Master of Theology Coursework (New Testament) Course Requirements at SATS
South African Theological Seminary
The Master of Theology Coursework (New Testament) is a master's Degree offered by SATS for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 2.5 years, studied as a cohort (online) 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 Coursework (New Testament) at SATS
- An accredited four-year bachelor's or honours degree in a theological field
- Alternatively, an accredited honours degree in another field together with an accredited diploma or bachelor's degree in theology
- Proficiency in New Testament Greek is required
About this course
This coursework stream of the Master of Theology is a 180-credit, NQF Level 9 programme focused on the New Testament. Unlike the research MTh, students move through it together as a cohort over two and a half years, so you do not set your own pace.
The programme has three parts:
- Core (48 credits): orientation, four Greek Bible reading courses and academic skills
- Specialisation (72 credits): hermeneutics, Johannine literature, Pauline literature and Lucan literature
- Research (60 credits): a research portfolio
Working closely with the Greek text is central, so you need to be comfortable in New Testament Greek before you start. The cohort model gives you regular interaction with fellow students and lecturers, which many learners find motivating compared with studying alone.
The first cohort started in February 2026, and SATS plans to take new cohorts every two years, with the next intake in February 2028. The stream suits pastors, preachers and lecturers who want advanced skills in reading and teaching the New Testament.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Master of Theology Coursework (New Testament)
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 Coursework (New Testament) doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Pastor. 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 does not usually fund students at private institutions like SATS. Ask SATS directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
SATS’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 SATS and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online through the SATS Nexsis portal before the next cohort begins, uploading your degree certificates and transcripts and proof of Greek proficiency. Contact PGStudy@sats.ac.za for fee and intake details.
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View all Courses at SATS
- Duration
- 2.5 years, studied as a cohort (online)
- NQF Level
- 9
- Fees
- Cohort fee schedule available from SATS; contact PGStudy@sats.ac.za for current costs.
- Application deadline
- Next cohort starts February 2028
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.sats.ac.za/programmes/postgraduate/mth-coursework-new-testament, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with South African Theological Seminary before applying.