MA in Ministry

MA in Ministry, Diocese of Oxford & Ripon College Cuddesdon with Oxford Brookes University.

An exciting programme

The postgraduate awards in Ministry from the partnership between the Diocese of Oxford, Ripon College Cuddesdon, and Oxford Brookes University are an exciting programme in ministerial education and development. These are part-time awards that are practice / ministry based and they will help you develop your Christian Ministry. They are open to laity and clergy, but are primarily for people in the Diocese of Oxford

Commendation of the MA in Ministry by Portfolio

“I strongly commend the MA in Ministry as part of CME.  It was developed by the department for curates CME, help training of incumbents and could fit in with the Servant Leadership programme.  It is based on learning reflective practice in ministry.  It has been of great value to those who have participated.”
Keith Lamdin, Director of STEM                             

You will find a list of the ‘Gifts and Competencies’ which make up the award below.  Each of these is worth 20 credits at M level.  For each  ‘Gift and Competency’ you take you will need to put together a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your understanding and your practice.

What awards are possible?

Postgraduate awards

1. PG Cert In Ministry. This award is given on completion of 60 M level credits. One competency must be included from those deemed compulsory (1A, 2A and E).
2. PG Dip in Ministry. This award is gained by completing 120 M level credits.   Two compulsory competencies must be included (E and either 1A or 2A).
3. MA in Ministry. This specialist award is gained by completing 120 M level credits including the competency on Research Methods and two other compulsory competencies (E and either 1A or 2A), and then completing a dissertation based on a piece of research, a further 60 credits.

To enter the MA programme you will normally have either a Degree in Ministry / Theology, or a Diploma in Ministry/ Theology and a Degree in some other subject.

How do I study for these awards?

When you register, you will be given a Portfolio Mentor . The mentor will help you plan your learning and get your portfolio assembled for examination.

The Portfolio method describes the learning you need to do by competency statements called Gifts and Competencies but does not require you to do the learning in any particular way. This means you can choose the best approach for you, have tutorial and seminars locally, or do some individual study, or even use internet resources. Currently we are running two 48hr residentials a year at Ripon College Cuddesdon for tutor-assisted study or to include seminars. It may be that you have already done your own study in particular area or have expertise in something. This can be included in the Portfolio, if it is evidence for the competency. You are not required to repeat courses; rather the aim is to build on what you already know. You would be wise to discuss with your portfolio mentor any written work to make sure it will provide helpful evidence for your portfolio. You will need to make time for the study required (you should aim for 8-15 hours a week). This is a list of the Gifts and Competencies and credits for postgraduate awards.

Gifts and Competencies

1A*     Living the Christian Life - The Inward Journey

2A*     Living the Christian Life - The Outward Journey

2B        Engaging in Ministry –The Church

1D       Exercising Christian Leadership

2D       Exercising Christian Leadership – Collaborating

3D        Exercising Christian Leadership – Managing Growth, Change and Conflict

4D       Exercising Christian Leadership – Managing in Ministry

E*        Reflecting Theologically

G         Helping Others to Learn

2H       Planning and Leading Worship – Preaching

3H       Planning and Leading Worship – The Eucharist

4H       Planning and Leading Worship – Initiation (Baptism and Confirmation)

I           Developing Knowledge of the Story of the Church

J           Developing and applying knowledge of the Bible –             hermeneutics

K         Interpreting Christian Doctrine

M         Engaging with Personal and Community Ethical Issues

4P        Ministry in the Church - Being a Priest

5P        Ministry in the Church - Being an Incumbent

10P      Being a Youth Worker

11P      Being a Work Consultant

1T        Independent Study

3T*      Research Methods

4T*      MA dissertation

The Diocese of Oxford and Ripon College Cuddesdon runs some seminars that will help you gain your learning for the award. These are scheduled, as necessary, for the particular learning group, but the course is not a taught MA.

Is this for me?

You may be interested in theology and ministry. You may have been on some courses and want to progress further. You may want to have your learning accredited. It may be that this would help you in your work. All of these may be reasons to explore the possibility of doing one of these awards. Completing your Award by Portfolio will show both what you know and the skills that you have developed. This will be certified by a university and thus easily transferable to the wider world.

Commendation of the MA in Ministry by Portfolio

What if I am training for an accredited ministry?

You may be working for an accredited Ministry in the Diocese of Oxford and Ripon College Cuddesdon. Sometimes the MA is a part of initial ministry training but for most people it is a part of initial or further CME.

How much does it cost?

There is a registration fee of £30. It costs £60 to submit each Gift and Competency for examination. If you go to courses or modules, you may have to pay for these. It may be that your local church or a local trust fund may be able to help you with this, or it will be paid by your college, course or scheme. This may be payable out of your CME allocation, or you may be able to find trusts to pay for this. There will be costs for the MA dissertation or other specialised marking, which will be at Oxford Brookes University rates.

Staff Team

Phillip Tovey, BA,BA, STh, PG Dip, M.Phil Course Leader
Keith Gruneberg PhD
Beren Hartless, BSc, MA

How do I find out more?

You can contact the MA Portfolio Co-ordinator (Phillip Tovey) for further information .  He should be able to answer your questions, or find out the answers for you.  Do talk to him before registration, if you want to.