Master of Theology (MTh)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The MTh programme offers various options with the view to obtaining a postgraduate qualification in Theology that can be tailored to a variety of needs. A number of such foci, related to employment opportunities in various areas of Christian ministry, are offered. Students and/or church bodies responsible for their training can choose specialisation areas such as Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Christian Ministry, Religious Studies, or interesting combinations of these options, depending on the area of expertise sought.
               
The MTh programme aims at delivering well-rounded theologians who can use the Bible in a responsible way in preaching, counselling and addressing social issues, who know the Christian doctrines in their respective historical settings and applicability in modern circumstances, and who are equipped as leaders, preachers, pastors and stewards, to give guidance and set standards for Christian involvement and praxis. Through a judicious choice of modules from the focal areas, candidates can prepare themselves for e.g. youth work, counselling, teaching and preaching, and leadership in various church areas.
               
By including modules from the subject Religious Studies, students receive a comprehensive orientation in comparative religion, advanced theories of character formation and the debates on business ethics and 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 can be obtained. This option is especially attractive for church workers or pastors, especially those involved with education, youth work or moral issues.
               
Where a candidate wishes to do the MTh degree by research thesis only, special permission must be obtained from the Head of Department.

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 MTh 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 BTh degree
- a recognised four-year Bachelor’s degree
- a recognised Honours degree
- a recognised qualification equivalent to the above

Students who wish to register for the MTh 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 MTh 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 MTh programme is two (2) years full-time.

CURRICULUM

The MTh 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).