The Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge, UK recently announced that it is launching a fully online MA degree in Pastoral Theology. The degree will be offered jointly with the Cambridge Theological Federation. The Institute, with support from Antiochian Orthodox Christians amongst others, has successfully provided this degree in a face-to-face format at Cambridge, UK for 15 years and is glad that it now can be offered to people living around the world. The program is available to anyone who has completed a bachelor’s degree or can demonstrate professional experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree. Fluency in English is necessary.
“The program,” says Institute’s Principal, Professor David Frost, Ph.D., “provides an opportunity to explore the intellectual foundations and spiritual dimensions of the Orthodox Christian faith. Each course module will assist learners explore the eternal significance of the human experience while illuminating God’s transformational plan for them and their ministry whatever that might be. The degree’s focus is to teach the faithful how to be an effective Christian and leader in today’s complex world through sound biblical and doctrinal theological training provided by our expert and distinguished faculty members and outstanding tutors.”
This graduate degree can be completed in either one or two calendar years according to Dr. Christoph Schneder, the Institute’s Academic Director. He explained that: “Full-time students take two modules in each semester followed by the MA dissertation and are able to complete the degree within one year of registration. Part-time students take one module per semester, followed by the MA dissertation. The program must completed within 5 years of registration.”
The degree offers, among other things, an opportunity for independent study, an Orthodox approach and understanding of ministry in its many forms, liturgical theology and the mission of the church, and an in-depth study of pastoral theology in history and practice.
To learn more, email info@iocs.ac.uk.
