MA Biblical and Religious Studies

MA in Biblical and Religious Studies in South Africa

The MA in Biblical and Religious Studies is a full-time postgraduate program run by the University of Pretoria. The Faculty of Theology emphasizes excellence, especially with regard to academia and, simultaneously, in the way it lives up to its values.

The Faculty has a particular nature in that it works primarily with partner churches. The Nether Dutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA) became the first partner in 1917, and the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) is the largest partner. The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), as well as the youngest partner, the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), contributes to the unique character of the Faculty.

The Faculty believes that each one of the denominational partners adds value to the quality and relevance of its programs. The professors of the Biblical and Religious Studies are nationally and internationally acknowledged for high academic standards and scholarly integrity.

The University of Pretoria wishes to support churches in their ministry of today and tomorrow. Therefore, areas such as urban ministry, African Christianity, public theology, and community development are addressed. Research in the fields of ethics, the environment and gender, as well as theological and religious themes with social implications, are of special importance. These include xenophobia, discrimination and violence in communities. Unique themes that are of national relevance, yet are also of international interest, are researched in the Faculty. Much of the research is of an interdisciplinary nature and includes international participation.