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CBT Postgraduate Taster module

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The Postgraduate (PG) Taster Course in the Centre for Black Theology (CBT) is designed to introduce part-time learners to a postgraduate award that is rigorous and practical for transformative practice in church and society. The PG Taster course is an ideal introduction to part-time studies to gain awareness and experience in studying theology at an advanced level. It is a popular and hugely successful course, and in January 2024, it will be our sixth year of provision. On the PG Taster Course in the Centre for Black Theology, students will:

  • Gain confidence to study theology at a high level
  • Be equipped with insights into Black and contextual theologies, which are committed to inclusion and social justice, and engaging in historical and contemporary issues concerning Black lives and experience

MORE INFORMATION

Prior qualifications required

  • If you have a first degree in theology, a HE Diploma in theology, or a degree in another subject, you will be eligible to apply for the MA programme to start in September 2024.
  • If you have a degree in another subject, a HE Diploma and ministry experience, you could join the PG Taster Course, which will start in January 2024
  • This will be taught and assessed at the MA level, so passing it will mean that you can progress to the MA programme (or Post Graduate Diploma) and have the learning accredited

Some Practical Details

  • The next PG Taster Course starts in January 2024 (see dates below)
  • All sessions are held on 5 Saturdays (taught sessions online) from 1.00pm - 6.30pm (UK time)
  • Dates for the taught sessions are:
    27th Jan
    24th Feb
    16th March
    4th May
    29th June
  • It costs only £200, which includes the registration and tuition fee. Course material is also included
  • The course is accessible to part-time learners locally, nationally and internationally
  • For more information, see frequently asked questions below, or email cbtadmin@queens.ac.uk
  • To apply, use this link: PG Taster Course application form

Frequently asked questions about the PG Taster Course

Who is the PG Taster Course for?

  • Lay and Ordained leaders, Graduates and individuals who are socially engaged
  • Anyone with a first degree in any discipline (or a relevant degree, 2.2 or above)
  • Anyone with prior theological education to HE Diploma level, together with relevant previous experience or a professional accreditation such as ordination or equivalent

When, where and how much work will be involved in the studies?

  • All classes are taught online
  • Classes are held over 5 Saturdays
  • Two written assignments of a total of 6,000 words (worth 30 credits) will be assessed

What about the cost?

  • The total cost for the Taster Course is a discounted price of £200, which includes a £50 registration fee
  • A grant for the PG Taster course only is available (see criteria for a grant on the application form)

What will I gain?

  • Insights into key themes and concepts of Black Theology for transformative practice in church and community
  • By doing the PG Taster Course, you will cover the first module of the PG Diploma or MA programme (30 credits)
  • The PG Taster Course can be accredited after successful completion of the written assessment and acceptance of an application to progress onto the PG Diploma or MA programme

After the Taster Course, when will the MA Programme start?

  • September 2024 (after successful completion of the PG Taster course)
  • Applications for the PG Diploma /MA programme should be processed by the end of the summer of that year (2024)

Frequently asked questions about the PG Diploma / MA programme

How much work will I need to do for the PG Diploma?

  • You will need to complete a total of four modules (6,000 words of assessed work for each)
  • There is no dissertation

How much work will I do for the MA Degree?

  • You will need to complete a total of four modules (a total of 6,000 words of assessed work for each module)
  • A dissertation of 15,000 words

What about the cost?

  • There is no grant for the PG Diploma or MA programme
  • Funding for the MA programme is available via Student Finance England (dependent on eligibility)
  • Student finance is not available for the PG Diploma programme

What will I achieve?

  • Newman University validates both the PG Diploma and MA programme
  • On successful completion, candidates will be awarded a PG Diploma or MA in Theology and Transformative Practice

For an application form

For more information

  • Contact Dr Dulcie Dixon McKenzie, Director of the Centre for Black Theology. Email: cbtadmin@queens.ac.uk or telephone 0121 454 1527