Master in theology and ministry

About the program

We like to think of MATM as Theological studies for Ministry in a changing context. The Master in Theology and Ministry is a natural choice for students aiming at leadership positions in churches or organizations. MATM is a 120 ECTS credit program running over two years at normal progression. Because of flexibility built into its structure, and the use of online recourses, you may live where you already live and travel to the campus in Bergen only for the two learning intensives each semester.

What do you learn?

As the condition for religion changes in secularized European societies, theological education needs to change with it. MATM seeks to equip church leaders and employees in organizations with the competencies needed to engage in the uncertainties of future ministry in a constructive and critical manner.

The academic field of theology is in development. As MATM-students you are brought to the forefront of practical theological research: whereas some speak of an empirical turn, and are dedicated to the contextual and experiential side of theology, others advocate more of a theological turn interested in the distinct spiritual and revelatory nature of theology. In any case, MATM represents a sincere willingness to bring theoretical insights to the practice field, and practical disturbance to theory.

Where can you work?

• Leadership: With a MATM-degree, you are qualified for a wide variety leading positions in churches and Christian organizations.
• Catechist: With TAM321B Youth ministry as theory and practice - with internship and TAM323B Kirkelig undervisning as elective courses, a MATM-degree meets the master level qualification requirements for the office of Catechist in the Church of Norway. Bachelor level qualification requirements can be obtained through Bachelor i praktisk teologi og ledelse. 
• Pastor: Master in theology and ministry can fulfill parts of the qualification requirements for pastors (prester) in the Church of Norway (Den norske kirke) above 35 years old. TEOL360 Avsluttende praktikum 30 ECTS can be used as elective course. 
• Research: A MATM-degree fulfills the admission requirements of PhD-programs in Practical theology.

Course structure

The first year consists of four mandatory courses:

• Thinking theologically about practice (15)
• Encountering God through Scripture (15)
• Spirituality and Spiritual Formation  (15)
• Missional Ecclesiology in light of Trinitarian Faith and Contemporary Culture (15)

The second year, autumn, you choose 30 ECTS of the following:

• Youth ministry as theory and practice (15)
• Leading ecclesial change and growth in contexts (15)
• Kirkelig undervisning (15)
• Avsluttande praktikum (15/30)
• Exchange abroad (30)

The second year, spring

• Master’s Thesis (30)        

Student exchange and internationalization

In the master’s programme in Theology and Ministry, it is recommended to study abroad during the third semester. NLA has exchange / study abroad agreements with partner institutions around the world. For more information about the possibilities for studying abroad, please visit NLAs website about student exchange.

Throughout the study programme, you will receive and process international impulses, through engagement with international research and publications, international guest lecturers, and possibilities of internships abroad or participation in international collaborative projects.

Facts about MATM

Each semester contains

• two week long learning sessions on campus in Bergen comprised of lectures, group-seminars, and case-based classes (80% attendance required)
• an online learning-program stretching over eight weeks before and between the learning sessions.

Language: English is working language. Assignments can be written in English or a Nordic language.

Residence permit

Non-EU/EEA citizens will in most cases not qualify for a residence permit to live in Norway for the whole study, since compulsory on campus presence for two weeks each semester is not defined by Norwegian authorities as requiring full time presence. Students from countries outside EU/EEA are welcome to apply for the program and stay in Norway for shorter periods on a visitor’s visa.

Further questions about the programme can be directed to MATM coordinator Bård Eirik Hallesby Norheim (baanor@nla.no) or Head of department for Theology, religion and philosophy Gunnar Innerdal (gi@nla.no).