Yearbooks

Programme: MTh (Religion Studies) (Coursework)

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Code Faculty Department
06256982 Faculty of Theology and Religion Department: Biblical and Religious Studies
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

Programme information

Also refer to General Academic Regulations G30-G41.

  • 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.

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
  5. An average of at least 65% is required for an admissions examination – for the MTh (Pastoral Family Therapy)

Other programme-specific information

Modules to the value of 10 credits may be selected from any other faculty as substitute for one of the core modules.

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, which is available on request from the various departments.

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.

Minimum credits: 90

Students must select elective modules as set out below.

Option A: 

  • Compulsory core modules BYB 893 and BYB 813.
  • Select all of the following elective modules: BYB 823, BYB 833, BYB 843, BYB 853, BYB 863, BYB 873 and BYB 883.

Option B:  

  • Compulsory core modules BYB 893 and BYB 813.
  • Select the following elective modules BYB 814, BYB 815 and BYB 816. Students may select these 60 credits only in consultation and with the approval of the course coordinator.
  • Select one additional elective module worth 10 credits. 

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Study of the scientific research process (methodology).

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  • Module content:

    Mini-dissertation on a theme chosen in collaboration with the department which relates to one of the modules that are studied in the programme, constituting 7 000-10 000 words written under supervision of a supervising lecturer. The study entails scholastic and advanced research of a selected specialist area. Planning, researching and managing processes within broad parameters and functions are required. Use of computer programs for analysis and report writing. Complete accountability for achieving and evaluating personal and/or group output. Entry to doctoral and further research education, and to research-based occupations.

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Elective modules

Minimum credits: 90

Students must select elective modules as set out below.

Option A: 

  • Compulsory core modules BYB 893 and BYB 813.
  • Select all of the following elective modules: BYB 823, BYB 833, BYB 843, BYB 853, BYB 863, BYB 873 and BYB 883.

Option B:  

  • Compulsory core modules BYB 893 and BYB 813.
  • Select the following elective modules BYB 814, BYB 815 and BYB 816. Students may select these 60 credits only in consultation and with the approval of the course coordinator.
  • Select one additional elective module worth 10 credits. 

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Study of the scientific research process (methodology).

    View more

  • Module content:

    Mini-dissertation on a theme chosen in collaboration with the department which relates to one of the modules that are studied in the programme, constituting 7 000-10 000 words written under supervision of a supervising lecturer. The study entails scholastic and advanced research of a selected specialist area. Planning, researching and managing processes within broad parameters and functions are required. Use of computer programs for analysis and report writing. Complete accountability for achieving and evaluating personal and/or group output. Entry to doctoral and further research education, and to research-based occupations.

    View more

Elective modules


The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

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