MA Pathway:
‘Theology for a Planet in Crisis’

This new MA pathway, delivered by St Augustine’s College of Theology in partnership with us at St John’s Waterloo, will enable you to explore in theological depth what is perhaps the most critical issue of our time: the combination of environmental destruction, climate catastrophe and related crises, including the unequal distribution of consequences across the globe. What responses do these crises require of us – practical as well as intellectual and spiritual? And what are the implications for how the church communicates the gospel of Christ today?

This pathway will allow you to tackle such questions from a range of perspectives, engaging with the natural sciences as well as theological disciplines – including Ethics, Biblical Theology, Christian Spirituality and Christian Doctrine. In the final stage of your programme, you will write a dissertation on a pathway-related topic of your choice.

The pathway will not only enable you to think theologically about the crisis our planet faces; it will also invite you to make a long-term personal commitment – to be more faithfully attuned and responsive to this crisis. As part of your programme, you will undertake two placements with faith-based or secular agencies working in areas of ecological concern (e.g., environmental mission, climate activism). As you engage in these placements, you will be equipped to develop relevant skills for reflecting theologically on and learn from your practical experience.

Classes and seminars will take place here at St John’s Waterloo, our historic church in the heart of London, which boasts excellent teaching facilities and is home to a congregation and ministry team committed to ecologically focussed mission and climate action. Here, you will be studying with other people choosing to engage with environmental theology, for a wide range of reasons related to personal interest, professional background, ministerial vocation and/or volunteering commitments. This also reflects the diversity of St Augustine’s College as a whole, and its commitment to make theology accessible throughout the South East of England, to those pursuing independent study as well as preparing for specific church ministries.

This pathway is part of St Augustine’s MA programme in Theology, Ministry and Mission, accredited by Durham University. It will initially be offered on a part-time basis only (normally lasting two years). From September 2025, it will also be available on a full-time basis (12 months). For more information click here.