Master of Theology (with Dissertation) Course Requirements at NWU
North-West University · Faculty of Theology
The Master of Theology (with Dissertation) is a master's Degree offered by NWU for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Minimum one year, maximum three years (extensions possible under the General Academic Rules). to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Master of Theology (with Dissertation) at NWU
A Theology qualification at NQF level 8 with a minimum average of 65%, including at least 65% in the preceding qualification's methodology module. Applicants submit a roughly 1000-word preliminary research proposal identifying the topic and research problem, in Harvard-referenced style. New Testament specialisation requires satisfactory knowledge of Biblical Greek; Old Testament specialisation requires satisfactory knowledge of Biblical Hebrew (and Aramaic where Aramaic texts are used). Selection is made by the Manager: Higher Degrees in consultation with the likely supervisor.
About this course
This dissertation-only, 180-credit master's degree is offered across thirteen specialisation streams (including Apologetics, Catechetics, Church and Dogma History, Church Polity, Dogmatics, Ethics, Hermeneutics, Homiletics, Liturgics, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament and Pastoral Studies) all sharing the same general admission requirements. Students specialise in one field of theology and produce a dissertation contributing new insight to that field, situated within the faculty's Reformed Theology research focus and the South African context. Successful graduates can proceed to doctoral study.
Course intelligence for Master of Theology (with Dissertation)
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Master of Theology (with Dissertation) doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS funding is generally limited to a student’s first undergraduate qualification, so a Master's Degree like this one doesn’t usually qualify. Postgraduate funding more often comes through NRF bursaries, university-specific scholarships, or an employer.
Admission chances
NWU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with NWU and NSFAS.
- Applications for 2027 studies
- Open: 1 June 2026
Closing date still to be announced by NWU.
View all Courses at NWU
- Duration
- Minimum one year, maximum three years (extensions possible under the General Academic Rules).
- NQF Level
- 9
Related courses
Source: North-West University 2026 Postgraduate Yearbook - Faculty of Theology, last verified 2026-08-28. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with North-West University before applying.