MA in the Study of Mysticism and Religious Experience
A unique programme of coursework and research available part-time over two years.
Programme convenor: Dr Peter Moore
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 and art history. But it should be emphasized that this programme does not concern itself with any form of 'New Age Spirituality', nor with traditions of the Occult or the Esoteric.
The Course
Those following this programme take four 10-week modules (30 credits each) and then write a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation (60 credits). The completion of each module is defined by the submission of a 5000 word essay by the due deadline. The degree of MA is awarded when all five pieces of work have been completed to a satisfactory standard.
The four modules
In each year of study, students take two modules, one in each of the two teaching terms.
In academic year commencing September 2008, the following two modules will be taught:
Term 1
TH862 Self, Cosmos and Transcendence in Indian Religious Thought (Dr Peter Moore)
Term 2
TH853 Methods and Theories in the Study of Religious Experience (Dr Leon Schlamm)
In academic year commencing September 2009, the following two modules are planned:
Term 1
TH861 The Psychology of Mysticism East and West (Dr Leon Schlamm)
Term 2
TH859 Foundations of the Western Mystical Tradition (Dr Joseph Milne)
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.
Extra-Curricular Seminars
Each year, with the support of the Maureen Ritchie Endowment Fund (see below), extra-curricular seminars are made available to students taking this programme. These seminars are ancillary to the examined modules and in themselves carry no coursework requirements. Over the next two years, subject to available funding, seminar series are planned on the following themes:
Nature Mysticism; Women and Mysticism; Teilhard de Chardin and Western Mysticism; Chinese Philosophy.
The Maureen Ritchie Endowment Fund
This fund, set up in memory of a former teacher on the programme, exists to support teaching and research, conferences and study days, and publications and other activities associated with the MA. Its general aim is to enhance or expand what is available to the programme through the University's regular funding. Help in encouraging donations to this Fund will be appreciated.
The Teaching Year
The academic year at Kent comprises two 12 week teaching terms followed by a 6 week examination term. There is no formal teaching in Term 3, but work-in-progress seminars are scheduled for students preparing their dissertations and individual supervision sessions can also be arranged. The academic year 2008-2009 runs from 29 September to 19 June.
When does the teaching take place?
Teaching takes place every Thursday between 12 and 6. The main module runs from 2.00-4.00. Extra-curricular seminars run from 4.30-6.00. The period 12.00-1.00 is set aside for individual tuition and consultations.
Possibilities for full-time study
This taught MA programme is only available on a part-time basis (over 2 years). Those wishing to pursue full-time study in this subject area may like to consider registering for a research degree (MA, MPhil or PhD – 1 year, 2 years or 3 years respectively). Students registered for a research degree are also welcome to attend courses from the taught degree programme.
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.
Recommended reading
Initial reading for students applying for or interested in this MA programme.
General bibliography illustrating the scope and diversity of the programme.
Length of Study
This MA programme is available on a part-time basis only (over two years). Applications are welcome throughout the year. The academic year runs from late September to the middle of June. Dissertations are submitted at the end of August. Classes take place on Thursday afternoons, over two 12 week terms (September to March).
Applying for the 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).
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.
To receive further information about the programme, and details about how to apply, please contact Dr Peter Moore. 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.