Theology

The Master of Arts in Theology at Western is a two year degree (full-time) which combines course work with a thesis, in a constructive combination of formal instruction, seminar discussion, and supervised research. The thesis requirement in particular allows study to be tailored to individual interests. Drawing upon faculty working both in the theological disciplines and in the wider university, the degree seeks to foster academic integrity, interdisciplinarity and theological engagement. The faculty’s central resources lie in Christian thought, but complemented by strengths also in Islamic Studies, global religion, and public theology. Thus a student can do theological research on subjects as diverse as, for instance, the Gospels, Reformation thought or history, Karl Barth, Islamic ethics, religion and violence, or religious pluralism. The goal is to provide students with a research degree which allows them to explore personal or professional interests at the Master’s level, while at the same time to laying a solid foundation for doctoral study in related areas for those wishing to pursue further research.

Program Length

• 6 Terms (Full-time study)
• 9 Terms (Part-time study)

Program Design

• Full-time study or part-time study
• Thesis-based

Funding Information

• Graduate Student Funding Support Package

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master’s (CGRS M)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

• Four year bachelor's degree from a recognized university or college.

Additional Requirements

• Probationary admission may also be available to students in other cases, e.g., where a student's academic record in Theology or Religious Studies is strong, but the degree is not from a recognized university or college.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory* achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test): The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9.
• The Duolingo English Test.  The minimum acceptable score is 115.
• The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60.
• Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
• Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.

*Programs at Western may require a higher minimum score than those listed above.

Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency.

Applicants may request an exemption by contacting their graduate program(s) of interest.

Application Deadline

• June 1 - Fall term (standard admission term)
• October 30 - Winter term