In general, postgraduate degrees are for students who already hold a tertiary qualification in theology and wish to pursue further coursework and / or research in theology at higher degree level. Enquiries about all postgraduate awards should be directed to the UFT Dean for further information and advice about supervision and course planning.
Some postgraduate awards allow some units to be taken at graduate level, and a list of these may be found in the section on graduate awards (see above).
Explore the units for the MTS offered this year here.
The MTS is open to candidates who have obtained an MCD degree in theology or equivalent qualifications. It is a coursework degree requiring the completion of 150 points of study (10 units), of which 120 points (8 units) must be at graduate level and 30 points (2 units) must be at postgraduate level. The degree may be completed in three semesters (fulltime) or up to ten semesters (parttime).
The degree is designed to offer maximum flexibility to students who wish to pursue further study in theology. In addition to regular coursework units, students may elect to include supervised ministry placements (up to 30 points), a supervised synthesis of 12000 words of an interdisciplinary nature (30 points) together with an oral examination of 60 minutes (15 points), an oral examination of up to one and a half hours (45 points), and a research essay of 12000 words (30 points).
Students may normally defer their studies in the MTS for no longer than two years (continuous or cumulative). Permission for further deferral must be sought from the MCD through the UFT Dean.
Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.
The Master of Theology may be taken by major thesis of 40000 words alone, or minor thesis of 25000 words plus 30 points (2 units) of postgraduate coursework. The degree is completed in three semesters (fulltime) or up to four years (parttime).
The MTheol is open to students who have a Bachelor of Theology with first or upper second class Honours or equivalent, and to a range of other graduates in theology who have completed a 12000 word postgraduate research essay of Distinction standard. Full details of admission requirements are available on the MCD website. The MTheol can provide a pathway to the Doctor of Theology, either by completion or by upgrade after a year of study.
Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.
The Master of Arts is available in two modes: coursework and research. Within the coursework mode, students may take either a general course of 90 points (6 units) of postgraduate study, or a specialised course of 90 points (6 units) within a single area. The research mode can be taken by either major thesis of 40000 words, or minor thesis of 25000 words plus 30 points (2 units) of postgraduate coursework. The degree is completed in one year (fulltime) or up to four years (parttime).
The MA is open to students who have completed the Graduate Diploma of Theology, or who have a Bachelor of Theology with first or upper second class Honours, or equivalent. To enrol in the research mode, candidates must have completed a 12000 word postgraduate research essay of Distinction standard. On completion the MA by research mode can provide a pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy.
Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.
The Master of Ministry is a postgraduate award designed to enhance professional ministry. The MMin is available to students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Ministry or an equivalent qualification representing a minimum of three years’ full-time theological education plus studies during ministry practice.
Candidates are expected to have been involved in the practice of ministry for at least three years.
The MMin may be completed in one year (fulltime) but is normally taken parttime over three years. It consists of three sections: Section A Theological Reflection, Section B Research Planning, and Section C Supervised Research Project.
In section A, students complete two of the following three exercises: a postgraduate unit in applied theology, a collegium group, or an advanced ministry studies residential school. In addition, each candidate is required to demonstrate that he or she has undertaken graduate-level training in research methodology. In section B, students participate in a week-long Research Seminar. Candidates prepare detailed Supervised Research Project proposals, leading to an Approval Panel and Ethics clearance. Once advanced to research status, candidates complete Section C by producing a report on the Supervised Research Project, typically but not always a written document of 25000 – 30000 words that is assessed by two examiners. On completion the MMin can provide a pathway to the Doctor of Ministry Studies.
Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.
The Doctor of Theology is available to students who have obtained an MDiv(Hons) or MTheol degree from the MCD, or equivalent. Students may also upgrade from MTheol candidature in some circumstances. Candidates must find a supervisor and shape a research topic prior to admission, then proceed to probationary status. After one year candidates attend a confirmation panel and may be upgraded to full doctoral candidature. From this point, the degree is taken over three years (full time) and up to six years (part time). Students must write a dissertation of no more than 100000 words, which is examined by two examiners.
Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.
The Doctor of Philosophy is available to students who hold a research Master’s degree, or a BTheol or MDiv with first class Honours, or an MTS with a 12000 word postgraduate essay of High Distinction standard. Students may also upgrade from MA or MTheol candidature in some circumstances. Candidates must find a supervisor and shape a research topic prior to admission, then proceed to probationary status. After one year candidates attend a confirmation panel and may be upgraded to full doctoral candidature. From this point, the degree is taken over three years (fulltime) or up to five years (parttime). Students must write a dissertation of no more than 100000 words, which is examined by two examiners.
Explore the Postgraduate units offered this year here.
The Doctor of Ministry Studies is available to students who hold a Master of Ministry, a research Master’s degree in Theology, or an equivalent professional qualification. Candidates are expected to have been involved in the practice of ministry for at least 6 years. The degree progresses from a qualifying stage through coursework to research. It is the equivalent of three years’ fulltime study but is usually taken parttime over a period of up to eight years. The coursework requirements include 2 postgraduate units at Distinction level and an Advanced Ministry Studies Research Seminar. The research project leads to a thesis of 50000 words, examined in writing by three examiners then defended orally.