Master of Theology

Purpose

The Master of Theology is a preferred pathway for aspiring theologians pursuing an academic career and is sought-after for ministry professionals such as pastors and missionaries. The learner's goal is not to transition into academia, but to develop specialised expertise in a field of theology that will benefit their ministry. The expertise that learners will gain depends on the nature of their ministry and academic interests. They seldom want to do a thesis-based degree because narrow specialisation is not their felt need.

The proposed qualification would serve the country and the church by upskilling clergy and providing a sought-after pathway for aspiring theologians. The proposed qualification will produce graduates who contribute positively to the church and society. Learners will be trained to think through complex ministerial and ethical questions in a rigorous and responsible way, providing thought leadership in and beyond their faith communities. They will contribute to scholarly discourse on a wide range of theoretical and practical issues.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of a specialised area of theology to critique current theory and practice.
• Contribute to scholarly discourse that refines or advances theory and practice.
• Engage scholarly sources and discourses in ways that demonstrate mastery of the presuppositions, methodologies, and arguments of scholars.
• Apply appropriate methods of theological research and reflection to address complex themes or problems in theological and ministerial fields.
• Apply theological theories and responsibly to solve complex theoretical or practical problems in the field of Christian ministry.

Rationale

The proposed qualification will serve the country and the church by upskilling clergy and providing a sought-after pathway for aspiring theologians. Church leaders wield considerable influence in their communities. Therefore, well-trained clergy make a positive contribution to the church and society. Conversely, untrained clergy can do great harm to people.

It is in the best interests of church and state to have highly educated church leaders, since they contribute positively to the ethical and spiritual fabric of society.

The institution has received many requests from churches and potential learners to offer a coursework-based Master of Theology. The seminary has also consulted with denominations (e.g., AFM; Pentecostal Church of Ghana) and ministry organisations (e.g., Summer Institute of Linguistics; Wycliff Bible Translators).

The potential learners will mostly be leaders in churches or parachurch organisations. They are already in vocational ministry and are pursuing a master's degree to advance their expertise so that they can improve their praxis. Some of the potential learners will be those aspiring to an academic career in theology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

RPL for admission applies, but not RPL for advanced standing.

RPL for admission policy framework follows the national guideline that up to 10 per cent of the learners registered for a programme may be admitted based on RPL.

In practice, RPL admissions to postgraduate programmes are rare at SATS Process The process is that the applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence to support the application for RPL-based admission.

The programme coordinator evaluates the portfolio and, in most cases, schedules an interview to assess whether the applicant merits admission and has good prospects of success.

Probation

In all such cases, the applicant will be required to complete one or more courses on NQF level 9 prior to registration. This is to ensure that they have the ability to operate at the required level.

RPL for exemption

At the master's level, the institution does not award RPL for advanced standing based on informal or non-formal learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Theology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Theology Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, NQF Level 9, totalling 108 Credits.

• Introduction to the Master of Theology, 24 Credits.
• Significance and Implications, 24 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation, 60 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 72 Credits (Select three)

• History and Trends in Biblical Studies, 24 Credits.
• History and Trends in Systematic Theology, 24 Credits.
• History and Trends in Practical Theology, 24 Credits.
• Study of Biblical Texts 1, 24 Credits.
• Study of Biblical Texts 2, 24 Credits.
• Study of Theological Topics 1, 24 Credits.
• Study of Theological Topics 2, 24 Credits.
• Study of Ministry Practices 1, 24 Credits.
• Study of Ministry Practices 2, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a specialised area of theology to critique current theory and practice and to contribute to scholarly discourse that refines or advances theory and practice.
2. Engage scholarly sources and discourses in ways that demonstrate mastery of the presuppositions, methodologies, and arguments of scholars.
3. Select and apply appropriate methods of theological research and reflection to address complex themes or problems in theological and ministerial fields.
4. Apply theological theories and responsibly to solve complex theoretical or practical problems in the field of Christian ministry.
5. Conduct research and engage in discourse in an ethical and edifying manner.
6. Conduct a comprehensive and insightful review of current scholarship on a biblical text, theological theme, or ministerial practice.
7. Produce a variety of academic outputs and communication methods to make the results of your research available and accessible to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
8. Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the implications of your research and recommendations for your church and community contexts.
9. Demonstrate intellectual independence and self-discipline in designing, conducting, and reporting on theological research projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.

• Illustrate broad knowledge of the chosen theological subdiscipline.
• Apply an in-depth understanding of the chosen topic or focus area.
• Contribute to scholarly discourse on the chosen topic or focus area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.

• Apply a nuanced understanding of the field and interact with scholarship in a theological focus area.
• Engage scholarly sources and discourses by critiquing sources fairly but insightfully.
• Illustrate mastery of the presuppositions, methodologies, and arguments of scholars.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.

• Illustrate awareness and understanding of a range of research methods that can be used in the chosen field.
• Rationalise the methods chosen for a particular study or component of it.
• Apply the chosen methods responsibly, ethically, and skillfully.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.

• Analyse primary and secondary sources, especially biblical materials, exegetically and theologically.
• Master the conventions for reporting research findings in writing.
• Solve complex theoretical or practical problems in a theological or ministerial field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.

• Carry out data collection, analysis, and reporting in a way that respects the rights and dignity of any human subjects involved.
• Apply the required writing and referencing conventions in a way that models both professional excellence and intellectual integrity.
• Model the kind of ethical conduct and professional excellence in your scholarship and engagements with scholars, clergy, and laity that become Christian leaders or ministers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.

• Select high-quality scholarly sources as the foundation for a review of relevant literature on a narrow topic.
• Illustrate knowledge of the major contributors and understanding of their contributions to a selected topic.
• Arrange a summary or synopsis of the state of scholarship in a clear and sensible way that is fit for purpose.
• Interpret scholarly works accurately, insightfully, and magnanimously, discerning their strengths and limitations while showing respect for the authors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.

• Write theological papers (argumentative and expository) that contribute to scholarly discourse on biblical, theological, or ministerial themes.
• Explore the implications and potential impact of your ideas and proposals for professional ministry practitioners.
• Translate the results of your specialised study into language and forms that make it accessible and applicable to the broader [Christian] community.
• Participate confidently in scholarly discourses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.

• Identify instances where your research may challenge or deviate from cherished traditions and practices.
• Engage with affected stakeholders to evaluate the potential impact of your findings and suggestions.
• Apply awareness of the historical evolution of thought that runs through the scholarship.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9.

• Identify relevant topics for investigation with the programme framework.
• Design and conduct the investigation efficiently and effectively.
• Report the results in well-written papers, reports, and a mini dissertation.