MA, PG Cert, PG Dip

Christian Theology and the Contemporary World

Join a timely debate about the role of Christian faith and theology in the contemporary world on this Master's degree, taught by Cambridge Theological Federation and accredited by ARU.

Start date
September 2026
Location
Cambridge Theological Federation Distance learning
Award
MA
Duration
1 year full-time

It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

This course is also available as a PG Cert and a PG Dip. Visit the Cambridge Theological Foundation website for more information about these options.

On this course, you'll expand your critical understanding of theological and philosophical discourse in the contemporary academy, church and society, as well as the interaction between secularisation and global shifts in the growth and decline of Christianity.

You'll develop the skills to interpret the world from a theological perspective, exploring questions such as: 'what is the relationship between faith and reason?'; 'how can Christian theology approach ecological issues?'; 'how are we to understand the central Christian virtue, love, in the 21st century?; and 'what is the most promising approach to ecumenism in contemporary theology?'

Please note: to apply for this course, you must be a member of one of the Cambridge Theological Federation’s member institutions. Apply by 31 August for a September start.

To find out more about the MA Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care and studying with Cambridge Theological Federation, visit the Federation's website.

Careers

Develop your critical thinking skills and get to grips with pressing theological questions.

This course will equip you to contribute to social transformation through continued critical reflection and engagement with personal, organisational, and public values and ethics.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with our DProf Practical Theology or PhD Theology.

Teaching and modules

Explore current discourse and debates in Christian theology and philosophy.

On our core Secularisation in the Christian World module, you'll gain a critical understanding of the tenets and process of secularisation in Europe and the wider world.

You'll select one optional module from: Theology and Science; Christianity and Ecology; Development of World Christianity; Ecumenism in Theory and Practice; Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter; The Mystery of Love; Religion and Society From the Medieval to the Modern.

You'll then select two optional modules from: The Theology and Practice of Mission; Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making; Theology and Philosophy.

You'll complete your Master's with a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Secularisation in the Christian World
  • Major Project
  • Theology and Science *
  • Christianity and Ecology *
  • Development of World Christianity *
  • Ecumenism in Theory and Practice *
  • Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter *
  • The Mystery of Love *
  • Religion and Society from the Medieval to the Modern *
  • Theology and Philosophy *
  • The Theology and Practice of Mission *
  • Moral Development, Reasoning and Decision Making *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

Facilities

Study with Cambridge Theological Federation and:

  • join one of our denominational Houses, gaining support from others in your tradition and creating networks for life
  • meet students and teachers from a wide range of traditions
  • access resources from the theological libraries of our member institutions
  • learn flexibly: our courses are offered in Cambridge, or by distance learning.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Christian Theology and the Contemporary World

Apply now