ObjectivesThe programme aims to encourage advanced analysis of key topics in the history of Christianity, predominently in the British Isles, in two periods: early modern (Tudor-Stuart) and Victorian (19th-century). It is designed for students to complete their studies at MA level and for those preparing for doctoral research.
Entry requirementspeople with a minimum 2:1 first degree in history, or theology, religious studies, or other related disciplines, or other relevant qualifications and experience . Where your degree is in a subject unrelated to the proposed field of study, you may be advised to take the Graduate Diploma.
Academic titleMA History of Christianity
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Course teachers have broad chronological expertise.
- Unrivalled access to regular research seminars and visiting speakers at the nearby Institute for Historical Research.
- Unparallelled research opportunities through proximity of Lambeth Palace Library, the British Library – there will be a hands-on training session with manuscripts and/or rare books.
The MA in the History of Christianity is a predominantly research-based programme. It comprises a core module (Methods & Foundations in the History of Christianity) and investigates historiographical traditions, methodological debates, research techniques, type of course, aspects of source criticism and presentational issues.
Students then take two out of three options: Religion in Early Modern England; Victorian Christianity; and Special Subject (a 10,000 word essay on an agreed topic). These modules prepare candidates for the writing of a dissertation on an approved topic of their choice of up to 15,000 words – an ideal opportunity to use London material and/or sources local to the writer to pursue a small research project of presonal interest, that might either be free-standing or consittute the ‘pilot’ study for a potential doctoral thesis.
The programme is taught via a combination of seminars, workshops and individual supervisions. Typical topics explored across the taught modules are: Polemical literature; Prosopography & the Clergy of the Church of England Database; Sources for the History of Popular Religion; England’s Reformations: Revisionism & Post-revisionism; Anne Boleyn & Evangelical Reform; The Nature of the Elizabethan Catholic Community; Early Prebyterianism; Faith, Gender & the Victorians; ‘Felt’ Religion? Evangelicalism & Romanticism; Christianity, Sin & the City; Christianity & Modernity.
Programme format and assessment
-Methods & Foundations in the History of Christianity (two 5,000 word essays)
-Religion in Early Modern England (two 5,000 word essays)
-Victorian Christianity (two 5,000 word essays)
-Special Subject (one 10,000 word essay)
-Dissertation (10,000-15,000 words)
Programme modules for MA History of Christianity
The History of Christianity: Special Subject
In consultation with the members of staff in the field, it may be possible to arrange a special subject paper on a significant figure or topic.