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Courses

MTh in Old Testament

Online

Part-time, over up to 4 years

This programme is designed to enhance prior exegetical and theological training by providing a rigorous grounding in all core aspects of Old Testament Studies. It will enable you to build upon prior theological study through a programme focused on advanced engagement with the Old Testament, particularly as competent and confident interpreters of Biblical texts for the contemporary context.

Applicants should normally have completed at least one full year of academic study of Biblical Hebrew at the undergraduate level for entry to the MTh. For prospective applicants with a strong profile in Biblical Studies but less or no study of Hebrew, flexible accelerated provision prepares them for entry into the MTh programme.

The virtual learning environment provides video lectures, discussion forums, quizzes for self–assessment, a digital copy of the textbook and extensive additional e–resources. You will have access to the teaching of leading theologians such as Dr Tremper Longman III, Dr John Oswalt, Professor William W. Klein and Professor Craig L. Blomberg. You will also be able to benefit from the Cerego app, an online tool for your desktop, tablet or mobile device that builds on the latest in cognitive science to help you learn faster and remember longer.

Download Specification

Programme Structure and Modules

Old Testament Hermeneutics

Old Testament Hermeneutics - 30 credits 3-4 months

This module offers you, through videos by Klein, Blomberg and Hubbard, an opportunity to gain a better understanding of biblical hermeneutics and its challenges. You will receive an introduction to historical interpretation from ancient Jewish approaches to the present day. You will develop an understanding of the dynamics of Hebrew poetry in addition to a more general literary competence as you look at the various genres of biblical literature. The high–quality video lectures and interactive reading materials are further enhanced by Cerego. 
Building on this foundation, through set readings and seminars you will learn the principles and practice of a christological hermeneutic of the Old Testament. This will prepare you for a seminar presentation where you will demonstrate your ability to apply the principles of christological hermeneutics to a selected passage from the Old Testament. 

Hebrew Texts

Hebrew Texts - 30 credits 3-4 months

This module will build on your proficiency in reading Biblical Hebrew. You will develop and consolidate your skills and tools for translation, analysis and exegesis of Hebrew, using a range of resources including BibleArc and Cerego. Through language seminars and written exegetical work, you will study several texts from a range of genres in Biblical Hebrew, with selected passages chosen from the Law, the Prophets and the Writings. 

The Law - Genesis

The Law - Genesis - 20 credits 3-4 months

Videos by Tremper Longman will guide you through the book of Genesis. Close reading of the primary and secondary texts in conversation with tutors and peers will prepare you for a seminar presentation and written exegetical work where you will apply a christological hermeneutic to selected passages from the Genesis. 

The Prophets - Isaiah

The Prophets - Isaiah - 20 credits 3-4 months

Video lectures by John Oswalt will help equip you for academic study of the prophet Isaiah. You will gain an understanding of the book as a whole and see the major themes of hope through judgement, servanthood, trust and the uniqueness of Yahweh. You will demonstrate your understanding of this material and the supplementary secondary literature by writing four exegetical essays for this module. 

The Writings - Chronicles and Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon

The Writings - Chronicles and Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon - 20 credits 3-4 months

This module gives you an opportunity to focus on the message and major themes and theology of the books of Chronicles. It also offers you the option to study either Ecclesiastes or Song of Solomon. Video lectures by Dr Paul Bailie will introduce the books to you and supplementary readings will focus on a christological reading of the books of Chronicles. This module requires a written exegetical assignment on Chronicles and a methodological one on Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon. 

Dissertation

Dissertation - 60 credits 4-12 months

The feedback received on your written work will have helped you to nurture your critical research and writing skills in preparation for the 15,000–word capstone dissertation. In this thesis you will choose to specialise in an area of advanced Old Testament studies, exercising your research skills and integrating your knowledge from the rest of the course to hone your scholarship. 

Programme Fee

Tuition fees are subject to annual revision and are typically increased by approximately 4% per annum for programmes longer than one year. For part–time intermittent study, the schedule for the payment of fees is arranged by the College office.

Fees for entrants in 2024–25 are as follows:

£6,420 (UK/ROI)

180 CATS points - £35.67 per CATS
Annual Registration - £200

£17,250 (International/EU)

180 CATS points - £95.83 per CATS
Annual registration - £200

Entry Requirements

Please check you meet all the entry requirements for this programme before you submit an application.

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Sample of academic work
  • Letter of intent
  • Two signed letters of reference in support of your application
  • Academic transcript(s) and a copy (or copies) of degree certificates
  • English language requirement certificate (if applicable)
  • A document to confirm your identity, name and date of birth
  • Application fee

MTh in Old Testament

Thank you for your interest in this programme. Our admissions team will be in touch with more information, and how to arrange a 1:1 consultation.


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