Postgraduate Program

Master of Theology(MTh)

Description

The Master of Theology (MTh) is a two-year, post-graduate research, residential program. The MTh program aims primarily to prepare those who have a call for an academic ministry, particularly to serve as teachers in theological colleges of Asia.

Second, it will serve those who seek to advance their knowledge and critical abilities to serve as pastors and leaders in the church and serve as leaders in management and executive roles of para-church organisations. Third, it will serve to prepare those who seek to undertake highly advanced research at doctoral level.

Philosophy and Ethos

 This program will reflect the evangelical and reformed commitments and character of PTS, including such truths as the inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. PTS is committed to teaching from a Reformed and Presbyterian perspective, as stated in the Westminster Standards. However, students from all evangelical traditions are welcomed in this program, and agreement with the Westminster Standards is not a requirement for graduation. Since MTh is primarily a teaching-oriented degree, and the candidates will be in a position n to influence a large number of future pastors and leaders of the church, affirmation to an evangelical statement of faith will be necessary for a candidate before admission.

Areas of Specialisation

Currently, MTh is offered in the field of Mission, Old Testament, and New Testament.     

Course Structure

Courses will be offered in module formats. The total requirement of 36 credits will be offered in four semesters. 

  1. Semester One 12 or 9 credits
  2. Semester Two 12 or 9 credits
  3. Semester Three 9 credits        
  4. Semester Four 6 credits (Thesis)

Eligibility

A Master of Divinity degree accredited by ATA, with a grade of B+ or above, or its equivalent is the basic eligibility requirement for the Master of Theology program. Equivalence will be determined by the Faculty according to the ‘Equivalence Policy’ of ATA.
Briefly, equivalence may be established in the following manner.

Bachelor of Divinity

A Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree from the Senate of Serampore Colleges (SSC) or Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA) may be made equivalent to an MDiv (ATA) by passing the following examinations (set at MDiv level) with a minimum B+ grade: i) Exegesis and Biblical Theology; ii) Classical Systematic Theology, and iii) Mission and Evangelism. Those unable to secure the required grade may be admitted to a one-year Pre-MTh bridge course. The Faculty reserves the right to prescribe specific courses to be studied either through regular courses or through a directed independent study program. Students must pass Pre-MTh courses with an average B+ grade.

Unaccredited MDiv

Unaccredited MDiv (or those whose accreditation is from an unrecognised body) with a B+ may be made equivalent by a one-year Pre-MTh bridge course ordinarily at the level of III MDiv., (provided the MDiv degree obtained is of 3 year duration and the candidates were eligible for entrance into an MDiv program). The Faculty reserves the right to prescribe specific courses to be studied. Students must pass Pre-MTh courses with an average B+ grade.

ATA-accredited MDiv

Applicants with a B grade, ATA-accredited MDiv degree may be made eligible for admission by passing qualifying examinations with a B+ grade (in each subject) set at final MDiv level in the following subjects – English, Biblical Studies, Theology, and Christian Ministry. These examinations must be taken before 1 May at centres approved by PTS.

Eligibility requirements must be met before a candidate can be considered for admission into MTh. Those admitted for compensatory or for bridge programs will be considered as Pre-MTh, and are not to be considered as admitted to MTh. Failure to meet eligibility standards at the end of Pre-MTh will automatically result in the student’s discontinuation at PTS.

  • Candidates who are eligible for admission to MTh must pass entrance examinations in English, Theology, Bible, and in the area of specialisation e.g., Mission for Mission Studies, and biblical languages for Biblical studies.
  • These examinations must be taken before 15 May at centres approved by PTS. If they fail the entrance examinations, they may undergo a Pre-MTh bridge course at III MDiv level or take courses as prescribed by the Faculty, and pass with an average of B+.
  • Those who have undergone Pre-MTh bridge course and have passed with a B+ need not write the entrance examinations.
  • Those applicants for Mission who wish to have Biblical studies focus for their thesis must have passed at least one exegesis course each in Hebrew and Greek with a minimum B+ grade.
  • Applicants specialising in Old Testament must have completed two exegesis courses in Hebrew in MDiv or equivalent degree.

Application and Admission Procedure

  • All applicants to this program must apply in the prescribed form for admission no later than 1 June.
  • The application must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of Rs 1000.
  • The applicant must submit a statement showing details of 2 years of ministry experience. Those without ministry experience may be required to undergo supervised ministry during the first year of their studies.
  • The applicant must submit a signed statement of evangelical faith affirming the fundamentals of Christian faith (statement available from PTS).
  • A copy of the transcript and certificate (degree) must be submitted along with the application.
  • The applicant must submit a Medical Certificate signed by a medical doctor (MBBS or above) stating that the candidate is healthy enough to undergo rigorous physical and mental demands of post-graduate studies.
  • A financial declaration signed by the sponsor or the candidate stating that he/she will pay the required fees must also be submitted.
  • Two recommendations in prescribed forms – one each from the applicant’s Pastor and a theological teacher – are required as part of the application form.