Hi, first time posting here. I applied for the MSt in Theology at Oxford, and I was notified today that the assessors for my application suggest I allow my app to be re-routed to the PGDip in Theology and Religion (and that I would receive an official offer if I were to agree to this).
I'm a little disappointed, of course, but I'm grateful to be offered this as opposed to being outright rejected. I assume I was offered this partly because my undergraduate studies weren't in theology (double major in philosophy and political science at an American university).
I had never heard of a PGDip before today, so I'm wondering a few things specifically: 1) have you ever heard of someone receiving funding (even partial) for such a diploma? 2) would it be worth pursuing If I didn't receive funding, as it's only for nine months? and 3) is there any possibility of 'upgrading' the diploma to a masters degree, were I to prove I'm capable of performing the dissertation element? From what I've read, the PGDip is essentially a Masters without the dissertation element.
Any advice or feedback would be appreciated!