Programme: MTh Church History and Church Polity

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
06256923 Faculty of Theology and Religion Department: Church History and Church Polity
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

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, in case of the coursework master's degree, 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

  1. Relevant honours degree or relevant four-year bachelor’s degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
  3. Hebrew passed at second-year level of the bachelor’s degree (for the MTh in Old Testament Studies) or an admissions examination may be required
  4. Greek passed at second-year level of the bachelor’s degree – for the MTh (New Testament Studies) 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 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.

Research information

Dissertation
In the case of the dissertation only, the proposed title, research design and methodology must be submitted for approval to the Research and Ethics Committee via the supervisor and the head of department before a student may commence with the writing of a dissertation. The final title must be approved by the Postgraduate Committee and submitted to the faculty board for notification before submission of the thesis for examination.

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 at least 75% for the dissertation must be obtained.

The degree must be completed in the minimum prescribed period with a maximum of one additional year allowed.

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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