Programme overview
The MA in Biblical Studies covers both the New Testament and the Hebrew Bible, with cutting-edge biblical studies modules focused on new methodologies and on the socio-religious dimensions of biblical texts. This specialised and integrated programme includes work in both biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek) and consists of up to five modules and a dissertation.
Different taught modules are offered each year, as research interests change and the discipline develops. These modules are taught in small groups, with lots of time for discussion and interaction. You will be encouraged to read widely in the latest literature, and engage with topics and debates such as:
• the development of monotheism in ancient Israel
• the use of anthropological and social-scientific approaches in biblical study
• reading ancient prophetic literature
• recent approaches to the study of Paul
These topics connect to the research specialities and publications of the biblical studies staff. Visit our staff publications web page for more details.
Programme features
The MA Biblical Studies offers:
- the opportunity to develop expertise in areas of biblical study
- opportunities for you to engage with the latest research and methodological perspectives in biblical studies, across both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament
- support to learn and develop expertise in biblical languages
- small-group teaching with international scholars who are publishing current research
- a focus for research at the Centre for Biblical Studies, which hosts seminars, visiting speakers, study days, and more
- excellent preparation for a research degree in biblical studies
I had recently completed my undergraduate degree in theology, and taking a Masters in Biblical Studies allowed me to focus on those areas of my undergraduate course which I found interesting.
For me, it’s about interacting with a range of outlooks. The course gives you ample opportunities to express your opinions through lectures, seminars and essays, and for me the enjoyment is in having your points of view taken seriously by people who are scholars in your field.
One of the main reasons for studying at Exeter was the high level of student satisfaction that it constantly receives. Moreover, 85 per cent of the Theology department’s research is considered on international quality, and the department always ranks highly in the Times’ university guide. Since I wish to get involved in academia in the future, these aspects of the department gave me the impetus to study here. If that isn’t enough, Dr Stavrakopoulou’s recent TV appearance on Bible’s Buried Secrets certainly gives the department its celebrity endorsement.
Alan Hooker, MA Biblical Studies 2010
