In our modern era, it is more important than ever to be able to deepen your understanding of the interplay between faith and reason, so as to develop your ability to respond to its challenges. The Masters degree in Theology (MPhil in Theology) that we developed will give you the tools to do so.

St Augustine College of South Africa is delighted to announce that we offer Honours and DPhil degrees in Theology as well as two specialisations in the MPhil, namely, Fundamental & Systematic Theology and Christian Spirituality.

We are pleased to offer these specialisations to meet the needs of students who wish to study at a university level but also work full-time. The aim is for our graduates to be able to apply their theological knowledge practically in various areas, such as parish work, chaplaincy or education. We want to provide for various student topics and interests and even expand those interests in light of current theological research and application.

Fundamental and Systematic Theology explained

Foundational to all theological disciplines and Christian denominations, Fundamental and Systematic Theology offers courses which focus on an array of topics and disciplines.  Fundamental theology focuses on the foundational grounds of belief and doctrine — in sum, the relationship between faith and reason — whereas Systematic Theology explores the development of doctrines and how they cohere to become guiding principles for a Christian life of faith. 

Courses range from Philosophy of Religion, Christology and Trinity, as well as Contextual, Liberation, and African Theologies (amongst others). It considers how God works in our lives today, including topics such as anthropology (the study of human beings), soteriology (salvation), eschatology (end times) and ecclesiology (church).

Receiving a degree in this field will ensure students that they have the competency to understand the building blocks of their Christianity so that they can better enact Christian Social Justice within their communities.

What is the purpose of studying Fundamental and Systematic Theology?

• To understand the Bible and Doctrine better
• To understand the Foundations to Christianity better
• To understand God and Faith better
• To understand The Life of Faith better
• To understand Christian Social Justice better

There are more than 10 Doctrines of Systematic Theology that provide a framework for understanding the Christian faith:

There are many theological doctrines that are considered in Systematic theology, including Christology, Soteriology, Trinitarian Theology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Sacramental Theology, Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, Theological Anthropology, and Eschatology. Should you enrol in this program, you will become acquainted with these branches of theology and how the interlace to create doctrines and the Christian life of faith, hope and love.

Christian Spirituality

Christian Spirituality is the study of how Christians live their spiritual lives, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It considers the many ways in which the Spirit of God has been manifest in the lives of Christians throughout history and how the Spirit continues to work in our daily lives. The process of seeking and recognizing God’s presence in our daily lives for our transformation, is what makes us Christians.

This study provides us with examples and ideals that might be applied in our own lives, including scripture study, prayer and meditation, and engagement in social and ecological transformation. 

Biblical Studies vs Theology

Theology and Biblical Studies are often thought of as the same thing, but they’re actually different. Theology is the study of God and religious beliefs in general, while biblical studies focuses on the study of the Bible and its interpretation within religious traditions. Biblical Studies is a subset of Theology, so you can also think of it as being a kind of Theology. Biblical Studies is also sometimes called biblical hermeneutics or interpretation, which indicates that it’s about reading and understanding the Bible.

In other words, Biblical Studies is all about studying what theologians have to say.

It is important to note that Theology equips students with the theological knowledge and research skills needed to pursue further doctoral studies.

The Master of Theology program offered at St Augustine College equips students with the necessary theoretical foundation needed to engage in pastoral and other professional ministry contexts. Students who complete the course will be able to use their knowledge to think critically, speak confidently on behalf of the Church, and act creatively as leaders in various settings.

The Master of Theology is a two-year degree that offers an advanced academic qualification which is an asset to any individual and an invaluable resource for the Church.

Interested in pursuing a degree in Theology? St Augustine is waiting for you with open arms and we have a lot to offer!