MA in Catholic Theology by Distance Learning

Credit: Durham University Centre for Catholic Studies

Source: Durham University Centre for Catholic Studies

Distance Learning programmes in Catholic Theology are being offered by the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University.

From October 2024 it will be possible for participants to enrol on the core module of the Distance Learning MA, 'Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour' as a standalone module. This is a route into the MA for those with a BA or BSc who have not studied Theology or a related discipline before, and also a standalone option for Continual Professional Development and general interest in the subject.

Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour explores the nature of theology in the Catholic tradition, providing a first step into, and a grounding for, postgraduate theological study. It is designed to enable people with first degrees in a range of disciplines to test their interest in theology, while also extending and deepening the engagement with key elements in the Catholic tradition for those who may have studied theology before.

The module begins by exploring a variety of answers to the question "What is theology?", including the student's own. It then follows a broadly historical path, touching on the doctrine of the Trinity, key issues in Christology, scholasticism and debates around the theme of nature and grace, the Reformation and ecumenism, the Enlightenment and its relevance to Catholic theology, Vatican II, its origins and its reception.

The module concludes with an exploration of a contemporary area of debate and discussion: students can choose to focus on "Theology and Prayer", "Theology and Evil" or "Universal salvation". Throughout students are enabled to explore and analyse a range of theological styles, from patristic and scholastic to recent liberation and African theologies, and to examine issues about the nature of theological method and the relevance of the study of theology to their own life and commitments.

Full details of the single module option can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/continuing-professional-development---catholic-theology-v8k118/