MA degree in Christian Spirituality
The UK's only ecumenical master's degree in Christian spirituality.
The programme offers a unique interdisciplinary exploration: students examine the different ways Christians seek to relate to God, the underlying theology and the particular practices or lifestyles the differences express.
Validated by The University of Winchester
Programme leader: Dr Susan Stephenson
Academic administrator: Anne Jensen
The course is suitable for those who live outside the Salisbury area and even overseas. Students from the Islands (eg, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, etc) are classed as ‘home’ students and do not pay overseas fees.
Delivered through intensive modules in the beautiful setting of Salisbury's Cathedral Close, the MA in Christian Spirituality has thrived since it began in 1998.
The normal pattern of study is two years of taught modules and one year of supervised individual study for the dissertation. The maximum period to complete the degree is five years, which makes it attractive to mature students occupied full time at home or in employment.
Compulsory core modules introduce the study of spirituality - its foundations, sources and methods. They also examine the contemporary religious and cultural contexts of spiritual experience. The modules provide the necessary critical tools for the study of spirituality and offer a framework to help integrate the MA pathway as a whole.
Students may then choose from a range of options in the light of their own interests and concerns. These are supplemented by tutorial support, guided private study and assessed written work. Students may be resident or non-resident.
A further element of the course is research and study skills that are designed to develop the essential skills for study at this level, including research for the dissertation. The classes (plus additional assessed work) will be credit-rated for any student planning to go on eventually to a research degree.
Students attend six taught modules (4pm Monday to 5.15pm Thursday) over two years and write a dissertation in their third year.
Subject to overall numbers, people may study for individual modules, whether for credit of not, without registering for the full MA.
What our students say
As a Church Army Sister I see my ministry as helping people to find a living relationship with a loving God.
You could understand it in terms of helping people to swim, something that is purely natural but some people need encouragement or even a little push. Swimming instructors spend a lot of time in the shallow end. In all the business and delight of my Church Army life there is always a danger of staying in the 'shallow end.'
Sarum College and the MA course has provided a wonderful way of reflecting theologically on the work of God in a post modern world and particularly the Christian journey. It is about my journey with God and pushing out into the deep end. I am hoping that some of the new 'swimmers' will want to join me and discover new and wonderful things about our great God.
Sister Peggy Boynes
2008 MA in Christian Spirituality graduate
Online application pack:
Further Information (MA in Christian Spirituality)