Programme: MTh New Testament Studies (Coursework)

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Code Faculty
06256934 Faculty of Theology and Religion
Credits Duration
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 180

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.

Also consult General Regulations as applicable to Master’s degree programmes.

Admission requirements

Subject to the stipulations of General Regulations G.1.3 and G.54, the BDiv, the BThHons or BAHons (Theology), or the previous BD or MDiv degree or an equivalent qualification, is required for admission, provided that a minimum of 65% was obtained.

(i) The theological discipline which is selected must correlate with the major or one of the majors of the preceding degree if its curricular structure provided for majors.

(ii) Hebrew at 200 level if Old Testament Studies is chosen as field of study. In case Hebrew 200 was not passed at a university, the student may be admitted after assessment and with the approval of the head of department.

(iii) Greek at 200 level if New Testament Studies is chosen as field of study. In case Greek 200 was not passed at a university, the student may be admitted after assessment and with the approval of the head of department.                                

Additional requirements

  1. The theological discipline which is selected must correlate with the major or one of the majors of the preceding degree if its curricular structure provided for majors.
  2. Hebrew at 200 level if Old Testament Studies is chosen as field of study. In case Hebrew 200 was not passed at a university, the student may be admitted after assessment and with the approval of the relevant head of department.
  3. Greek at 200 level if New Testament Studies is chosen as field of study. In case Greek 200 was not passed at a university, the student may be admitted after assessment and with the approval of the relevant head of department.

Examinations and pass requirements

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 G.39.11 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, which is available on request from the various departments.

Examination regulations applicable to all master's degrees in the faculty
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, or a dissertation. Examinations may be written and/or oral. A percentage mark is given provided that the passmark is at least 50% and at least 75% as a pass with distinction.

Research information

Seminar work and mini-dissertation
In the case of seminar work and a mini-dissertation, the proposed title 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 writing of the mini-dissertation.

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 recognized 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, as the case may be, should be based on the research that the student has conducted for the dissertation/thesis 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) of at least 75% in the examination of the coursework and 75% for the mini-dissertation must be obtained.

General information

Registration for postgraduate programmes

1. Concurrent registration for a second postgraduate programme
No student is allowed to register for more than one postgraduate programme concurrently, except where the student’s academic record warrants it and with the Dean’s approval. Continuation of study for the second postgraduate programme will be subject to favourable progress reported by the heads of department in the Faculty of Theology. However, no student will be allowed to participate in examinations for a second postgraduate programme in another faculty during the examinations of the Faculty of Theology.

2. Renewal of registration
Students of the University are registered for one year of study. After an academic year has expired, students wishing to continue their studies at the University must renew their registration and pay such fees for renewal of registration as prescribed.
No interruption may occur in a postgraduate student’s registration for a postgraduate study programme. Should a student interrupt his/her studies, such a student will upon re-registration be liable for the full fees applicable to the degree programme.
If a student interrupts registration for the postgraduate programme and it is not renewed within four years of the first registration, the credits obtained will no longer be valid. The student should repeat the modules already passed.

A student for an honours degree must complete his or her studies within two years. Under special circumstances, the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, may give approval for a limited fixed extension of this period.
A master’s degree is conferred on a student only if at least one year has expired after obtaining the qualifications required for master’s study.

A doctorate is conferred on a student only if at least 12 months since registration for the doctorate at this University have expired. Subject to other faculty regulations, a student for a doctorate must complete his or her studies within three years after first registering for the degree. Under special circumstances, the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, may give approval for a limited fixed extension of this period.

Core modules


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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