MASTER OF THEOLOGY (MTh) IN THEOLOGICAL ETHICS

The MTh in Theological Ethics is a new degree programme designed to introduce students to the rich tradition of Christian moral thought with the aim of understanding and contributing to contemporary ethical debates in Church and society. Courses will familiarise students with the work of a select number of master practitioners such as Augustine, Luther, Bonhoeffer and Hauerwas rather than offering encyclopaedic knowledge or the latest intellectual fashions. Our emphasis on in-depth study of great theologians serves the overall purpose of increasing the analytic rigour and depth of thinking about contemporary debates.

The School of Divinity at Aberdeen is uniquely placed to this approach, as the MTh in Theological Ethics offers the stimuli of three university post-holders (making it the UK’s best staffed faculty in this field), who cooperate closely and on the basis of a shared theological-pedagogical vision. Students also benefit from an unusually intense culture of cooperation with academics in Systematic and Practical Theology as well as a sympathetic relationship to a range of other disciplines in the wider university.

The Programme is open to students hoping to continue into doctoral work as well as those whose prior knowledge and experience is in other fields, but who have an interest in ethical questions and need an introduction to core themes and traditions in Christian moral thought.

DIVINITY AT ABERDEEN

Theological study has been integral to the University of Aberdeen ever since Bishop William Elphinstone established King’s College in 1495. The School of Divinity, History and Philosophy is still at the centre of the Old Aberdeen campus, attractively situated beside the ancient chapel in which Bishop Elphinstone is buried.  Practical Theology in Aberdeen has an international reputation in teaching and research, with a flourishing academic community from the UK and overseas.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The degree of MTh in Theological Ethics consists of the following components:

Two required research training courses:

• Theological Research in the University
• Dissertation colloquium and Research Skills.

Two further courses chosen from available electives, including:

• Thinkers in Theological Ethics
• Creation and Christian Ethics

A dissertation of 20,000 words on a topic related to the degree.

PROGRAMME STAFF

Professor Bernd Wannenwetsch
A leading authority on foundational issues in Theological Ethics (Scripture and Ethics, Liturgy and Ethics), Political Theology, Theological Anthropology, the theologies of Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonnhoeffer, and Stanley Hauerwas

Dr Brian Brock
Bible in Christian ethics; the doctrinal location of practical theology; technology and Christian moral reasoning;
medical and environmental ethics; the moral theologies of Augustine and Luther; the Psalms; the theology of Hans Ulrich.

N.N.
A University Lecturer will be appointed to complement the team in Theological Ethics from the beginning of the academic year 2012/2013
Contributions to the programme are also made by other members of the Divinity teaching staff, all of whom have their own distinguished record of publications and research. See also www.abdn.ac.uk/divinity/staff/index.shtml

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for MTh degrees normally need an upper-second Honours degree in Divinity or equivalent. For international applicants, proof of proficiency in English is required. Accepted certificates and minimum scores: IELTS overall score 6.5, with Listening 5.5 minimum, Reading 6.0 minimum, Speaking 5.5 minimum, Writing 6.0 minimum; for required scores in TOEFL iBT and PT Academic, please look at www.abdn.ac.uk/international/english-requirements.

Applicants must furnish the University with transcripts of their previous academic study and also with the names of two academic referees; applicants may also send the letters, in signed sealed envelopes, with the application.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Programme Co-ordinator:

Professor Bernd Wannenwetsch

Email: b.wannenwetsch@abdn.ac.uk

For any further information regarding this programme, or the application process, please contact the secretary below.

Postgraduate Secretary

School of Divinity, History and Philosophy

King's College, University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen AB24 3UB

Scotland, UK

Telephone: +44 (0)1224 272380

Fax: +44 (0)1224 273750