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MASTER OF THEOLOGY (MTh)
Purpose
The purpose of the MTh degree programme is to train men and women for theological institutions and for leadership in various church related ministries. The programme is designed to enable qualified graduates in theology to broaden and deepen their theological knowledge and sharpen their research skills and competencies beyond BD/MDiv level. This goal is achieved by taking a limited number of courses in areas of their discipline and by doing a thesis at an advanced level in a field of specialisation. Thus a student who completes MTh with a first class or high second class will be eligible to enter a doctoral course directly.
Entry Requirements
1. Previous Theological Qualification
Applicants must satisfy one of the following conditions:
1) They must hold a B.D. or M.Div. degree with at least a high second
class pass, from a theological college or seminary which is accredited
by the Asia Theological Association or is affiliated to the Senate of
Serampore College. Or:
2) Applicants who have an M.A. from SAIACS, as well as one year of additional
study at SAIACS (MA Hons) Or:
3) Applicants must hold a theological degree from another recognised institution,
which is judged by the Admissions Committee to be an equivalent standard.
2. Two Years Ministry Experience
Applicants must normally have allowed a minimum of two years to elapse
between graduation for their previous theological qualification and commencement
of MTh studies. It is normally expected that these intervening years have
been spent in active full-time involvement in specific Christian ministry.
3. Biblical Studies Language Requirements
Applicants wishing to specialise in Old or New Testament, must have done
two exegetical courses in Hebrew or Greek and demonstrate to the Admissions
Committee competence in Biblical languages. Applicants will be examined
in exegetical and reading skills in Biblical Greek and Hebrew during Admission
Week. Applicants lacking these skills may be required to undertake a preparatory
programme of Biblical language study to obtain equivalency credits. In
many cases this will mean studying an additional preparatory year at SAIACS.
Modular System
The course is offered in such a way that a unit of a topic or area is studied intensively for a whole month, which is called a module.
Programme Design and Duration
The MTh degree is a two-year full time residential programme. The foundational and core courses will be offered during the first year and the inter-disciplinary, integrated courses and thesis are to be completed during the second year. First year courses will qualify a student to tackle an independent in-depth research topic as well as give the confidence to make a thesis proposal by the end of the first year. Courses are taught mainly by lectures and seminars. Students are required to present well-researched papers in seminars. The purpose of seminars is to introduce the student to the field and methods of research in a given area, thus laying a foundation for the advanced work required for a thesis.
Areas of Specialisation
SAIACS offers the MTh degree specialisations in
1. Biblical Studies (Old Testament)
2. Biblical Studies (New Testament)
3. Theology and Ethics
4. Missiology
5. Pastoral Theology and Counselling
6. History of Christianity
7. Religion
Selection of Specialisation
Students select an area of specialisation at the time of application. Students wishing to change their choice of specialisation are required to discuss the matter with the Academic Dean. A change of specialisation after the first three modules may result in requirement of additional modules of study. No change of specialisation is permitted after the first academic year.
Registration as a Candidate
Acceptance to the second year is dependent on academic progress. Students accepted for the second academic year will be registered as candidates for the particular specialisation of their choice.
Thesis
The MTh student will be expected to produce a high-quality thesis in their second year. The thesis is designed to demonstrate the student's competence in his or her area of specialisation. It should deal with the topic in a way comparable with a paper published in an academic journal. It should fulfil all the requirements and procedures outlined in SAIACS’ thesis manual, such as format, style, footnotes, bibliography and length of the thesis. The thesis is to be of 100-120 pages, including footnotes, of double spaced computer print-out. The thesis must be submitted by the end of November during the second year. The student’s mentor as well as an external reader competent in the field will examine the thesis. The final grade of a thesis will be the average of the mentor’s and the external reader’s grades.
Time Limitation
Candidates will normally complete graduation requirements in two academic years. In exceptional circumstances the Academic Council may allow a longer period upon payment of continuation fee. In any event, all requirements must be completed within 5 years of original registration.
Degree Requirements
| Duration of the Degree | 2 years |
| Required Modules | 12 |
| Credits Per Module | 4 |
| Total Course Credits | 48 |
| Comprehensive Exam | NA |
| MTh Thesis/Dissertation | 24 Credits (35-40,000 words) |
| Total Credits | 72 |
THE MASTER OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES PROGRAMMES
PURPOSE
The Master of Christian Studies degree is a one-year residential programme that provides opportunity for advanced study beyond a first theological degree. Its primary purpose is for pastors, missionaries and teachers who wish to deepen their theological knowledge and sharpen ministry skills. For those in a theological education ministry, the M.C.S. provides professional development for teaching in the area of specialisation up to B.Th. level.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Same as for M.Th
PREVIOUS THEOLOGICAL QUALIFICATION
Same as M.TH.
PROGRAMME DESIGN AND DURATION
The M.C.S. Degree is one academic year of full-time residential study done along with the M.Th. first year students.
AREAS OF SPECIALISATION
M.C.S. students are required to take courses in one of the following areas: Theology and Ethics, Missiology, History of Christianity and Pastoral Theology and Counselling. Students select an area of specialisation at the time of application. Students wishing to change their choice of specialisation are required to discuss the matter with the Academic Dean. No change of specialisation will be permitted after the first three modules.
INTEGRATION/REFLECTION REPORT
M.C.S. students will study in the same classes as the M.Th. students who are taking the same specialisation. The assignments of M.C.S. students will be marked at the same standard as those of the M.Th. class in order to provide a clear comparison and appraisal of whether he or she may transfer to M.Th. study.
TRANSFER TO OTHER PROGRAMMES
An M.C.S. student, who can satisfy requirements regarding previous theological qualification and whose average grade is 50% (B) after six modules (June-November) and who demonstrates initiative and creativity in research, may be invited by the Academic Dean to apply for the M.Th. programme.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The candidate will need to successfully accumulate 27 M.C.S. credits of work. Refer to clause 20.6 for minimum academic performance.
TIME LIMITATION
Candidates will normally complete graduation requirements in one academic year. In exceptional circumstances the Academic Council may allow a longer period. In any event, all requirements must be completed within three years of original registration.
