Master of Philosophy in Religion and Culture
The Master of Philosophy in Religion and Culture by coursework is an interdisciplinary postgraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University in collaboration with Humboldt University in Berlin. The programme explores the dynamic relationship between religion and contemporary cultural, social, and political contexts, equipping students with advanced analytical and research skills.
Contact information
Programme overview
More information
When applying
Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.
Minimum admission requirements
• See specific as well as supplementary admission requirements as for all MTh programmes.
• If you hold only a three-year B-degree qualification, you must first complete a Postgraduate
Diploma in Theology (with the focus on Religion and Culture) and pass with an average of at least
65%, to enrol for the MPhil; or
• If you hold a four-year qualification that is not equivalent to an Honours degree in Theology, this
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (with the focus on Religion and Culture) serves as a bridging
qualification; but
• If you do hold an appropriate four-year qualification in Theology you can enrol directly for the MPhil
without having to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (with the focus on Religion and
Culture) first, or
• Because the degree is presented in co-operation with Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, a
three- or four-year degree from that university or an equivalent qualification from the
abovementioned university that complies with the admission requirements will also be accepted.
Programme structure
Programme Structure
The MPhil in Religion and Culture is presented at NQF level 9 and consists of four lectured modules to the value of 80 credits, as well as a thesis to the value of 100 credits that has to be completed on a theme related to Religion and Culture.
Programme Content
Total 180 credits
Compulsory Module (credits = 100)
Thesis: Religion and Culture 812(100)
plus
Elective Modules (credits = 80)
Choose one of the two options of the following module.
(credits = 20)
Anthropology and Human Identity 812(20) Religious Studies; OR
Religion and Gender
plus
Choose one of the three options of the following module.
(credits = 20)
Forms and Contexts of Religious Discourse 812(20) Religion and Media; OR
Religion and Symbol/Rite; OR
Religion within Historical Contexts
(Christianity/Islam/Judaism)
plus
Choose one of the three options of the following module.
(credits = 20)
Religion and Contemporary Society 812(20) Religion, Ecumenics and Interculturality; OR
Religion and Economy; OR
Religion, Public Theology and Politics
plus
Choose one of the two options of the following module.
(credits = 20)
Religion, Spirituality and Life Issues 812(20) Religion and Reconciliation; OR Religion and the Healing of Life (cura vitae)