MA, Theology
Deepening Theological Understanding, Advancing Scholarship and Serving the Church
About This Program
Program Description
The Master of Theology offers rigorous postgraduate formation for graduates, ministers, educators and emerging scholars seeking advanced competence in theology.
The programme deepens students’ understanding of the principal theological disciplines while developing the capacity to conduct independent research and contribute to scholarly and ecclesial conversations.
Students engage advanced biblical interpretation and examine the theological themes, historical settings and literary forms of Scripture. They develop the ability to evaluate exegetical arguments, interpret biblical texts responsibly and relate Scripture to Christian doctrine and contemporary life.
Systematic theology courses explore the doctrines of God, revelation, creation, humanity, Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church and Christian hope. Students critically compare classical and contemporary theological systems and learn to construct coherent theological arguments.
Historical theology examines the formation and development of Christian thought from the early Church through the medieval period, Reformation, modern era and contemporary global Christianity. Students assess how historical contexts, controversies and movements have shaped Christian belief and practice.
Courses in theological ethics, philosophical theology and apologetics prepare students to address questions concerning truth, morality, human dignity, suffering, justice and the relationship between faith and reason.
Contextual, public and global theology enable students to analyse the relationship between Christian thought and diverse cultural, political and social settings. Students engage African, Asian, Latin American, Western and other theological perspectives while considering the responsibilities of theology within Church and society.
The programme also develops competence in practical theology, ministry reflection and theological education. Students learn to integrate theological scholarship with preaching, teaching, discipleship, pastoral ministry and institutional leadership.
Research Methods in Theology and Advanced Research Methods and Theological Method provide preparation in research design, literature review, textual analysis, theological argument, qualitative enquiry and academic writing.
The programme culminates in a 30-credit Master’s Thesis. Students undertake independent research on an approved topic in biblical studies, systematic theology, historical theology, ethics, philosophical theology, public theology, practical theology or another relevant area.
Graduates are prepared for seminary teaching, advanced ministry, theological writing, research, consultancy and doctoral study.
Specializations
- Biblical Theology and Interpretation
- Systematic Theology and Christian Doctrine
- Historical Theology and Church History
- Theological Ethics
- Philosophical Theology and Apologetics
- Contextual and Global Theology
- Public Theology and Contemporary Society
- Practical Theology and Ministry
- Theological Education
- Theological Research
Core Courses
- RES 501 — Research Methods in Theology: Introduces postgraduate theological research.
- SYS 301 — Systematic Theology I: God, Revelation and Humanity: Studies God, revelation and humanity.
- BIB 102 — Principles of Biblical Interpretation: Examines methods of biblical interpretation.
- ETH 201 — Christian Ethics: Studies Christian moral reasoning.
- SYS 401 — Systematic Theology II: Christ, Salvation and the Church: Studies Christ, salvation and the Church.
- HIS 301 — Church History II: Reformation to the Present: Examines modern Church history.
- RES 601 — Advanced Research Methods and Theological Method: Develops advanced research competence.
- THE 501 — Advanced Biblical Theology: Examines theology across Scripture.
- THE 502 — Advanced Hermeneutics: Develops advanced interpretive methods.
- THE 503 — Old Testament Theology: Studies Old Testament theological themes.
- THE 504 — New Testament Theology: Studies New Testament theological themes.
- THE 505 — Doctrine of God: Examines the being and attributes of God.
- THE 506 — Christology: Studies the person and work of Christ.
- THE 507 — Soteriology: Examines the doctrine of salvation.
- THE 508 — Pneumatology: Studies the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
- THE 509 — Ecclesiology: Examines the nature and mission of the Church.
- THE 510 — Theological Anthropology: Studies humanity from a theological perspective.
- THE 511 — Eschatology: Examines Christian hope and last things.
- THE 512 — Historical Theology: Studies the development of Christian doctrine.
- THE 513 — Patristic Theology: Examines early Christian theological thought.
- THE 514 — Reformation Theology: Studies major Reformation traditions.
- THE 515 — Modern and Contemporary Theology: Examines recent theological movements.
- THE 516 — Philosophical Theology: Explores philosophy and theological reasoning.
- THE 517 — Advanced Christian Apologetics: Examines advanced defence of the faith.
- THE 518 — Theological Ethics and Public Life: Applies theology to public ethics.
- THE 519 — Contextual Theology: Examines theology within cultural settings.
- THE 520 — Global Theology: Studies worldwide theological traditions.
- THE 521 — Public Theology: Explores theology in public discourse.
- THE 522 — Practical Theology: Integrates theology and ministry practice.
- THE 523 — Theological Education and Formation: Examines theological teaching and formation.
- RES 690 — Master’s Thesis: Requires independent theological research.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent.
Applicants should provide suitable academic references.
Applicants should submit a statement of purpose explaining their academic interests, professional objectives and reasons for pursuing advanced theological study.
Relevant ministry experience may be required or considered where applicable.
Applicants pursuing a research based route should submit a preliminary research proposal.
Applicants may be invited to attend an academic or admissions interview.
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to engage advanced theological scholarship critically and constructively.
Graduates will be able to evaluate complex theological arguments, traditions and methods.
Graduates will be able to interpret biblical and theological texts using appropriate advanced research methods.
Graduates will be able to conduct independent theological research with academic integrity.
Graduates will be able to formulate a focused research question and develop an appropriate research methodology.
Graduates will be able to produce a substantial and academically rigorous theological dissertation.
Graduates will be able to contribute meaningfully to theological discourse within the academy, the Church and wider society.
Graduates will be able to integrate advanced theological knowledge with ministry, teaching, leadership and Christian life.
Graduates will be able to communicate complex theological ideas clearly in written and spoken forms.
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
A Closer Look
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