Master's Degree in Theology

Course details

The programme for degree of Master in Theology (MTh) offers candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Theology through specialised study, personal work and research.

There are two methods of obtaining this degree.

Mode A: students write a minor thesis and complete five Seminar Courses.

Mode B: students submit a major thesis and fulfill the requirements of the Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches Seminar.Theological Languages Mode A and Mode B:

A competence in theological language(s) is a qualifying requirement

A candidate who has not already attained an acceptable level of competence in theological languages is required to pass qualifying courses in at least two of the following: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. In certain circumstances an advanced course in one language may be accepted in lieu of a second.

A candidate who has successfully completed a one-year full-time University course in Latin or Greek is exempt.

The language(s) requirement is merely qualifying and does not form part of the final assessment.This Degree qualifies for Higher Education grants.

Admission Requirements: Mode A

The minimum entry requirement is a primary degree in which Theology comprises at least an equal joint component. Candidates should have obtained at least Second Class Honours, Grade II overall, and Second Class Honours, Grade II in Theology. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

The Faculty of Theology may also accept applicants whom it deems to have achieved an equivalent standard. Where an applicant’s qualifications are insufficient for admission to the MTh a Qualifying Programme and Examination may be provided.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to satisfy the English language requirements. Students will normally be expected to register year by year on a continuous basis until they have completed their degree. Students wishing to suspend registration may do so only on the express permission of the Faculty.

The duration of the programme is two years. This involves at least a one-year course of full-time study in one of the options below. In the second year the candidate completes a thesis. The candidate also takes one seminar course in the first semester of second year.

Course Option I: Systematic / Moral Theology

In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Systematic / Moral Theology as well as two obligatory courses:

• Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches (Professor Conway ) in the first semester
• The Soul of Theology (Professor in the second semester)
  In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Systematic / Moral Theology in the first semester, and completes the thesis.

Course Option II: Biblical Theology

In Year One the candidate takes two seminar courses in Biblical Theology as well as taking two obligatory courses:

• Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches (Professor Conway) in the first semester
• The Soul of Theology
  In Year Two the candidate takes one seminar course in Biblical Theology in the first semester and completes the thesis.

Course Option III: Pastoral Liturgy

The candidate

• Audits the Liturgy course work for the Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy conducted by the National Centre for Liturgy (see Chapter VII)
• Liturgical Theology
• Sacramental Theology
• Pastoral Liturgy
• Studies under direction three courses:

Students are required to take the obligatory course Research in Theology: Historical and Methodological Approaches (Professor Conway) in the first semester.

Minor Thesis:

In addition to attendance at one of the three course options described above, the candidate is required to submit a minor thesis of 25,000 – 30,000 words on an approved topic within two years of completion of the courses. This study is pursued under the direction of a member of the Faculty of Theology. While engaged on this work the candidate is not required to be in full-time attendance.