Master of Theology (MTh) in Applied Theology

The Master of Theology (MTh) in Applied Theology is designed to enable theological reflection upon experience in pastoral practice mainly, but not only, in the context of ministry in the Church. The MTh may be taken by those who hold a pastoral appointment at present, or by students who can include a period of approved pastoral experience in their course of study for the MTh.  For those who have already completed prior theological study, but who are not intending to pursue further higher degrees at Oxford, the MTh offers the exciting opportunity of combining academic rigour to practical contexts that they may face within their future ministry.

The MTh at Wycliffe Hall offers:

  • Student-centred learning, with an emphasis on student initiative and exploration
  • All the intellectual rigour of the University of Oxford, combined with the pastoral and ministerial insights of Wycliffe tutors
  • Sustained personal interaction with and support from tutors
  • An evangelical ethos with the opportunity to participate in formational activities and the life of the worshipping community
  • Learning within an environment in which the integration of spiritual formation and academic learning is paramount
  • The opportunity to be members of the wider Wycliffe community, but also of the Wycliffe Hall Graduate Society, which offers a wide range of additional academic, social, and spiritual support.  

In the first year, students on the MTh will focus on four modules. These include the compulsory papers in ‘Doctrine, Context, and Practice’, and ‘Experiential Project with Theological Reflection’, and two further modules from a wide selection.  Each module is examined by one 7,000 word essay. In the second year of the MTh, students write a dissertation of between 15,000–20,000 words on an agreed topic in practical theology.

The MTh may be taken either full-time (residential) in two years, or part-time in three or four years. Students may transfer from full-time to part-time after the first year.

For a general overview of the course, please see the MTh in Applied Theology webpage on the University of Oxford Admissions website.

Wycliffe has one of the largest graduate theological communities in Oxford, and specialises in integrating ministerial formation with the academic studies of its graduate ordinands. Each student is overseen by the Tutor for Graduates to discuss their particular needs and to ensure that all graduate ordinands leave Wycliffe academically, spiritually, and pastorally prepared and confident for their future ministry.

Ordinands are expected to participate in the life of the worshipping community through participation in daily chapel services and a weekly fellowship group led by a Wycliffe tutor.   Ordinands participate in weekly placements with a church or other ministry organisation, as well as one 5-week summer placement.  Ordinands also serve in 1-2 church missions.  

Integrated study weeks provide ordinands with a chance for in-depth study of key topics such as baptism, communion, Islam, and ethics.  Preaching classes are taken throughout the course with supervised preaching engagements.

Students applying to Wycliffe Hall must be at least 21 years old.

For further entry requirements, please see the ‘Entry Requirements’ tab on the MTh in Applied Theology webpage on the University of Oxford Admissions website.  

Church of England ordinands must have received recommendation for training from the Church of England.

For tuition fees, please see the ‘Funding and Costs’ tab on the MTh in Applied Theology webpage on the University of Oxford Admissions website.  

Accommodation fees can be found on the Wycliffe Hall Accommodation webpage.

In addition, Wycliffe Hall students pay a termly Common Room fee, the amount of which is decided on a yearly basis but usually approximates £50.00.    

Out-of-pocket expenses incurred for travel related to placements and missions will be reimbursed up to a fixed limit.

Ordinands should consult with their sponsoring body regarding arrangements for payment of fees.

Students must apply to the University of Oxford; candidates for ordination in the Church of England should also complete a separate Wycliffe Hall application form

All graduate applications are made to the relevant faculty through the University of Oxford online application system.  For detailed information, please see the ‘How to Apply’ tab on the MTh in Applied Theology webpage on the University of Oxford Admissions website.  

Once students have been accepted onto their course by the University, their applications are then sent on to Wycliffe. Students must indicate their preference to join Wycliffe Hall on their online application.  For detailed information, please see the University of Oxford Choosing a College webpage.