Your MA in Theology addresses a range of study skills, from the basic tools of reading, writing and reflection to the complex issues of handling tradition and experience and coping as an international student. Using the library, avoiding plagiarism, and how to get help with specific learning needs are among many practical issues covered. There is a chapter devoted to doing a master’s dissertation. The style is accessible throughout, and the needs of students are central. Twenty years of experience in directing postgraduate degrees inform the material offered, which is down to earth and anchored in experience. The book will be useful to teachers of master’s degrees in theology as well as to their students.

Doing an MA in Theology is a serious commitment of time and effort. This book will enable you to get the most out that investment leading to personal enrichment as well as academic success. An essential starting point and on-going source of inspiration. -- Helen Cameron, OxCEPT
Beginning Masters level theological study and wanting to know what you are letting yourself in for? Drawing on her wide experience of postgraduate theology programmes, Zoe Bennett steers her readers through its joys and pitfalls. Whether for crafting skills in reflective practice or developing a thesis proposal, or whether for acquiring a scholarly voice or using library resources well, this is an essential guide for students and staff alike. -- David Allen, The Queen's Foundation, Birmingham
Giving crystal clear guidance to students starting out to ‘master’ theology, this book will reassure them about their capacity for the task. It explains what’s involved clearly and succinctly, and lays out how to proceed with such calmness and sense of order that the challenge, while not underplayed, appears perfectly manageable. What’s expected at master’s level, how to rise to it, and the skills and working procedures to develop along the way are all detailed. It is especially helpful about the reflexive and self-implicating character of theological enquiry. The book is itself a model of the kind of good clear writing, research, presentation and exposition that, as a dissertation, would attract a high distinction. It will be a great help to both master’s students and teachers. -- James Sweeney, Heythrop College, University of London
In Bennett’s office is a poster that reads: “Theory is when you understand everything and nothing works. Practice is when everything works but you don’t understand why. Here we have brought the two together: nothing works and no one knows why!” (p.71) Your MA in Theology takes readers on the opposite path – taking seriously both the experience of faith, and understanding the underlying reasons why. As a handbook it would be an invaluable addition to every theology student and teacher’s desk. -- Darren Cronshaw, Associate Professor of Missiology & Head of Discipline – Research

Zoe Bennett is Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies in Pastoral Theology at Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge Theological Federation.