Master of Theology (MTheol)

Purpose and Goals

The MTheol programme aims to provide students with advanced competency in a specific area of theological discipline. The programme is a preparatory degree for further graduate study at the doctoral level, or for academic research and teaching that focuses on one area of discipline, or for students to develop advanced practical-theological competence in a specific area of ministry. The goal of the programme is to provide the students with expertise for academic research, the ability to integrate what has been studied and the skills to relate their studies to their contexts.

Learning Outcomes

  • The students show advanced knowledge, mastery of a specific area of theological discipline;
  • The students show advanced practical-theological competence in a specific area of ministry.

The MTheol degree is conferred by Divinity School of Chung Chi College in lieu of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. MTheol students are registered as “Associate Students” at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Application Deadline:

25 March 2024 (Mon)

Application Procedures Application Form Recommendation Form (PDF) Recommendation Form (DOCX)

Minimum Entrance Requirements

  1. A recognized MDIV / BD or a good MA academic degree in Christian studies.
  2. Two letters of recommendations, one from the church and one from an academic institution.
  3. Candidates should have been baptized for at least two years prior to admission.
  4. The requirement of an entrance exam is at the discretion of the admission committee.
  5. English language requirement: IELTS (academic) 5.5 or equivalent scores in another recognized qualification.
    • Applicants have obtained an accredited award in English from a university or a seminary, or Hong Kong local university OR
    • Applicants obtain an English Grade D in HKALE or a HKDSE English Grade 3.

Areas of Study

Students are required to declare an area of concentration upon admission:

  1. Biblical Studies (New Testament/Hebrew Scripture)
  2. Systematic Theology/Constructive Theology
  3. History of Christianity
  4. Christianity in China
  5. Mission Studies/Missiology
  6. Practical Theology/Pastoral Studies
  7. Christianity and Society

Students are required to declare an area of concentration (at least 12 credits from one of the following areas)

  1. Biblical Studies and Early Christianity
  2. Chinese Christianity
  3. Historical and Constructive Theology
  4. Practical Theology

Graduation Requirements

  1. 24 or 36 credits: Courses Taken. *
  2. 12 credits: Comprehensive Examination consisting of two exam papers: the first is a general paper of the area of concentration, and the second is a specific paper of the area of concentration.
  3. 6 credits: One extended research paper of the area of concentration with no less than 15,000 words (English) or 22,000 characters (Chinese).

Period of Study

Study Mode Normative Study Period Maximum Study Period
Full-Time 1.5 OR 2 years * 3 years
Part-Time 3 OR 4 years * 5 years

* Couse taken units and study period varies according to individual merits of each applicant. 

Master of Theology (Full-Time) — 1.5 years
1st Year
2nd Year
Term 1 Term 2 End of 1st year of study Term 1
Courses Taken Courses Taken Comprehensive Exam Extended Research Paper
24 credits 12 credits 6 credits
Master of Theology (Part-Time) — 3 years
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Term 1 Term 2 Term 1 Term 2 End of 2nd year of study Term 1 Term 2
Courses Taken Courses Taken Comprehensive Exam Extended Research Paper Extended Research Paper
24 credits 12 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Master of Theology (Full-Time) — 2 years
1st Year 
2nd Year
Term 1 Term 2 Term 1 End of 2nd Year of Term 1 Term 2
Course Taken Course Taken Comprehensive Exam Extended Research Paper
36 credits 12 credits 6 credits

 

Master of Theology (Part-Time) — 4 years
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
4th Year
Term 1 Term 2 Term 1 Term 2 Term 1 Term 2 End of 3rd Year of study Term 1 Term 2
Course Taken Course Taken Course Taken Comprehensive Exam Extended Research Paper
36 credits 12 credits 6 credits

 

Programmes of Study and Course Lists

Please refer to the Student Handbook.

Course List

2023-24
  • Master of Theology
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2022-23
  • Master of Theology
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2021-22
  • Master of Theology
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2020-21
  • Master of Theology
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2019-20
  • Master of Theology
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2018-19
  • Master of Theology
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2017-18
  • Master of Theology
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2016-17
  • Master of Theology
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2015-16
  • Master of Theology
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