Applied Theology PgDip

University of Oxford

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Applied Theology is designed to enable theological reflection upon experience in pastoral practice in the context of ministry in the Church. It may be taken if you hold a pastoral appointment at present, or if you are able to include a period of approved pastoral experience in your course of study for the PGDip.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Applied Theology consists of either one year of full-time study, during which students must be resident in Oxford, or two years of part-time study. If studying part-time, you may be non-residential but you must attend classes and seminars in Oxford on one day each week (currently Fridays) during at least your first year. Colleges may offer further seminars for their Applied Theology students.

You will take four units in total. The two core units are:

• Doctrine, Context and Practice
• Experiential Project with Theological Reflection.

Further units may include the following options, subject to supervisor availability:

• Sociology of Religion
• Pastoral Psychology
• Science and Faith in the Modern World
• The Use of the Bible
• Christian Spirituality
• Liturgy and Worship
• Christian Ethics
• Mission in the Modern World
• Inter-faith Dialogue
• Ecclesiology in an Ecumenical Context

Core classes and seminars on methodology and approaches in applied theology will be offered weekly in the first year. The classes will include required reading and discussion. Extended essays for particular units will be supervised by an individual tutor. There is a balance of supported learning and independent research.