Program Overview

Programme: MTh specialising in New Testament Studies (Coursework)

Programme information

This programme offers the student with a four-year BDiv, a BThHons or equivalent qualification, the opportunity of theological specialisation and research at master's level. The coursework modules provide the opportunity to acquire specialist skills in the practical field of the Ministry.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations

All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
2. Certified copy of ID or passport
3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees)

• A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words. All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:

1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
3. Certified copy of passport. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.

• Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. All applicants must be computer literate. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.

Minimum admissions requirements

1. Relevant honours degree (at least NQF level 8) or Relevant four-year bachelor's degree (at least NQF level 8)
2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
3. Greek passed at second-year level of the bachelor's degree or An admissions examination may be required

Examinations and pass requirements

A master's degree is conferred on a student by virtue of an examination, or an examination and a dissertation, or an examination and a mini-dissertation. These examinations can be written or oral. A subminimum of 50% is required in the examination. At least 50% is required as a pass mark for the mini-dissertation or dissertation. The stipulations of G39 regarding pass requirements for dissertations apply with the necessary changes to mini-dissertations. Mini-dissertations are evaluated and examined in accordance with the stipulations set out in a study guide.

Research information

Mini-dissertation

The proposed title of the mini-dissertation must be submitted for approval to the Research Committee via the Supervisor and the relevant head of department before a student may commence with the research. Also refer to General Academic Regulation G39.13.

Article for publication

Unless Senate, on the recommendation of the supervisor, decides otherwise, a student, before or on submission of a dissertation, must submit at least one draft article for publication in a recognised academic journal and in the case of a thesis, must submit proof of submission of an article issued by an accredited journal, to the Head: Student Administration. The draft or submitted article, should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the dissertation and be approved by the supervisor if the supervisor is not a co-author. The supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that the paper is taken through all the processes of revision and resubmission, as may be necessary. Conferment of the degree may be made subject to compliance with the stipulations of this regulation.

Pass with distinction

In order to pass with distinction, a weighted average (GPA) (not rounded) of at least 75% in the examination of the coursework and 75% for the mini-dissertation must be obtained.

Core modules

• NTW 803: New Testament studies 803
  • Credits: 90.00
  • Module content: A course work module on a thematically specialized reading list as focused on the candidate's field of research.
• NTW 893: Mini-dissertation: New Testament studies 893
  • Credits: 90.00
  • Module content: A mini-dissertation on an approved topic from the seminar work in the field of New Testament Studies.