The Master of Theology is a post-graduate development programme that aims to develop thought leadership for aspiring and practising pastors, missionaries, Christian leaders, educators, and researchers. The programme is especially recommended for those who are preparing for doctoral and PhD studies.
Students would be trained to read and think widely and critically on diverse theological and biblical issues, and to be able to articulate and critique with clarity contemporary issues in their areas of research. Opportunities would be provided for them to harness their academic research and writing competencies so that they are equipped to advance in theological education, conference presentations and journal publications.
The Master of Theology is a 48-credit programme taught over 1 year full-time or 1.5 years part-time. Part-time students are allowed up to a maximum tenure of 3 years to complete this programme.
Students will be able to
- develop critical thinking, reading and writing skills
- develop competencies in academic research and thesis writing
- understand and appreciate the origin and development of Christian theology
- understand and appreciate contemporary issues and thoughts in the fields of philosophy, contextualisation, ethics, and theology making through an Asian lens
- develop competencies to articulate their faith on the basis of reason and logic
- develop competencies in doing theology with contextualisation
- critique Western theology from the perspective of Asian spirituality and Asian thoughts
Curriculum
TH6216 Philosophical Theology
This module seeks the interaction of theology and philosophy. It presents students with the unique opportunity to explore and articulate their faith on the basis of reason and logic. Topics covered include faith and reason, authority and revelation, human existence and self, language in theology, creation, Triune God, miracles, applied theology, ethics, and the world. This training in philosophical theology helps students to see the relevance of faith in the modern world and its relationship with various disciplines. This module gives students a deep understanding of Christian thought that builds a conviction that faith and reason are mutually reinforcing and need not be in conflict.
TH6226 Theological Methods and Contextualisation
This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to read and do theology through the lens of a Christian coming into a different culture. We believe that theology-doing is not simply an academic endeavor, but rather an essential way through which we can understand and interpret the world around us. Students learn to critique contextualisation models, and appropriately contextualise theology into their unique cultural contexts. Students who are trained in such contextualization skills will be transformed in the way they see themselves and the world.
TH6236 Moral Theology and Ethics
In this module, students learn to inform and critique ethical models from a theological and spiritual lens. Students will appreciate Christian values and their application to real-world situations. The module prepares students to become effective Christian leaders who may lighten up the marketplace and communities by speaking, acting, and living out what is morally right in diverse life situations that are ethically dubious.
TH6246 Asian Thoughts and Theology
In this module, we celebrate the diversity and richness of Asian Christian thoughts. Our course offers a critique of traditional Western theology from the lens of Asian Christian theologians, philosophers, and leaders. Our aim is to equip our students with an Asian interpretive lens that may challenge traditional modes of theological thinking and theology making while preserving integrity and remaining academically rigorous. Equipped with such an Asian lens, students would also be sensitised to embrace non-Christian Asian thoughts that may inform on theology.
RS6066 THESIS 1; RS6076 THESIS 2;
RS6086 THESIS 3; RS6106 THESIS 4
The programme culminates in a thesis which carries 24 credits. The word length is a minimum of 25,000 words (100-page length) and a maximum of 30,000 words (120-page length), excluding bibliography, double-spaced, Times New Roman, and font size 12. Students with weaker English will be responsible to have their writing professionally edited before submission.
The thesis is written over two quarters as follows:
- Quarter 1: RS6066 Thesis 1 and RS6076 Thesis 2
- Quarter 2: RS6086 Thesis 3 and RS6106 Thesis 4
Students would also be expected to defend their thesis in an oral examination.
Standards for Admission
Admission to the Asian Pastoral Institute is based upon Christian commitment and experience, as well as academic record. Applicants must have a Master of Divinity degree [Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 out of 4] or its equivalent, and two Forms of Reference from a pastor / church elder and one other Christian leader from their church. If an applicant does not meet the minimum academic requirements, the applicant may be considered for probationary or special admission depending on the merits of the case.
For general admission requirements and processes, please see https://api.edu.sg/academics/admissions/requirements/.
Graduation Requirements
The Master of Theology is a 48-credit programme with 4 taught modules. Students who sustain a GPA of minimally 3.0 out of 4 for the taught modules may apply to proceed to write the thesis. Students who fail to sustain a GPA of 3.0 out of 4 may not proceed in their candidature.
The Master of Theology will be awarded when the candidate
- successfully complete four taught modules with a GPA of minimally 3.0 out of 4
- successfully defend his/her thesis in an oral examination and obtain minimally a pass in his/her thesis
- demonstrate a godly character, integrity, and discipline in guided supervision
- fulfill all requirements within the maximum candidature of two years
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