Glyndŵr University Postgraduate Courses and Research: Theology

8/8/2019 Glyndr University Postgraduate Courses and Research: Theology

1/24

001001


2/24

theology

welcome

Glyndwr University offers over 150postgraduate courses across a wide rangeof subject areas. Most of these are offeredon both a full and part-time basis.

Our courses encourage entrepreneurshipand are designed with your employability

in mind. They are directly relevant to thechallenges currently faced by our society,industry and economy.

The theology courses and researchopportunities outlined in this bookletshowcase the breadth of expertise wehave at our University.

In this field, Glyndwr University is forging

new partnerships with institutions such asMattersey Hall College, for those institutionsto be able to offer Glyndwr Universitypostgraduate courses in the areas ofMissional Leadership and Practical Theology.

I look forward to welcoming you to GlyndwrUniversity and to the Graduate School.

Dr Peter Heard

Director of the Graduate School

Other subject booklets are available:

Art & Humanities

Business & Management

Computing & MediaTechnologies

Education & Society

Health & Nursing

Science & Technology


3/24

003

contents

introduction 4

our expertise 6

research 8

student researcher profile 12

courses

psychology of religion 14

religion and education 16

entry requirements 18

how to apply 21

contact us 22


4/24

theology

introduction to theology

at Glyndwr University

Theology is an expanding area for theUniversity. With the associated facility,St. Deiniols Library and the GladstoneInstitute, the University is attracting leadingacademics as well as students from all overthe world.

Our theology area is all about encouragingdebate and discussion, and we recentlyhosted a Research Colloquium in Religion andPsychology where experts had the opportunityto meet to share ideas.

renowned expertise

Our theology academics are widely published.Professor William Kay is Editor for theUniversity of Wales Press series, Religion,Education and Culture and for Brills GlobalPentecostal and Charismatic Studies series.He has just written a book for the OxfordUniversity Press, entitledA Very ShortIntroduction to Pentecostalism.

Our partnership with St. Deiniols Library andits centre for cultural and theological studiesattracts internationally recognised scholarsof religion, education, theology and culturalstudies. The quality, and their volume andrange of research and publication in thesefields, is renowned.

The theology teams research is internationallyfocused and they have recently received agrant from the Pentecostal and Charismatic

Research Initiative (PCRI) funded through theUniversity of Southern California.

It will fund research into the growth of theAsian Pentecostal-style church, focusing onSingapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

More details of the research interests withinthese fields can be found on pages 8 - 11.

St. Deiniols Library

Glyndwr University students have theopportunity to benefit from the resources andwonderful atmosphere of St. Deiniols, the UKsfinest residential library, founded in 1894 byWilliam Ewart Gladstone.

St. Deiniols Library has been recognisedas the most important research library andcollection in Wales after the National Libraryof Wales in Aberystwyth. The library boasts anoutstanding collection of more than 250,000books and journals on a wide range ofsubjects but specialising in the subject areasof Theology and Victorian Studies. This uniquecollection is kept up to date with the latestpublications which readers can browse on theopen shelves. Its tranquil atmosphere makes itan ideal location for study or research.

The heart of the Library is Gladstones owncollection of over 32,000 items. Many of hisbooks contain his annotations, some of whichare extremely detailed. In addition to his books,the Library houses most of Gladstones non-political correspondence, speeches and paperswhich are administered by the Flintshire

Record Office. The Library also houses anumber of special collections including theBishop Moorman Franciscan Library and theGlynne Gladstone Manuscripts.


5/24

005

The site is the location of a new chapel andstate-of-the-art meeting and conferencefacilities. The library also offers a range ofstimulating in-house short courses

Gladstone Institute

Glyndwr University has established a JointCentre for Cultural and Theological Studiesin partnership with St. Deiniols Library.Named the Gladstone Institute this importantpartnership will provide higher education inthis specialist subject area.

An element of this partnership is in connectionwith the St. Marys Centre at the facility. TheSt. Marys Centre is the national centresupporting religious education in Wales.The Centre offers credit-earning courses inpartnership with University for teachers andclergy in the fields of religious education,church school studies, and rural theology.

The St. Marys Centre is committed tosupporting and producing high quality researchin the fields of religion and religious education,which is peer-reviewed and internationallyrecognised. Staff at the Centre havepublished extensively in the fields of religionand religious education, and form part of aproductive and vibrant research community.

More details on our facilities and the studentexperience at Glyndwr University can be foundin our Guide to the University booklet or on our

website at www.glyndwr.ac.uk


6/24

theology

Professor Christopher Alan Lewis -

Head of Psychology and Dean of

the University Institute for Health,

Medical Sciences and Society

Professor Lewis is Head of Psychology. He is aChartered Health Psychologist and a Fellow ofthe Higher Education Academy.

Chris is editor of the international scientific journalMental Health, Religion and Culture and haspublished over 200 research articles. His researchand teaching interests include: psychology ofpeace, health psychology, conflict and violence,positive psychology and the psychology of religion.

He has served on the General Assemblyof the European Federation of ProfessionalPsychologists Associations (EFPA) and also

the International Union of PsychologicalScience (IUPsyS).

William Kay and Chris Lewis are two of theUniversitys leading professors, specialisingin theology and psychology.

William Kay - Professor of Theology

An ordained Minister with British Assemblies ofGod, Professor Kay has a distinguished career in

theology and education.

William has published many papers and is SeniorEditor for the University of Wales Press series,Religion, Education and Culture. Oxford UniversityPress recently published his book,A Very ShortIntroduction to Pentecostalism.

Current research includes the Church and its rolein education across Asia, and the growth of thePentecostal Church during the 20th Century.

His career highlights include: Senior ResearchFellow, Centre for Theology and Education, TrinityCollege, Carmarthen; Senior Lecturer, Departmentfor Education and Professional Studies, KingsCollege, London; Director, Centre for Pentecostaland Charismatic Studies, Bangor University.

Professor Kays qualifications include a MEd,PhD in Comparative Education and Psychology

and PhD in Theology. In 2009, he was awarded aDoctor of Divinity by the University of Nottingham.

William enjoys cinema and reads widely.

our expertise


7/24

007


8/24

theology


9/24

009

Theology research at Glyndwr Universitybenefits greatly from our partnershipwith St. Deiniols Library in Hawarden,and our connections with faith communities

across Wales.

The theology teams research is trulyinternational with projects focussed onAsia and collaborations with Universitiesin the USA.

More generally, in the latest ResearchAssessment Exercise (RAE 2008), aproportion of the research in all six areassubmitted by Glyndwr University was judged

to be internationally excellent. Over halfour submitted research was judged to beinternationally recognised or better. Weare delighted with the results as it showsthe high quality of research taking place atthis University, and the recent appointmentsof Professors Kay and Lewis has furtherstrengthened our international reputation.

rich and varied research

Our partnership with St. Deiniols Library andits Centre for Cultural and Theological Studiesattracts internationally recognised scholarsof religion, education, theology and culturalstudies. The quality, and their volume andrange of research and publication in these fields,is renowned.

theology research

Theology, although a new research area for theUniversity, embraces a wide range of topics andis at the heart of the Universitys commitmentto the advancement of learning. Our PhD

students are working on such subjects asGerman Pentecostalism, women in early 20thcentury American Christanity, Assemblies of Godchurches in Singapore, and apostolic networksin Britain.

Our academics have carried out a rich varietyof research including an investigation into theChurchs lasting influence in the countrieswhere British influence was felt for many years,particularly in Asia. Other research has looked at

why people go to church, and at the growth ofPentecostal Churches in the 20th Century.

The Theology research area has just receiveda grant from the Pentecostal and CharismaticResearch Initiative (PCRI) funded throughthe University of Southern California. It willfund research into the growth of the AsianPentecostal-style church, focusing on Singapore,Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Research will involve a significant numberof ministerial questionnaires and around 30interviews relating to 200 churches across thethree locations. Selected congregations will alsobe asked for their opinion to ensure informationfrom both perspectives. After the questionnaireshave been interpreted the information collectedwill be used to design teaching materials.


10/24

papers and books

Our theology academics are extremely activepublishing papers and books linked to theirresearch. Professor William Kay, for example, iseditor for the University of Wales Press series,Religion, Education and Culture and for BrillsGlobal Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies

series. He has just written a book for the OxfordUniversity Press, entitled A Very Short Introductionto Pentecostalism.

Recent papers published by the team include:

Can Skills Help Religious Education?Temporal stability of the Francis Scale ofAttitude toward Christianity: Test-retest dataover five weeks

Pentecostalism is an area of great interest to ourtheology team and the books and papers theyhave published reflect this. Recent papers include:

Karl Popper and Pentecostal HistoriographyPentecostalism and religious broadcastingPentecostal Education

Books include: Pentecostalism (core text series)published by SCM, 2009 as well as ProfessorKays book on the subject.

However, their research extends to examineimportant aspects of todays society. One suchproject looked at European youth and resulted inseveral papers including:

A nine country survey of youth in Europe:selected findings and issuesA key to the future: the attitudes and valuesof adolescent Europeans

Attitudes and Values of AdolescentEuropeans towards Europeanisation

encouraging discussion

The third inter-university Research Colloquiumin Religion and Psychology, which we hostedin 2010, brought together researchers fromIreland, England and Wales. To have such eminent

researchers working alongside our newly-shapeddisciplines of Theology and Psychology wasa great honour for Glyndwr University. And itwas an enriching experience for everyone whoattended. More conferences and seminars areplanned for the future.

theology


11/24

get in touch

We welcome applications for research degrees(MPhil, PhD) and for taught doctorates (DMin)from anyone interested in theology and religiousstudies. This booklet showcases just some of theresearch interests of academics within this area.

If you have a related research proposal you wouldlike us to consider please get in touch.

Application forms can be downloaded from ourwebsite and should be sent [email protected]

011


12/24

PhD student Carl Simpson is researching thecontribution of the German pastor JonathanPaul to the Pentecostal Church. Carl is Dean ofStudies at a theological seminary in Germanyand is receiving support through his studies from

Glyndwr University Professor William Kay, aneminent Pentecostal historian.The presence of experienced and qualifiedacademics who could guide my research andwriting was the big draw of Glyndwr University.Professor Kay keeps in close contact by email,skype and phone and, despite me living inGermany, we have been able to meet face-to-facethree times in the last year to discuss progress.

The topic Im researching is of great personalinterest, adds Carl, who also holds postgraduatequalifications from Lancaster University and theTrinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana,in the United States.I wanted to understand the background tothe Berlin Declaration of 1909 which declaredPentecostals as from below and which hasaffected the Pentecostal Church in Germany eversince. Pastor Paul was the only person namedin that declaration. As I read I realized that littlewas known of him in the English-speaking world- few people in Germany know much either.Our seminary has a sizeable archive of materialpertaining to this so Pastor Pauls contribution tothe Pentecostal Church in Germany was a perfecttopic for me.Carls expertise in Theology may come as

somewhat of a surprise his first degree wasin Economics and he started his career as aGeography teacher.

studentresearch profle

Carl Simpson

Research Student

theology


13/24

013

In 1977 I experienced a conversion and becamea born again Christian. After some years of laywork in church I studied with my denominationfor pastoral ministry. At this point, realising mydeficiency, I studied theology and was then able tocombine my teaching skills and help to train otheryoung men and women for Christian ministry.

Currently at the Europisches TheologischesSeminar, Kniebis, we have students from about14 countries in training to become pastors,missionaries, youth and children workers, worshipleaders and counsellors, mostly in the context ofthe Pentecostal church.Carl is due to complete his studies by the endof 2011, when he will take on greaterresponsibility himself in supervising the workof postgraduate students.


14/24

psychology

MSc Psychology of Religion* awaiting validation

This course provides anexcellent opportunity for thoseinterested in the relationshipbetween psychology andreligion to deepen and broadentheir understanding of this fieldup to Masters level.

The psychology of religionprovides an overview of the

classical theories of thepsychology of religion, andan in-depth assessment ofcurrent research within thefield. The course will provide youwith a theoretical basisfor understanding religion,and for understanding therole that religion plays withinan individuals life. There willalso be opportunities for youto further explore your areasof interest.

key facts

The course will bedelivered primarily throughe-learning combined witha two-day residentialworkshop per moduleOur division of psychologyis research-active in this

specialist areaThis course will provideyou with the skillsnecessary to conduct yourown empirical study

career opportunities

This course will be of interestto those working in careers thatrequire an understanding ofpeoples beliefs and values: e.g.clergy, health care professionals,social workers, psychologistsand teachers. It provides anexcellent base for furtherstudy within the field of thepsychology of religion.

Course durationPart-time

3 years

LocationWrexham

Start monthSeptember

CRB checkFor some students a CRB

check may be necessarydepending on the focus oftheir independent study(see page 18 for details).

Psychology o religion is a continually developing and exciting

area within the feld o psychology. This course will let you

understand why people believe what they do and how this

relates to the ways in which a person thinks and behaves.


15/24

015

course modulesIndicative modules include:

Psychology of ReligionMental Health, Religion andCultureResearch MethodsIndividual Differencesand ReligionThe Psychology of Religious

Experience, Belief andBehaviour NegotiatedLearningDissertation

This is a new course for 2011.The latest information willbe posted on the Universitywebsite, glyndwr.ac.uk.Alternatively please contact

the admissions and enquiryteam on 01978 293 439, whowill be happy to help you withyour enquiry.

entry requirements

The programme is open toboth Psychology graduatesand graduates in otherdisciplines. It is expected thatstudents will have gained atleast a 2.1 honours degree.

assessment

A wide variety of assessmentswill be employed, includingessays, book reviews, poster

presentations, and a dissertation.


16/24

theology

Professional Doctorate

in Religion and Education

This research-based coursetakes into account the diverseprofessional development

needs of religious educatorsin both faith-based andsecular fields. It gives you theopportunity to work towards aresearch-led qualification withina professional context.

On successfully completingyour Professional Doctorateyou will have: the skills and

knowledge to explore, developand apply a range of researchand methodological approaches;a range of transferable, personaland generic skills needed forindependent research, criticalthinking and reflection onprofessional practice; and theknowledge and skills needed tomake an original contribution tothe advancement of professionalknowledge and practice.

You will also be able to makeinformed judgments oncomplex issues, communicateideas and conclusions clearlyand effectively to specialist andnon-specialist audiences, andcontribute to the developmentof new techniques, ideas,

or approaches.

Course durationFull-time

2-3 years

Part-time

5 years

LocationWrexham

Start monthSeptember

This innovative proessional doctorate programme

is designed to enhance the skills o practitioners in

aith-based and religion-related education.

key facts

The quality, volume and

range of research andpublication in these fieldsby our staff is nationallyrecognisedBased at Glyn dwrUniversity, and with accessto St. Deiniols Library inHarwarden, recognised asthe most important researchlibrary and collection in

Wales after the NationalLibrary of Wales inAberystwyth. The library hasan outstanding collection ofmore than 250,000 books,

journals and pamphlets ona wide range of subjectsbut specialises in Theologyand Victorian StudiesSt. Deiniols and theSt. Marys Centre hasattracted a significantgroup of internationallyrecognised scholars ofreligion, education,theology and culturalstudies. This, togetherwith its peaceful andstimulating environment,makes it the ideal placeto study for this award


17/24

that could make an originalcontribution to knowledge in thefield of faith-based and religion-related professional practice.

course content

This programme is designedto give you flexibility. Itembraces a number of studyareas or streams that aredirectly relevant to areas ofprofessional practice.

These include: ChurchSchool Studies; ReligiousEducation; Rural Ministry; Urban

Ministry; Pastoral Ministry;Chaplaincy Studies; YouthMinistry; Childrens Ministry;Cathedral Studies; Pentecostaland Charismatic Studies;Ecumenical Studies; CatholicStudies; Anglican Studies;Preaching and Worship; ImplicitReligion; Cultural Studies;Ministry Studies; Religion andSocial Action; and Religion andDevelopment education.

course modules

Thesis

Options

Ethnographic Studies inReligion and EducationInterview Studies in Religion

and EducationQualitative Studies inReligion and Education

You will need to attendat least three residentialseminars during each yearto fulfill the programmerequirements. The seminarsare opportunities fordiscussion and idea sharingwith your peers

Designated tutorial staffwill support you betweenseminars and you areencouraged to developinformal peer-supportnetworks. These will allowstudents working on similarproblems, or using similarmethods, to benefit fromeach others experience

and commitment

career opportunities

The Professional Doctorateintegrates taught and research-based modules with yourprofessional career development.

The curriculums scope allowsyou to engage, apply anddevelop a range of research andmethodological approaches toyour own professional practice.Importantly, its also designedto give you opportunities forprofessional developmentand reflection.

You will be expected to

demonstrate your ability toundertake professional-levelresearch and publication

017

Historical Studies inReligion and EducationPhilosophical Studies inReligion and EducationQuantitative Studies in

Religion and EducationTheological Studies inReligion and EducationQuestionnaire Studies inReligion and EducationDissertationResearch Methodsand Proposal

entry requirements

Ideally you will be a graduatewith three years professionalexperience in faith-based andreligion-related educationundertaken in the previous fiveyears. This includes voluntaryprofessional level engagements.

You must have access to

a professional setting in afield appropriate to your areaof study.


18/24

theology

taught courses

The entry requirement for taught postgraduatecourses is normally a recognised honoursdegree in a relevant subject. This usually meansequivalence to at least second-class honoursdegree standard. Entry to a professional coursedepends on the level of the award offered. Please

see the course listing for your chosen course fordetails of any specific requirements.

All applicants are considered on an individualbasis and motivation and commitment areconsidered alongside academic requirements. Allapplicants should be able to show their ability tocomplete their chosen programme successfully.

accreditation of prior learningand experience

If you are able to demonstrate appropriateknowledge and experience in your chosensubject, you may be eligible for exemption fromparts of your course.

criminal records bureau checks andindependent safeguarding authority

Some of the courses may involve regular andunsupervised contact with children or vulnerableadults. Where this is the case, a Criminal RecordsBureau (CRB) check is required for which youwill be required to complete a form and pay theappropriate fee.

Having a criminal record will not necessarilyexclude you from studying with us. A decisionas to whether to offer you a place will dependon the nature of the programme and thecircumstances and background of any offences.

If you are accepted for a course which involvescontact with children or vulnerable adults and areadmitted to this course, in addition to needinga satisfactory CRB disclosure you will alsobe required to register with the IndependentSafeguarding Authority or to inform the Universityif you are already registered. You will receivefurther information about this when you apply.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme for Wales,England and Northern Ireland has beenintroduced to help prevent unsuitable peoplefrom working with children and vulnerable adults.The Independent Safeguarding Authority hasbeen set up to oversee the operation of thisscheme and will work in partnership with theCriminal Records Bureau. The fee for registrationwith the Independent Safeguarding Authority

is 28, in addition to the fee of 36 for CRBdisclosure, a total fee of 64 (as at the time ofbeing published).

international students

For international students applying to studyat Glyndwr University, please send copies ofyour transcripts and certificates (translated into

English), along with the completed applicationform, to the Glyndwr University InternationalOffice. They will be happy to advise you onwhether you meet the entry requirements. TheBritish Council in your own country will also offeradvice if needed.

See page 21 for further details.

entry requirements


19/24

019

research degrees

To register for an MPhil, with or without thepossibility of transfer to PhD, you will beexpected to possess a good UK honoursdegree, normally with at least upper secondclass honours, or an academic or professionalqualification which the Research Degrees

Committee deems to be equivalent.

You will also need to be able to demonstratecompetence in the use of the English orWelsh language to the satisfaction of theResearch Degrees Committee. Students whohave studied in the UK for three years withinthe previous six years or have a UK Bachelorsor Masters degree shall be deemed to havedemonstrated such competence.

In addition at least two references arerequired, concerning your academic abilityand fitness to conduct research.

Exceptionally, you may be considered foradmission directly as a candidate for PhD,

if you possess, in addition to therequirements above, a UK Masters degreein a relevant subject, which includeda substantial research element, or anacademic qualification which the ResearchDegrees Committee deems to be equivalent.


20/24

theology


21/24

021

how to apply

taught courses

To apply for any of our taught postgraduatecourses, contact our enquiries and admissionsteam on 01978 293439 or [email protected]. We will then provide youwith an application form. Alternatively, you candownload an application form from our websitewww.glyndwr.ac.uk

Once you have submitted your application form toGlyndwr University, we will arrange for the relevantcourse leader to assess your suitability for thecourse you have chosen. You may be required toattend for an interview with the admissions tutor.

If you are successful you will be sent a formalletter offering you a place which you can thensign and return to Glyndwr University to confirmyou wish to start the course.

research degrees

To undertake a research degree you will need toidentify a suitable topic/project which will be anappropriate intellectual challenge and has notpreviously been researched.

Support will be provided by the University to

give you a contact person who will discuss yourtopic/project with you and help you make anymodifications to your outline proposal.

In some circumstances a subject area may alreadyhave a sponsored topic/project which they arelooking for a research student to pursue.

You must initially complete a research programmeapplication form and submit it to the Graduate

School. You can download a research applicationform from our website www.glyndwr.ac.uk.

This should then be returned as an e-mailattachment to [email protected]

If the necessary expertise for supervisionis available, applicants for research degreeprogrammes shall normally be interviewed byat least two members of academic staff asconsistent with Glyndwr Universitys Code ofPractice for Research Degree Programmes,

and the QAA Code of Practice for PostgraduateResearch Programmes (2004).

The application will be considered in terms ofits academic merit and its viability within theresources available.


If you believe that you are an internationalstudent for fees purposes, or are unsure, pleasecontact the Glyndwr University InternationalOffice admissions hotline on0044 1978293390 (outside of the UK) or 01978 293390(from within the UK). Alternatively, pleaseemail [email protected]. For furtherinformation about studying at Glyndwr Universityas an international student please visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk and click on the Internationalstudents link on the homepage.

*subject to validation

In our publications, an asterisk (*) next to a coursetitle indicates that this is a new or revised course,and that at the time of going to print, the detailsof the course e.g. module topics and titles, aresubject to, and in the process of being approvedby, appropriate validation processes. Please visit

www.glyndwr.ac.uk for the latest information oneach course.


22/24

If you are thinking about coming to Glyndwr University we would recommend that you comealong to one of our Open Events. This will give you the chance to see our facilities, talkabout the courses and find out more about studying at the University.

Saturday 4 December 2010, 10.00am3.00pmSaturday 4 June 2011, 10.00am3.00pm

Saturday 20 August 2011, 10.00am3.00pm

Find out about our Open Events at www.glyndwr.ac.uk

theology


23/24

visit us online for more information

glyndwr.ac.uk

You can find more information about courses,fees and funding, our research, student support,our campuses and much more.

Contact the enquiries and admissions team withyour questions, concerns or any feedback on01978 293439 or [email protected]

Our enquiries and admissions team are on handto help. They can deal with your questions onanything from our courses to accommodation. Andthey can put you in touch with the right personif you need to speak further with an academic

programme leader or a member of the studentsupport team.

If your questions relate mainly to applyingfor a research degree please contact ourGraduate School on 01978 293576 ore-mail [email protected](applications) or [email protected](general enquiries).

open days

Our open days are held regularly throughout theyear and give you a chance to meet with lecturers,tour our campuses and get a feel for what life islike as a student here. Visit our website for a list ofupcoming open days, or contact the enquiries andadmissions team.

campus tours

Campus tours are held at 2pm every day andoffer a chance to view accommodation, lecturerooms, workshops, laboratories, and cateringoutlets. Contact us for more information.


If you believe that you are an internationalstudent for fees purposes, or are unsure, pleasecontact the Glyndwr University InternationalOffice admissions hotline on 0044 1978293390 (outside of the UK) or 01978 293390(from within the UK). Alternatively, [email protected]. For further

information about studying at Glyndwr Universityas an international student please visitwww.glyndwr.ac.uk and click on theInternational students link on the homepage.

contact us

023


24/24

Glyndwr UniversityMold Road,Wrexham LL11 2AW

T: 01978 293439F: 01978 290008E: [email protected]

Glyndŵr University Postgraduate Courses and Research: Theology

Documents

Transcript of Glyndŵr University Postgraduate Courses and Research: Theology