Master of Theology in Systematic Theology
The Master of Theology in Systematic Theology by full thesis is designed for students seeking to undertake independent, in-depth research in systematic theology and its diverse areas of application.
There are two intakes for this programme: January and July.
- January intake: Applications close on 30 October for both South African and International applicants.
- July intake: Applications close on 30 March, as indicated on this page.
Contact information
Programme overview
More information
When applying
Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Research Master’s and PhD applicants are strongly advised to consult the relevant department before applying to discuss their proposed research topic and confirm the availability of a suitable supervisor.
Minimum admission requirements
• Any degree programme in Theology at NQF level 8, or any other appropriate four-year qualification equivalent to a four-year training deemed by Senate to be suitable for the proposed study; and
o you must comply with further requirements that the relevant discipline group may set;
o during your Theology studies you must have maintained an average achievement of at least 60% in the subject in which you wish to acquire the MTh degree, and obtained an average of 60% in the final year of Theology-related studies preceding the MTh degree;
o you must have applied in writing and have been admitted to the MTh programme by Senate, or
by the Executive Committee acting on behalf of Senate; or
• A BAHons (Religious Studies) which you have obtained after a BA (with Theology) at this University, or some other honours degree deemed equivalent by Senate, or if you have achieved in another way a standard of competence in your particular field of study, deemed adequate by Senate; and
o you must comply with further requirements that the relevant discipline group may set;
o during your Theology studies you must have maintained an average achievement of at least 60% in the subject in which you wish to acquire the MTh degree, and obtained an average of 60% in the final year of Theology-related studies preceding the MTh degree;
o you must have applied in writing and have been admitted to the MTh programme by Senate, or by the Executive Committee acting on behalf of Senate; or
• If you have passed this University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Theology with an average of at least 65%, and received a mark of at least 60% for the research assignment in the subject in which you wish to obtain the MTh degree, you may apply to sit for an admission examination, as determined by the relevant discipline group, with a view to enrolment for the MTh programme.
• If you wish to write an MTh thesis, you must submit a research proposal in which the research problem, the research methodology and the method of work are set out to the satisfaction of your supervisor(s).
Supporting application documents
Departmental form
Download and fill in the following departmental form, and submit with your application:
https://files.su.ac.za/public/postgraduate-studies/documents/2025-09/st…
Document placeholder name on application portal:
Dept-MTh Systematic Theology (thesis)
Programme structure
Duration of Programme
• The duration of the programme is at least one year.
• A supervisor may, after consultation with the discipline concerned, require a minimum period of six months’ residence for MTh students from outside Southern Africa.
Programme Content
Total 180 credits
Compulsory Module (credits = 120)
Thesis Systematic Theology 872(120)
plus
Elective Modules (credits = 60)
Choose two modules to the value of 40 credits from the subjects below.
(credits = 40)
African Theologies 872(20)
Catholic Systematic Theology 872(20)
Christian Confessions 872(20)
Christian Ethics and Globalisation 872(20)
Christian Ethics and the Media 872(20)
Christology 872(20)
Classical Works and Figures in Christian Ethics 872(20)
Dogmatic History 872(20)
Ecological Ethics 872(20)
Economical Ethics 872(20)
Ecumenical Ethics 872(20)
Ecumenical Systematic Theology 872(20)
Eschatology 872(20)
Ethical Theories 872(20)
Ethics and the Use of Scripture 872(20)
Ethics in African Contexts 872(20)
Evangelical Systematic Theology 872(20)
History of Ethics 872(20)
Introduction to Systematic Theology 872(20)
Medical Ethics 872(20)
Moral Formation 872(20)
Overview of the Study of the Christian Faith 872(20)
Pneumatology 872(20)
Political Ethics 872(20)
Reformed Systematic Theology 872(20)
Sacramentology 872(20)
Sexual Ethics 872(20)
Soteriology and Culpability 872(20)
Systematic Theology and Feminist Theology 872(20)
Systematic Theology and Liberation Theology 872(20)
Systematic Theology and Spirituality 872(20)
Systematic Theology and Worship 872(20)
Theology 872(20)
Theology and Contextuality 872(20)
Theology and Hermeneutics 872(20)
Theology and Rhetorics 872(20)
Theology and Science 872(20)
plus
Choose any relevant module to the value of 20 credits in Arts and Social Sciences OR choose a module to the value of 20 credits from the subjects below.
(credits = 20)
Ecclesiology 873(20)
Missiology 872(20)
New Testament 872(20)
Old Testament 872(20)
Practical Theology 872(20)