Religious Studies at the University of Kent (Canterbury, UK)

MA in the study of mysticism and religious experience A unique programme of coursework and research available full-time or part-time programme convenor: Dr Leon Schlamm

This taught MA programme is distinctive both in subject-matter and in approach, offering an experience of study intermediate between that of a conventional coursework MA and the completely independent mode of study characteristic of a research degree. It gives students the freedom to work on essays and dissertations tailored to their particular interests, and to develop and exchange ideas within a community of like-minded individuals, including a number of students working for research degrees.

The study of mysticism and religious experience, centred in the broad field of religious studies, involves disciplines as diverse as philosophy, theology, psychology, parapsychology, anthropology, sociology, classics, history, literature, linguistics, art history, medicine and psychiatry.

Who is eligible to register for this programme?

Applications are invited from well-qualified graduates, preferably with an academic background in religious studies, theology, philosophy or psychology. Faculty regulations require applicants to submit a recent sample of written work as evidence of their academic competence (a list of essay titles is available from the programme convenor on request). Two academic references are also required.

Some of our graduates stay on at Kent to do further research (MPhil or PhD).

How long does the programme take to complete?

Students may take the course on a full-time (in one year) basis or on a part-time basis (over two years). Applications are welcome throughout the year. The teaching programme begins in October and ends in June. Dissertations are submitted at the end of August. Most classes take place on Thursdays.

What does the programme comprise?

Those following this programme take six modules worth 180 credits in total: two core modules (30 credits each); three research modules (20 credits each); and one dissertation (60 credits). The completion of each module is defined by the submission of the requisite coursework by the due deadline. The degree of MA is awarded when all six pieces of work have been completed to a satisfactory standard.

1. TH853 Methods and theories in the study of mysticism ( 24 weeks course plus two essays of 2500 words each)
2. TH859 Mystical traditions: texts and hermeneutics (24 weeks course plus one textual commentary of 5000 words)
3. TH860 Research and computing skills (one annotated bibliography, literature review or set of web pages)
4. TH861 Contemporary issues in the study of mysticism and religious experience (seminar courses plus one essay of 4000 words)
5. TH862 History of mystical traditions (seminar courses plus one essay of 4000 words)
6. Dissertation (research on an approved topic)

The two core modules

TH853 Methods and theories in the study of mysticism. Students attend a 24 week course and write two 2500 word essays.

TH859 Mystical traditions: texts and hermeneutics (also known as 'The Text Seminar') offers an opportunity for the exegesis and discussion of selected texts from various religious traditions. Students write a 5000 word commentary on a selected text.

Full-time and part-time students complete the two core modules in their first year.

The three research modules

Each of these modules comprises a series of seminars whose subject matter is liable to change from year to year (depending on availability of teachers). For each module students submit a 4000 word essay from a list of essay questions. For the research and computing skills module the essay takes the form of an annotated bibliography or literature review.

TH860 Research and computing skills.

TH861 Contemporary issues in the study of mysticism and religious experience.

TH862 History of mystical traditions.

The dissertation

Students select a suitable dissertation topic in consultation with the course convenors, building on ideas and interests emerging from seminars, reading and essay work. The completed dissertation, 12-15,000 words in length, is submitted at the end of August.

The Maureen Ritchie Endowment Fund essay prize

The Maureen Ritchie Endowment Fund was set up in 2006 in memory of a former graduate and teacher on the programme. It exists to provide additional support and resources for the programme. All students registered for this programme may submit one of their coursework essays for the annual Maureen Ritchie memorial prize. This may either be an essay on the subject of women and mysticism, or an annotated bibliography on any topic.

When does the teaching take place?

Courses are scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays during Terms 1 and 2. The main teaching day is Thursday. The two compulsory core courses, TH853 and TH859, are taught on Thursday afternoons (2.30-4.00 and 4.30-6.00, respectively). Seminars for the research modules take place on Thursday mornings, 12.00-1.30, and Friday mornings, 11.30-1.00. There is no formal teaching in Term 3. A teaching timetable for the year ahead is available from the beginning of September.

Supporting facilities

The University's Templeman Library houses an excellent collection of books and periodicals relating to all the themes represented in the programme. It also provides easy access to the full range of computer-based resources. Staff and students (including past graduates) keep in regular touch with one another via email and the programme's own 'virtual-mystics' discussion list.

The University of Kent campus enjoys an ideal location in the South East corner of England, on the outskirts of the town but within easy reach of the centre. There are good road and rail links to London, which is only 60 miles away; and the European mainland is easily accessible via the nearby channel ports and the Channel Tunnel. Established in 1965, the University has about 12,000 students. The MA in the study of Mysticism & Religious Experience is taught within the School of European Culture and Languages, which is part of the Faculty of Humanities.

How can I find out more about this programme?

To receive further information about the programme, and details about how to apply, please contact the Religious Studies secretary. For details about fees and the payment of fees, consult the graduate prospectus or the University website. Please note that academic staff do not deal with queries about fees or accommodation.

Applying for the programme

You can apply either by post or on-line, but either way you are strongly advised to email the programme convenor (Dr Leon Schlamm) if and when you have done so. The Recruitment and Admissions Office at the University cannot release your application to us for a decision until two references and a sample of written work have been received. It is in the interests of all applicants to encourage both referees to send in their reports in good time.

Recommended reading

Initial reading for students applying for or interested in this MA programme.

General bibliography illustrating the scope and diversity of the programme.

Enquiries are also welcome from those interested in pursuing independent research (for the degrees of MA, MPhil or PhD) in the the following subject areas: mysticism, parapsychology, psychology and religion, philosophy of relgion, phenomenology of religion, religion and literature, religion and the arts, sacred art and symbolism.

This page last updated: August 2006