MPhil in Philosophical Theology

University of Oxford

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Philosophical Theology is intended to provide you with detailed knowledge of philosophical theology, including the opportunity to study its history and a cognate area of philosophy or theology. You will hone your skills in research and in written and oral argument in these subjects.Course structureThe course consists of a year of weekly tutorials followed by a year writing a 30,000 word dissertation.In the first year, with a tutor, you will study three subjects drawn from the following areas:The philosophy of religion: The choice of topics includes arguments for and against the existence of God, and the philosophical analysis of Christian doctrines.The history of philosophical theology: Candidates can choose to focus on two periods for instance, the early medieval period and the period witnessing the birth of modern philosophy, 1760-1860.A specialism in either philosophy or theology: You may select a subject such as metaphysics and theory of knowledge, or the development of Christian doctrine to 787.For each area, depending on the subject and supervisor, you will have six or eight tutorials of 60 to 90 minutes in duration.For each tutorial, you will write an essay of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 words. Tutorials consist of close scrutiny and discussion of the essay and the issues it raises.In the second year, under the direction of a supervisor, you will write a 30,000 word dissertation on a topic in philosophical theology.The Faculty of Theology and Religion has a lively community of graduate students, including reading and work in-progress groups.