Christianity & the Arts MA

Overview

Our Christianity & the Arts MA is unique in being taught in association with the National Gallery in London. The course investigates how Christian scripture, beliefs and practices have found expression in art for over 2,000 years. It also traces the idea of beauty in Western theological tradition. It takes advantage of King’s exceptional location by exploring art in London’s collections. Students on the course go on to careers in teaching, journalism or the church, or to further research.

Course detail

Our MA in Christianity & the Arts features a required module on the Idea of Beauty in Western Theology and a wide range of optional modules looking at different forms of artistic expression and different artistic periods with a focus on specific elements of the Christian narrative. You will also have the opportunity to explore a topic in detail through your dissertation. Wherever possible the course draws on examples and case studies here in London, particularly the collections at The National Gallery, The Courtauld, and The Victoria and Albert Museum. We will help you to work across disciplinary and specialism boundaries, and in particular to explore both the art-historical and theological dimensions of Christian art—approaches which are generally pursued in isolation from one another.

Teaching and assessment

If you’re a full-time student, each week we will provide six to eight hours of teaching through lectures and seminars. We will expect you to undertake 34 hours of independent study. If you’re a part-time student, each week we will provide two to four hours of teaching through lectures and seminars. We will expect you to undertake 17 hours of independent study. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. We assess the majority of our modules through coursework and/or examination, although other departments may differ. Your dissertation will be a 15,000-word thesis.

Career prospects

Our graduates use the skills and knowledge that they develop with us to pursue careers in teaching, journalism, media, museum work and the church, or other religious institutions. Others have continued their studies with further research.