Course information

The MLitt in Theology, Imagination and the Arts is a one-year taught programme run by the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA), part of the School of Divinity. The course is designed to provide a broad introduction to postgraduate work in the field of theology and the arts. It can be taken as self-contained programme of study or as a grounding for those intending to pursue doctoral research in this field.

Highlights

• A unique training programme for artists wishing to reflect on the theological dimensions of their work, and for theologians wishing to explore the place of art within theological thought and practice.
• An ideal stepping stone towards the Institute's PhD programme, which centres on a three-year independent research project.
• Engages with diverse forms of culture of different eras, including literature, drama, the visual arts and music.

Teaching format

The programme consists of three taught modules taken over two semesters followed by a 15,000-word dissertation written over three months during summer. Modules are interdisciplinary in nature, integrating various artistic media and theological themes and are taught through weekly lectures and seminars with class sizes typically ranging from 6 to 12 students. Assessment comprises a combination of coursework and written examination.

Students attend ITIA’s weekly research seminar, and may, if they wish, enrol in language classes and attend other lectures, seminars and reading groups as appropriate. The School offers classes in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, which are open to all students.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

Each module typically comprises:

• four hours of weekly lectures and seminars
• coursework assessment
• a three-hour written exam

For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2016-2017 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.

Compulsory modules

• Christian Doctrine and the Arts: examines key Christian doctrines and their artistic presentation throughout the centuries.
• Theological Engagements with the Arts: Rationales, Methods and Texts: addresses theological questions about human artistry and introduces students to different ways of engaging the relationship between Christian theology and the arts.
• Religious Experience and Aesthetic Theory: explores how historical and cultural contexts through the ages have shaped religious art, and examines critically how different art forms - painting, music, literature, drama, architecture, film - and different styles within those forms mediate different kinds of religious experience.

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Dissertation

Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise students in their choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of 15,000 words must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, an exit award is available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.

Conferences and events

ITIA is a vibrant community of established scholars, post-docs, and graduate students. The weekly research seminar, at which internal and guest speakers discuss their ongoing work, is at the heart of the Institute’s day-to-day life.

The quarterly ITIA Research Forum allows graduates to discuss ongoing research and provides professional training for graduates.

The Transept, a student-led artist group, meets weekly to discuss original work in all art forms.

ITIA is home to or associated with a number of publications:

• Transpositions – an award-winning blog edited by ITIA's graduate students. 
• Journal of Inklings Studies – ITIA hosts the editorial office of this leading academic journal on CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and their literary circle.
• Ashgate Studies in Theology, Imagination and the Arts book series.

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).