PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The MTh programme is intended to help the candidate do concentrated research to attain a certain level of specialisation in a particular theological discipline. The programme involves research, seminar presentations and a written thesis.

All MTh students, regardless of specialisation, successfully take the same number of courses overall in the one-year PCU Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) programme as a progression pathway to formally entering the MTh programme in the subsequent one-year period.

The courses taken include two ‘School Wide’ core courses (SW400 Applied Research Skills) and (UW401 Pasifika Hermeneutics: Why Context Matters). Specialisation is safeguarded through concentration on a specialised discipline in the thesis component.

PURPOSE 

The Master of Theology (MTh) degree programme provides advanced ‘whole of life’ and communities-based theological education in specialised disciplines of theology to enable the student to become better equipped for leadership for justice, for advanced theological teaching and academic supervision, for a particular form of ministry for societal transformation, to pursue an academic interest, or for the general enrichment of their Christian life and work.
For each student, the MTh programme involves a specialised focus in one of the following disciplines: Biblical Studies–Old Testament or New Testament; Theology and Ethics; History of Christianity; and Practical Ministry. The degree is predominantly research-based thesis and is available full-time and part-time.

RATIONALE 
On completion, a graduate of the Master of Theology will be able to: 

Demonstrate, through research thesis, a systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas: Biblical Studies (OT/NT); Theology & Ethics; History of Christianity; Practical Ministry; or Ecumenism; by planning and generating a substantial contribution that advances scholarship. 

The title of the award when a student graduates in a specialised focus area is

‘Master of Theology in Biblical Studies’; ‘Master of Theology in Theology and Ethics’; ‘Master of Theology in History of Christianity’; ‘Master of Theology in Practical Ministry’; or ‘Master of Theology in Ecumenism’.

DURATION OF STUDIES

1 year full time or 3 years part time.

Part-time students are expected to complete the MTh degree in not more than three (3) years.

SUPERVISORS

The discipline appoints a primary supervisor from the discipline of study, approved by the Head of School.

ADMISSION PROCESS

1 Entry Requirement for Master of Theology:

• Bachelor’s degree with honours (at level 8) or Bachelor’s degree (level 7) not more than 10 years before applying, unless the applicant has taught in an academic institution since gaining the Bachelor’s degree.
• at least a ‘B’ average in the intended area of specialisation in the last two years of their Bachelor of Divinity (BD) or Bachelor of Theology (BTh) studies.
• Shall write an academic paper on an appropriate topic set by the relevant Discipline of the School to test their theological knowledge as well as their competence in the intended field of specialisation. This paper shall accompany the completed application forms. This paper must achieve 50% pass grade.
• an appropriate standard of English comprehension through an English proficiency assessment approved by the College Faculty through the Learning Skills Discipline, and gain at least a 50% pass grade, or a pass grade of 5.5 in an IELTS (Academic) test.
• Students with a level 7 qualification will be required to successfully complete all courses for the PgDip in Theology (or equivalent) before formally entering the MTh programme; the grade average of all courses in this qualifying year must be a ‘B’ or higher.

Special entry requirements:

1. A student who wishes to specialise in either Old Testament or New Testament Studies must demonstrate at least a basic proficiency in Biblical Hebrew or Greek respectively. Applicants who fail this test will be required to take and pass introductory classes in either Biblical Hebrew or Greek.

2  Applications may be made at any time using the prescribed online form.

3  The applicant should indicate the proposed field of research:

• Biblical Studies
• Theology & Ethics
• History of Christianity
• Practical Ministry
• Ecumenism

4  Successful applicants, on receiving their ‘offer letter’ of a place in the programme, must notify in writing their acceptance of the offer within 20 working days.

MASTER OF THEOLOGY PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The MTh programme is structured under two semesters in one year that are 15 weeks each. There are four requirements of the MTh programme comprising thesis writing, two postgraduate research seminar presentations (at least one presentation in the specialised discipline seminar and one presentation in the inter-discipline seminar in semester one) and participation in the Koro research mentoring seminar.

MTh One Year Structure 

• Postgraduate Research Seminar

Students participate in their specialised discipline thesis seminars as well as the inter-discipline thesis seminars. Students prepare to present a chapter or major section of their thesis to the interdiscipline seminars. The required skills are taught and demonstrated in discipline seminars.

The seminars are not graded and non-credit, rather, it is based on a ‘satisfactory/unsatisfactory’ assessment (S/U). Participation in both the specialised discipline and inter-discipline seminars is obligatory. The specialised discipline seminars are scheduled throughout the academic year (semester 1 and 2).

• Koro Research Mentoring Seminar

The Koro research mentoring seminar is a platform for community-oriented learning that concentrates on developing an analytical foundation pertinent to critical reading and writing at the postgraduate level. It has two main features identified as KORO. The first part focuses on developing and refining the research skills of students within a collegial environment with peers and faculty. The second part aims to develop and formulate a research proposal together with communities.