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Postgraduate
Studies

Postgraduate studies at NTC are richly resourced by the academic expertise of our faculty, the remarkable diversity of our learning community, and the valuable partnership with The University of Manchester. We offer a MA in Theology and a PhD, and both can be pursued part-time or full-time.

Nazarene Theological College is an approved partner of The University of Manchester, delivering programmes developed by NTC, approved and awarded by the University of Manchester. Postgraduate students are encouraged to make use of the breadth of resources that this world-class, Russell Group university has to offer.

All of this makes Nazarene Theological College an attractive option for postgraduate study and research, attracting Christian educators, leaders and thinkers from around the world.

Quick Facts

MA Programme Overview

The MA in Theology consists of four classes and a research dissertation. Your dissertation depends on your pathway, which you can explore below.

The Postgraduate Diploma consists of four classes without a dissertation. The Postgraduate Certificate consists of two classes without a dissertation.

PhD Programme Overview

Our full-time and part-time PhD programme involves substantial original research leading to the production of a thesis of up to 80,000 words that constitutes a significant contribution to scholarship. Assessment is based on the thesis and an oral examination, called a “viva.”

Areas available for research include:

  • Theology (doctrine, historical, and contemporary)
  •  Biblical Studies (Old Testament/Hebrew Bible; New Testament; Ancient Near Eastern studies; Second Temple Judaism) 
  • Church History 
  • Wesley Studies
  • Missiology
  • Social Justice
  • Religion and Philosophy
  • Ecotheology
  • Christianity and Islam 

All of our faculty members are available for inquiries about PhD research. For research profiles and contact details, please visit our faculty pages

NTC PhD students can meet and discuss topics with a range of major international scholars who visit both NTC and the University of Manchester to deliver seminars, public lectures like the Didsbury Lectures at NTC, the Manson Memorial Lecture in New Testament and the Samuel Ferguson Lecture in Theology, both at the University of Manchester. This is usually an option for on campus PhD students.

There are opportunities to organise, participate in, and present papers at conferences led by PhD students and joint events, such as the Manchester-Durham-Sheffield PhD student conference in Biblical Studies.

The heart of the PhD Programme

The PhD programme is based on supervised independent research, and the student-supervisor relationship thus sits at the heart of this programme. Doctoral supervision is on a one-to-one basis, with meetings usually taking place monthly (in-person or on Zoom). This is why being matched with a suitable supervisor is key. See more on this on the application process page.

Each student has a main supervisor, a co-supervisor and an additional panel member who acts as an independent reviewer.

In addition to regular personal supervision, our PhD students attend weekly research seminars with faculty, scholars, and other students. There is also a required residency in June on our campus. PhD students and scholars from around the world gather to consult and present their research. The June residency is the real highlight of our PhD programme. 

In addition, each student will meet with a research review panel twice per year. The panel reviews the development of the student’s research proposal, provides feedback on draft chapters and conference papers, discusses research progress, and provides guidance on the formulation of realistic objectives.

Taking Classes as a PhD Student

There are no taught classes as part of the PhD programme. However, where appropriate, you are encouraged to audit undergraduate or postgraduate classes subject to advice and approval by your supervisory panel. You can also select from a range of research training workshops and short courses as appropriate to your doctoral research project.

If your MDiv or MA did not have a dissertation requirement, you may be asked to take some MA classes to help you establish a solid foundation for a UK research degree.

Pre-MA Options at NTC

Applicants to the MA normally have an honours degree in a relevant subject. However, NTC offers a range of Pre-MA options to help develop foundational knowledge in biblical studies, practical theology, and theology to ensure you thrive in the MA in Theology programme. You can find more information at this link or on the application process page.

Flexible learning at your own pace

We offer three study options at NTC for MA programmes: Full time, Part time, and Open Learning.

  • Full-time students taking the MA programme full-time will complete their degree in one year
  • Part time students applying for the UK’s Postgraduate Student Loan must complete the programme within two years.
  • All other part time students are considered open learning and must complete the programme within five years.

For our PhD programme, we also offer full-time and flexible part-time routes.

  • Full time students will take 3 years to complete the PhD but can apply for up to one more year if needed.
  • Part time students have 6 years for the PhD but can apply for more time if needed.

How postgraduate (MA) classes work

MA classes primarily run as weekly classes during Autumn and Spring terms. These are supplemented by our optional intensive residency periods. These modules are structured around ten 3 hour seminars, led by our world-class faculty.

Online or On Campus Options
  • Students can choose to study either on campus or online. Online classes are live, synchronous classes, meaning students attend class as it is being taught during its scheduled time, usually afternoon/evening UK time.
  • MA classes will be taught in a hybrid format. This means online students and their on campus peers take the class simultaneously, allowing online and on campus NTC students to learn together and from each other. Online students will also have the opportunity to come to Manchester for an optional in-person Summer intensive residency period in June.
  • On campus students may take up to one third of their degree online.
Weekly Class Format
  • Students meet once per week during the regular term time. The class schedule will be published several weeks before the class begins, so students know the core reading to complete ahead of time, and the weekly class topics and readings to complete each week before class. Term times run September – December and February – May with ten weekly sessions.
Optional Intensives
  • During the optional intensive classes, in-class time is compressed into eight days of full-time study, normally running Saturday – Saturday. Intensive sessions usually run in January and in early June. All MA students are welcome to travel to our Manchester campus during these sessions. NTC does provide accommodation for students at these times, subject to availability. Accommodation can be booked with NTC at an additional cost

Explore the pathways of our MA in Theology

Asian Christianity

Biblical Studies

Church Planting

A woman reading a bible

Christian Holiness

Christianity and Islam

Community Development and Social Change

Ecology

Global Mission and Culture

Humanitarian Development and Social Justice

Men, home and bible with support for faith, worship and prayer by pastor, church or jesus christ. E

Practical and Pastoral Theology

Smiling young Japanese man standing on a rooftop in an urban setting.

Urban Mission

Man praying in the church

Theological and Historical Studies

Transforming Leadership

Students in College Library

Postgraduate Certificate in Theology

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

PhD

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