministry within diverse contexts. This programme enables those involved
in Christian ministry, both lay and ordained, to engage in detailed analytic study of a range of theological
subjects, informed by current research and scholarship, and in creative dialogue with pastoral practice. There
are specific modules which meet the training needs of newly ordained clergy.
Within the common framework, that includes a practical placement and critical theological reflection, students
can choose either a range of modules from across the theological discipline or focus on one particular subject
area. Students choosing modules from a range of theological disciplines gain an award in Ministry and
Theology. Alternatively, students focusing on liturgy can draw on particular modules provided by the College of
the Resurrection, which integrate detailed liturgical scholarship with current liturgical practice; this option leads
to an MA in Liturgy. Students focusing on Biblical Studies can draw on the full range of modules available in the
Religion, Theology and the Bible programme in the department of Philosophy in Sheffield; this options leads to
an MA in Ministry and Biblical Studies. For each MA award, through the final 12,000 -15,000 word dissertation,
students develop their research skills laying the foundation for further study on a PhD, DPhil or professional
doctorate.
16. Programme aims
The Programme aims to
1) provide a recognised programme for the academic and professional formation and development of
Christian ministers (lay and ordained) for the various churches represented in Britain.
2) provide advanced engagement with theological, biblical and liturgical studies that is informed by recent
research/scholarship and is directly related to the current pastoral practice of Christianity today.
3) offer flexible pathways, with a common core rooted in rigorous theological reflection on pastoral
practice, that enable students to expand their knowledge and critical understanding of either a breadth
of theological studies or a particular area of study such as liturgy or biblical studies.
4) explore the theoretical understanding of ministry and of the church alongside analysis of and reflection
on the cultural, intellectual, religious and ecclesiastical context within which ministers practice and make
decisions.
5) offer students the opportunity to engage in a piece of supervised independent research in an area of
interest that can prepare them to take a further research degree.
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17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
By the end of the programme students achieving either the PG Dip or MA award will:
K1
demonstrate a sophisticated and systematic understanding of concepts, information, theories and
methods at the forefront of the study of theology, liturgy or biblical studies, with particular reference to
pastoral practice.
K2
demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of theories,
methods and skills applicable to their own research and to advanced scholarship.
K3
formulate proactively ideas and hypotheses and develop, implement and execute plans by which to
evaluate these in both theory and practice, with due consideration to ethical issues in research
methodology.
K4
evaluate critically and creatively current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the field of
theology, (or biblical studies for MA in Biblical Studies or liturgy for MA in Liturgy).
K5
demonstrate critical understanding of the dialogue between pastoral practice and academic discourse in
theology, (and biblical studies for MA in Biblical Studies, and liturgy for MA in Liturgy).
In addition, students achieving the award of MA will:
K6
demonstrate an ability to produce a sustained and detailed piece of independent research.
Skills and other attributes:
By the end of the programme students will be able to:
S1
live and work as a reflective practitioner, both independently and as part of a group, exercising initiative
and personal responsibility.
S2
take a proactive and self-reflective role in working, develop professional relationships with others and
evaluate their own achievement and support other people in doing the same.
S3
present their own ideas and arguments to others, both written and verbally, and receive critical feedback.
S4
learn independently and work in a way which ensures continuing professional development.
In addition, students achieving the award of MA will:
S5
have the opportunity to demonstrate the intellectual capacity, the ability to work independently with a
supervisor, and the understanding of research methodology necessary to undertake further study either
through a research degree or professional doctorate.
S6
demonstrate the key skills in the design, development, and implementation of a major research project.
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning
methods:
Seminars are used extensively throughout the programme as the primary means of teaching and learning. They
provide an opportunity to discuss, explain, analyse, understand, and respond to information. In addition, they
are designed to help foster problem solving, communication, and presentation skills. They also provide personal
and social contact with fellow students and staff. Seminars contribute to the achievement of knowledge and
understanding (K1–5) and the development of key skills (S3–6).
Lectures are an efficient way of providing information, encouraging ideas and guiding students’ independent
study. They contribute particularly to the achievement of knowledge and understanding (K1–2).
Independent study. The programme places considerable emphasis on the need to implement a philosophy of
student-centred learning in order to help students develop an independent and self-motivated approach to their
learning. The timetabled classes and contacts with staff, inside and outside the classroom, help to provide a
framework and direction to independent student learning. The dissertation helps to refine research skills and
promote independent study. Independent learning contributes to the achievement of knowledge and
understanding (K1–6) and the refinement of key skills (S1–2, 4 & 6).
Placements are an integral part of the programme. They are designed to enable critical reflection on the
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relationship between pastoral practice and theological, biblical and liturgical research and study. Reflection is
enabled through personal reflection, one to one meetings with a supervisor who is a practitioner, tutor facilitated
group reflection and written assessment. In group reflections students have the opportunity to support one
another in their professional development (S2). Placements contribute to the achievement of knowledge and
understanding (K1–5) and the development of key skills (S1–4).
Auditing undergraduate modules. Students are able to audit modules (i.e. attend the classes but without the
need to undertake formal assessment) from the BA programmes in Theological and Biblical Studies, with the
agreement of the module leader. This contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding (K1–2)
and key skills (S3–4).
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes are provided through the following
assessment methods:
Summative assessment, in the form of essays, theological reflections, analytical bibliography, exegesis,
oral presentation, examination and a dissertation, tests the ability to demonstrate subject knowledge (K1–6)
and the development and refinement of key skills (S1–6). The dissertation allows the demonstration of detailed
subject knowledge, independent learning, and the application of key skills (K 1- 4 & 6 and S3–6).
Theological Reflections based on placement experience offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their
ability to relate their studies to pastoral practice (K1-5 & S1-4) and their ability to function as reflective
practitioners.
Students also engage in a process of self-appraisals in addition to the formal examination process, which aims
to help the student both develop professionally and record that development. It is an important means by which
students reflect upon their own learning, attainment and their formation as Christian Ministers.
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
The Generic QAA framework descriptors for Level 7
The QAA “Master’s degree characteristics, March 2010
The University Learning and Teaching Strategy
The Department’s strategy and outcome statements for undergraduates
Experience and comments from External Examiners on the previous degree through the University of Leeds
The Church of England’s outcome statements for candidates for ordination and completion of curacy
While the QAA Subject benchmark statements for Theology and Religious Studies at BA level were consulted,
currently there are not subject specific statements for MAs in Theology and Religious Studies.
20. Programme structure and regulations
All students take a 30 credit CORE module, either REL6000 Research Methods or REL6663 The Bible,
Theology and Reflection. The decision about which module is taken is made in consultation with the Director of
Teaching at Mirfield.
The module REL6663 includes a placement and ensures that all students meet the professional elements of the
programme learning outcomes. If REL6000 is taken, then the placement element of the programme must be
met in a different module from those on offer that year.
Students then have a choice from a limited range of 30 credit modules, the common feature of which is the
relation of pastoral practice to a particular body of knowledge and research in theological studies. These
modules are
REL6653 Anglicanism
REL6650 Christian Faith and Moral Life
REL6654 Liturgy, Culture and Context
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REL6655 Leadership and Change in the Church
REL6656 Mission and Local Context
Students who have taken the BA in Theological Studies in the department, and successfully completed both
REL6653 Anglicanism and REL6650 Christian Faith and Moral Life may instead take one other REL MA
module.
Students who complete these two modules (60 credits in total) can exit with the award of a PGCert in Ministry
and Theology.
At this point the programme branches into three named MA pathways. The normal and default pathway is
“Ministry and Theology”. This is also the only award available at PG Cert and PG DIp levels. All pathways have
the same structure, two further taught module of 30 credits each followed by a 60 credit dissertation of 12,000 –
15,000 words. Up to 30 credits can be taken from unrestricted F7 Level units. Students who complete four
taught modules (120 credits in total) can exit with the award of the PGDip in Ministry and Theology. Students
exiting at PG Cert or PG Dip level, that is without a dissertation, will not have given sufficient concentration to a
specialist area to qualify for the specialist designation of “Ministry and Biblical Studies” or “Liturgy” and so are
only eligible for the broader “Ministry and Theology”.
For the award of the MA in Liturgy students must take REL6667 Dissertation in Liturgy and also must have
completed a total of 120 credits at M level, of which at least 60 credits must be designated liturgical modules.
These are:
REL6654 Liturgy, Culture and Context
REL6655 Leadership and Change in the Church (with liturgical case study)
REL6664 Liturgical Texts
REL6659 Sacramental Theology
REL6651 Singing the Word
REL6662 Themes in Liturgical Theology
REL6658 Cistercian Studies
REL6665 Liturgy, Ritual and Sacred Space
For the award of the MA in Ministry and Biblical Studies, students must take REL6020 Dissertation in Biblical
Studies and also must have completed a total of 120 credits at M level, of which at least 60 credits must be
Biblical modules. These are
REL6663 The Bible, Theology and Reflection
REL6652 The Bible and the Modern Church
Research Methods in Biblical Studies
Biblical Hebrew
New Testament Greek
Hebrew Bible Language and Texts
New Testament Language and Texts
French or German
Issues in Cultural Studies and the Bible
Issues in Religion, Theology and the Bible
The Bible and the Postcolonial World
The Bible and the Historical Imagination
The Bible and the Literary Imagination
For the award of an MA in Ministry and Theology, students must take REL6666 Dissertation in Theology and
must also have completed a total of 120 credits of taught modules. These can be:
REL6668 Christology and Context
REL6661Theological Texts
REL6657 Holy Spirit and the Church
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REL6660 Adult Theological Learning
Or any other REL MA module
Up to 30 credits can be taken from unrestricted F7 Level units
This MA programme is offered in three modes
Full-time - 12 months
Part-time - 24 months
Professional Development - 42 months
This third mode has been developed in conjunction with the five Yorkshire Dioceses of the Church of England to
serve the professional development needs of clergy. The normal pathway for this third mode is: one module in
year 1; two modules in year 2; one module in year 3 while beginning the dissertation for completion in the 4th
year.
The following modules have been approved by the Church as the normal professional development modules for
curates
REL6663 The Bible, Theology and Reflection
REL6655 Leadership and Change in the Church
REL6656 Mission and Local Context
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression
and descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Student development over the course of study
In the core module, students will either look at the dialogue between theological, liturgical and biblical studies on
the one hand and pastoral practice on the other, or at the research methods which provide the base for the
development and consolidation of knowledge and understanding and key skills. There will be an exploration of
how to use theological, liturgical and biblical studies in professional ministry, facilitated by a pastoral or liturgical
placement and supported by consideration of approaches to theological reflection and reflective practice. This
interplay is then further developed in the second module focusing on a particular area of theology and relating it
to pastoral practice. At the end of these two modules, PGCert level, students will have met outcomes K1, K5,
and S1-3. They will have begun to meet outcomes K2-4 and S4.
During the remaining two taught modules, students choose options to meet their research interests and/or
professional development needs. Through these modules they will moved further towards meeting outcomes
K2-4 and S4 and be prepared for S5.
The final dissertation will complete outcomes K2-4 and S4-6.
Candidates for the PGCert or PGDip who perform well in their taught module (generally at merit level or above)
can transfer onto the MA programme, with the permission of the admissions Board.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
Detailed information regarding admission to programmes is available from the University’s On-Line
Prospectus at http://www.shef.ac.uk/courses/.
Admissions will be handled by a joint Admissions Board, with representatives from the University, the College of
the Resurrection and the Yorkshire Ministry Course.
PG Cert/PG Dip. An honours degree in any subject and evidence of theological studies equivalent to level 2,
with marks consistent with at 2.i standard or above. Or a foundation degree in Theology and Ministry or a
closely related subject with marks at distinction level.
MA. Normally an honours degree in theology (or where theology comprised at least 50% of the programme) with
a 2.i or above. Students performing well on the PG Cert can transfer to the MA.
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23. Additional information
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can
be accessed via our Student Services web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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