Master’s Degree

Master of Theology

The Master’s degree in Theology provides advanced ‘whole of life’ and communities based theological education in selected fields of theological study to enable the student to become better equipped for leadership for justice, for advanced theological teaching and academic supervision, for a particular form of ministry for societal transformation, to pursue an academic interest, or for the general enrichment of their Christian life and work. For each student, the MTh programme involves a specialised focus in one of the following disciplines: Biblical Studies: Hebrew Bible or New Testament; History of Christianity; Theology and Ethics; and Practical Ministry. The degree is predominantly research based and is available full-time and part-time.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh will be awarded to candidates that have successfully completed all 120 credits comprising two presentations to the departmental and common thesis seminars, an Issues analysis within a community and successfully submitted a research thesis of approximately 30k words in a specialised area of study (Biblical Studies, Theology & Ethics, History of Christianity, Practical Ministry). The MTh will be awarded with distinction if a candidate receives a grade of 80 of higher on his or her research thesis.

Courses:

Code 

MTh: Required Tasks

Credits

BS500, TE500, HC500, PM500

Discipline and Inter-discipline Seminars

15 

TBC

Issues-Analysis with Communities

Portfolio

15

 BS501, TE501, HC501, PM501

 Research Thesis: 30k words

90 

 

Master of Philosophy

Students interested in undertaking a smaller research topic that might not satisfy the scope of a full PhD might find it ideal to do a standalone MPhil instead. The MPhil provides students with advanced research skills and the experience to enter the workforce or continue on to doctoral studies. It also provides the flexibility for PhD candidates, whom for whatever reason are unable to complete their studies and have to exit the PhD programme early. Similar to the doctoral programmes, the MPhil is research-based and corresponds with the student’s field of interest (Theology or Ecumenism). The programme prepares students with the inquisitive skills to make a unique contribution to knowledge using independent thought, well-formulated research questions and through a deep commitment to real-world issues affecting Pasifika communities.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MPhil will be awarded to candidates that successfully submit a research proposal up to 15k words and a 15k literature review relevant to their chosen field of study (Theology or Ecumenism). The required average pass is 50% or higher. A doctoral student that has reached examination level but is/was unable to complete may also be considered.

Courses:

Code 

MPhil: Required Tasks

Credits

PH500

Discipline and Inter-discipline Research Thesis Seminars

15 

TBC

Issues-Analysis with Communities

Portfolio: 10k words.

15

TBC

Literature Review: 10k words.

15

TBC

Research Proposal: 05k words.

15

 PH501

 Research Thesis: 50k words.

120 

MASTER OF ECUMENISM

This programme focuses on the intersections of ecumenism and the ‘whole of life’ principles that permeate the Pasifika context. The programme aims to develop a ground-up communities-based approach to ecumenism with a particular emphasis on students aiming to take up teaching positions as well as leadership positions and advocacy both in the church and in non-religious sectors. New students including those entering from the postgraduate Diploma will be able to advance their knowledge of Pasifika household social- and eco- justice issues and their ongoing impacts on ecumenism while also equipping them with the decolonial skills from a communities-based perspective. Through participation with communities, research and observation, students will specialise in the ecumenical vision of the university, and in the holistic worldviews and practices of Pasifika communities.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The ME will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of two presentations to the discipline and inter-discipline thesis seminars, a literature review of approximately 15k words, a research proposal up to 15k words and thesis of 30k words relevant to their chosen field of study (PhD in Theology or Doctor of Ecumenism). 

Courses:

Code 

ME: Required Tasks

Credits

ME500

Discipline and Inter-discipline Research Thesis Seminars.

15

TBC

Issues-Analysis with Communities

Portfolio

15

ME501

Research Thesis: 30k words

90

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN CLIMATE JUSTICE

The Master of Theology in Climate Justice equips students with advanced ‘whole of life’ principles that are theologically, culturally and communities-based. Students will be given the option to specialise in how theological discourse is critically engaged with Climate Change topics particular to their own communities such as national and regional climate strategies and policies. Their research should highlight the importance of new ‘whole of life’ strategies anchored on Pasifika communities-based understanding of mitigation, adaptation, resilience, security, and how these are framed around communities indigenous climate spiritualities. The degree is entirely research based and provides flexibility for resident or overseas students intending to work in organisations that focus on negating climate change as well as those pursuing an academic career in justice-driven theologies. The degree is also suitable for those seeking a general enrichment of their Christian life and work

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh in Climate Justice will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of an Issues-based literature review (10K words) and a Research Paper (30k words) relevant to their chosen field of study.

Graduate Outcomes: 

 Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate independent thinking skills in Climate Justice with advanced ‘whole of life’ principles that are theologically, culturally and communities-based.
  • Critically engaged theology with Climate Change issues particularly on national and regional climate strategies and policies within the communities.
  • Demonstrate high level skills and research on the importance of new ‘whole of life’ strategies anchored on Pasifika communities-based understanding of mitigation, adaptation, resilience, security, and how these are framed around community’s indigenous climate spiritualities.
  • Demonstrate analytical and research skills in negating climate change as well as pursuing a career in justice-driven theologies and general enrichment of Christian life and work.

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE

The MTh in Ecological Justice is tailored to students with a passion towards developing a communities-based ecological justice and wellbeing. It explores the relationship between ‘whole of life’ eco-spiritualities, Christian theologies, and ecology. It aims to develop a renewed justice-driven ecological understanding by delving deeper into the concept of the Pasifika household and other communities-based responses to the ecological crises. The programme features a rethinking of Christian thought and practices, contemporary environmentalism, and systemic injustice, which will enable them to work on or assist with sustainable and equitable projects in their own faith contexts and communities.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh in Ecological Justice will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of an Issues-based literature review (10K words) and a Research Paper (30k words) relevant to their chosen field of study.

Graduate Outcomes: 

  •  Demonstrate independent thinking skills with passion towards a communities based ecological justice and wellbeing.
  • Explore and critically engaged the relationship between ‘whole of life’ eco-spiritualities, Christian theologies, and ecology.
  • Demonstrate high level skills in a renewed justice-driven ecology with deeper application in the concept of the Pasifika household and other communities-based responses to the ecological crises.
  • Demonstrate analytical rethinking of Christian thought and practices, with contemporary environmentalism, and systemic injustice, which will assist with sustainable and equitable projects in their own faith contexts and communities.

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN GENDER JUSTICE

This programme enables students to critically explore from a decolonial perspective the history and underpinning theologies and theories that shaped conventional gender discourse. It aims not only to make a unique contribution to the ongoing dialogue concerning gender justice, theology and public policies within their own local, regional or transnational contexts but also to develop liberative gender justice theologies from a ‘whole of life’ communities-based perspective. The main feature is to provide students with the appropriate skills to analyse and interpret gender scholarship from a wide range of contexts and stories. This research degree is very flexible in that students may choose to focus on gender and identity, justice and ethics, or investigate how certain religious traditions approach sexuality and spirituality.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh in Gender Justice will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of an Issues-based literature review (10K words) and a Research Paper (30k words) relevant to their chosen field of study

Graduate Outcomes: 

 Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 

  • Critically explore decolonial perspective on the history and underpinning theologies that shaped conventional gender discourse.

  • Explore and critique contributions to the ongoing dialogue concerning gender justice, theology and public policies within local, regional or transnational contexts to develop liberative gender justice theologies from a ‘whole of life’ communities-based perspective. 

  • Demonstrate high level skills to analyse and interpret gender scholarship from a wide range of contexts and stories. 

  • Demonstrate analytical on gender and identity, justice and ethics, with investigation skills on how certain religious traditions approach sexuality and spirituality.

 

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN HUMAN RIGHTS

This programme provides a communities-based analysis of human rights that integrates Christian ethics, theology, and Pasifika perspectives. It confronts students with complex questions about identity, legal personhood, individual and communal responsibilities as well as the often-overlooked integrity of the ‘whole of life.’ Students may choose to focus on HR issues specific to their contexts such as globalisation, land issues, sociomedical ethics, legislation, gender and so forth. The programme is broadly tailored to students intending to teach, or enter a particular form of ministry, or just aiming to deepen their knowledge of Christian life and work.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh in Human Rights will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of an Issues-based literature review (10K words) and a Research Paper (30k words) relevant to their chosen field of study.

Graduate Outcomes: 

Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 

  • Explore and critique communities-based analysis of human rights that integrates Christian ethics, theology, and Pasifika perspectives.
  • Critically explore with complex questions on identity, legal personhood, individual and communal responsibilities as well as the often-overlooked integrity of the ‘whole of life.’
  • Demonstrate analytical skills on HR issues specific to their contexts such as globalisation, land issues, socio-medical ethics, legislation, gender and so forth.
  • Demonstrate high level skills in tailoring students intending to teach, or enter a particular form of ministry, or aiming to deepen their knowledge of Christian life and work. 

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN LEADERSHIP FOR JUSTICE

The MTh in Leadership for Justice trains students in radical leadership strategies that are grounded in the prophetic traditions of both the bible and the church that are communities-based and justice driven. Aligned with the ‘whole of life’ insights from Pasifika, students will be equipped with the decolonial skills in analysing and assessing key faith-based as well as national and regional leadership strategies. It aims to train students on how to resolve conflict, devise communities-based strategies, appraise the leadership needs of the Pasifika region, and demonstrate transformational leadership that takes relationship ethics seriously. The programme caters to those aspiring to, or is already in, leadership roles looking to advance their knowledge in just leadership practices in society.

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh in Leadership for Justice will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of an Issues-based literature review (10K words) and a Research Paper (30k words) relevant to their chosen field of study.

Graduate Outcomes: 

Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 

  • Explore and critique Leadership for Justice in radical leadership strategies that are grounded in the prophetic traditions of both the bible and the church that are communities-based and justice driven.
  • Explore and align with the ‘whole of life’ insights from Pasifika with the decolonial skills in analysing and assessing key faith-based as well as national and regional leadership strategies.
  • Demonstrate analytical on how to resolve conflict, devise communities-based strategies, appraise the leadership needs of the Pasifika region, and demonstrate transformational leadership that takes relationship ethics seriously.
  • Demonstrate high level skills in leadership roles looking to advance knowledge in just- leadership practices in society

MASTER OF THEOLOGY IN WHOLE OF LIFE DEVELOPMENT

The MTh in Whole of Life Development aims to produce critical minds to discern the signs of times and analyse the ongoing development exploitation of lands and communities by the dominant economic systems. It explores a decolonial approach to development models such as the neoliberal. It investigates the critical relationship

Mode of Delivery: Blended: Online + Face to Face

Duration: 1-year Full Time or 3 years Part Time

Level: Equivalent to PQF/SPATS/FHEC level 9

School Name: School of Theology & Ecumenism

Credit Points: 120

Requirements for the award of the Degree: The MTh in Whole of Life Development will be awarded to candidates that successfully complete all 120 credits made up of an Issues-based literature review (10K words) and a Research Paper (30k words) relevant to their chosen field of study.

Graduate Outcomes: 

Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 

  •  Explore and develop in Whole of Life Development with critical minds to discern the signs of times and analyse the ongoing development exploitation of lands and communities by the dominant economic systems.
  • Explore and critique decolonial approach to development models such as the neoliberal.
  • Explore and investigate critical relationship between biblical, theological, and missiological faith traditions with geopolitical and socio-economic development issues that shape and constitute national and regional architectures.
  • Demonstrate decolonial analysis skills of key regional development strategies such as the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goals and many other economici strategies in consultation with ‘whole of life’ biblical, theological, and Pasifika cultural principles.   
  • Demonstrate high level skills in research with the skills in the integration of development and sustainability issues within Pasifika and faith-based and communities-based spiritualities