MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Education: Religious Education
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a specialized MA Education: Religious Education program that caters to the professional development needs of both specialist and non-specialist Religious Education (RE) teachers, as well as aspiring leaders in all phases of education. This Master's degree allows educators to deepen their understanding of the theological and pedagogical aspects of Religious Education, critically reflect on their teaching practice, and ultimately drive effective change within their schools. Building on St. Mary's long tradition of excellence in teacher education and its Catholic ethos, the program provides a flexible approach to study, including face-to-face, blended, and online options, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals at any career stage. The emphasis is on developing research-informed practice, enabling students to apply their learning to real-world situations and enhance the quality of RE provision.
Curriculum: The MA Education: Religious Education curriculum at St. Mary's is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the field. Core modules typically include "Investigating Pedagogy" and "Research Design," which equip students with foundational skills in critical inquiry and educational research. Specialized modules for the Religious Education pathway focus on "The Purpose and Value of Religious Education" and "Issues in Religious Education," allowing students to delve into contemporary debates, theological foundations, and the pedagogical challenges specific to teaching RE. These modules explore various approaches to religious education, the role of RE in diverse educational contexts (including faith schools), and its contribution to pupils' holistic development. The program culminates in a small-scale practitioner research inquiry, where students conduct research on a topic relevant to their professional context, contributing to evidence-informed innovation in RE.
Research Focus: The School of Education at St. Mary's University has a robust research profile, with particular strengths in areas directly relevant to Religious Education. The Centre for Catholic Education, Research and Religious Literacy (CERRL) is a key hub, actively engaged in research that aims to improve and inform Catholic schooling and religious education, while also promoting inter-religious and inter-denominational dialogue. 1 Faculty members within the School of Education and CERRL publish widely in peer-reviewed journals and participate in international conferences, focusing on areas such as the distinctiveness of Catholic education, the philosophy and theology of religious education, interfaith dialogue, and the role of RE in a pluralistic society. This strong research culture ensures that the MA Education: Religious Education curriculum is informed by the latest scholarly insights, enabling students to engage with contemporary debates and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within the MA Education: Religious Education program, recognizing that its students are often active professionals in the field. The program is designed to meet the professional development needs of RE teachers and leaders, encouraging them to apply their learning directly to their own school environments to drive effective change. The university has strong links with a network of schools, particularly Catholic schools, which provide a rich context for the practitioner research component of the degree. Academics teaching on the program often have significant experience in teaching, leadership, and management within the education sector, including RE, bringing valuable real-world insights into the classroom. St. Mary's also offers professional development short courses, such as the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS), further demonstrating its deep connections and commitment to professional development in RE.
Global Perspective: The MA Education: Religious Education program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by fostering a critical understanding of Religious Education within diverse national and international contexts. While the program offers a specific "Comparative and Global Studies in Education" pathway within the broader MA Education suite, the RE pathway itself encourages students to engage with global trends and challenges in religious education. This includes examining different approaches to teaching religion in various cultural settings, considering the role of RE in promoting interfaith understanding and social cohesion in a globalized world, and exploring the impact of international policies on religious education. The university's Catholic identity and its engagement with global Catholic education networks naturally lend a broader perspective, enabling graduates to contribute to religious education initiatives and research in diverse international contexts.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 17820
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Education: Religious Education from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, significantly enhances a graduate's expertise in teaching and leading Religious Education (RE) within diverse educational settings. This postgraduate degree equips individuals with a sophisticated understanding of RE's theological foundations and pedagogical approaches, empowering them to critically reflect on practice, drive curriculum development, and lead innovation in RE provision. The program is designed for both specialist and non-specialist RE teachers, as well as those aspiring to leadership roles in educational contexts, particularly faith schools. Graduates emerge with the capacity to elevate the quality and impact of Religious Education, fostering intellectual and spiritual development in learners.
Head of Religious Education/Subject Leader: Progressing to leadership positions within primary or secondary schools, overseeing the RE department, developing the curriculum, leading staff, and ensuring high-quality RE provision.
Senior Leader in a Faith School: Taking on broader leadership roles (e.g., Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher) in Catholic or other faith schools, leveraging their in-depth understanding of the school's ethos and the role of religious education in its mission.
Diocesan RE Advisor/Consultant: Working for diocesan education services or equivalent religious bodies to provide guidance, support, and training to schools on RE curriculum, pedagogy, and spiritual development.
Curriculum Developer (Religious Education): Designing and developing RE curriculum materials for schools, educational publishers, or religious organizations, ensuring theological accuracy and pedagogical effectiveness.
Professional Development Trainer (RE): Delivering training and professional development programs for RE teachers and school leaders, focusing on best practices, current issues, and innovative approaches in Religious Education.
Chaplain (Education/Healthcare/Prison): Providing pastoral and spiritual care in educational institutions, hospitals, hospices, or correctional facilities, where a strong understanding of religious traditions, ethics, and interfaith dialogue is crucial.
Researcher/Academic in Religious Education: Pursuing further doctoral studies (e.g., PhD) and contributing to academic research in Religious Education at universities, influencing policy and practice through scholarly work.
Interfaith or Community Relations Officer: Working for religious organizations, local government, or charities to promote understanding and dialogue between different faith communities, often involving educational initiatives.
Author/Resource Creator for RE: Developing textbooks, online resources, or educational materials for Religious Education, drawing on their advanced knowledge of the subject and pedagogical expertise.
Education Officer for Religious Charities/NGOs: Working for charitable organizations with a religious or ethical focus, designing and implementing educational programs related to social justice, humanitarian issues, or interfaith understanding.
