Master of Arts in Religion (MA (Religion))

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The MA (Religion) programme offers various options with the view to obtaining a postgraduate qualification in Religion that can be tailored to a variety of needs. A number of such foci, related to employment opportunities in areas such as teaching ministry, African culture and business ethics, are offered and are dependent on the choice of the modules.

By concentrating on modules from the subject Religious Studies, students receive a comprehensive orientation in comparative religion, advanced theories of character formation and the debate on a global ethic, combined with the in-depth study of African religion and culture. Such a selection is recommended for teachers of religion in an African context, but also for development workers or entrepreneurs who wish to understand the spirituality and culture of African people.

By choosing some of these modules from Religious Studies and combining them with modules from Biblical or Christian Studies, or Christian Ministry, a Master’s degree that balances understanding of religion in context and theology in context can be obtained. This option is especially attractive for church workers or pastors, especially those involved with education, youth work or moral issues.

With special permission from the Head of Department it is also possible to obtain the MA degree in Religion by research thesis only (cf. I.2).

Programme Co-ordinator: Prof. JH Hunter (tel. 206 3646 – E-mail: jhunter@unam.na)

ADMISSION

Refer to 9. Regulations for Postgraduate Courses of Study in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook.

To qualify for admission to the MA (Religion) programme, a student must be in possession of any one of the following qualifications with a minimum average of 60% in the major(s) of that qualification:
- a recognised four-year Bachelor’s degree
- a recognised four-year BTh degree
- a recognised Honours degree
- a recognised qualification equivalent to the above

Students who wish to register for the MA (Religion) programme should apply in writing to the Head of Department before 31 October of the year preceding intended registration.

The right of admission rests with the Department, Faculty and Senate.

Students who are admitted to the MA (Religion) programme may be required to do additional modules, before or together with the programme.Students will not be allowed to major in fields for which their previous qualifications do not qualify them. 

DURATION OF STUDY

The minimum period of registration for the MA (Religion) programme is two (2) years full-time.

CURRICULUM

The MA (Religion) programme consists of two parts:
- coursework
- research thesis

PART 1: COURSEWORK

Every year a selection from the broad choice of options will be offered in consultation with the candidates. Candidates must successfully complete the coursework in six (6) modules selected according to the following guidelines:

PART 2: RESEARCH THESIS

Candidates must submit a thesis (of approximately 20 000 – 30 000 words) on a topic selected in consultation with the Department, subject to the general regulations for Master’s degree studies at the University (cf. 9. Regulations for Postgraduate Courses of Study in the General Information and Regulations Yearbook).