MA, PG Cert, PG Dip

Christian Spirituality East and West

Join a lively debate on the meaning and the role of spirituality in Christian and other religious traditions on this Master's degree, taught by Cambridge Theological Federation and accredited by ARU.

Start date
September 2026
Location
Cambridge Theological Federation Distance learning
Award
MA
Duration
1 year full-time

It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

This course is also available as a PG Cert and a PG Dip. Visit the Cambridge Theological Foundation website for more information about these options.

On this course, you'll explore how Christian spiritual traditions are applied today across denominations, and develop your understanding and knowledge of the origins and past practice of spiritual beliefs.

You'll also expand your understanding of the human condition as it shapes different approaches to spirituality, and consider how the discourse of spirituality relates to a range of contemporary personal, professional and vocational questions.

Please note: to apply for this course, you must be a member of one of the Cambridge Theological Federation’s member institutions. Apply by 31 August for a September start.

To find out more about the MA Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care and studying with Cambridge Theological Federation, visit the Federation's website.

Careers

Expand your understanding of different approaches to spirituality today.

This course will equip you to contribute to social transformation through continued critical reflection and engagement with personal, organisational, and public values and ethics.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with our DProf Practical Theology or PhD Theology.

Teaching and modules

Explore the origins of spiritual traditions, and how their practice has changed over time.

On our core Christian Spiritual Traditions East and West module, you'll explore key theoretical approaches to Christian spirituality, and the major figures and themes behind them.

You'll select three optional modules from: Children’s Spirituality; Christian Spirituality in the Contemporary World; Spirituality, Materiality and the Body; Wesleyan Spirituality and Theology; Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter; The Mystery of Love; Mysticism East and West; Life in Liturgy: The Spiritual Traditions of the Christian East; Christianity and Ecology.

You'll then select two further optional modules from: Christian Spirituality and the Arts; Embodying Wisdom: Spirituality, Psychology and Philosophy; Celtic and Medieval Spirituality; Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition.

You'll complete your Master's with a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Christian Spiritual Traditions East and West
  • Major Project
  • Children's Spirituality *
  • Christian Spirituality in the Contemporary World *
  • Spirituality, Materiality and the Body *
  • Wesleyan Spirituality and Theology *
  • Interfaith Relations from Theory to Encounter *
  • The Mystery of Love *
  • Mysticism East and West *
  • Life in Liturgy: The Spiritual Traditions of the Christian East *
  • Christianity and Ecology *
  • Christian Spirituality and the Arts *
  • Embodying Wisdom: Spirituality, Psychology and Philosophy *
  • Celtic and Medieval Spirituality *
  • Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition *
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.

Facilities

Study with Cambridge Theological Federation and:

  • join one of our denominational Houses, gaining support from others in your tradition and creating networks for life
  • meet students and teachers from a wide range of traditions
  • access resources from the theological libraries of our member institutions
  • learn flexibly: our courses are offered in Cambridge, or by distance learning.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Christian Spirituality East and West

Apply now