We are delighted that you are considering applying for the MA in Christian Studies programme. This programme is offered by North East Christian University (NECU), Dimapur, Nagaland, India in partnership with OCRPL.
The NECU is a project (ministry) of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI). The vision of the university is to provide high quality education to diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. The university also aspires to contribute to society through teaching and research to help achieve global sustainability and to provide greater access for higher education to all and, in particular, to the socially and educationally unprivileged youth, upholding the principle of social equity.
Programme Details
Language(s): English
Learning Style: Online
Course Length: 2 years (Full time)
Start Date: July /August
Application Dates: Normally 30th June – extended date up to 31st July
Estimated Total Cost: Up to ₹80,000/-
Available Facilities: Online Library, Structured learning through Learning Management System, Student Information System (SIS), Weekly virtual tutorial under qualified local Tutors Support from subject experts, IT and Student Support Services
The MA in Christian Studies programme provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of Christian history, beliefs and practices and accommodates a wide variety of applied and practical knowledge.
The programme comprises of a minimum of ten compulsory courses and seven optional courses from five different clusters that covers areas such as Biblical studies, history and missions, theology and ethics, religions, and Christian ministry (see below for more details). In addition to these courses, a student is required to submit a research project in the form of a mini-thesis. The programme provides both theoretical and practical inputs.
The MA programme comprises five clusters with various components of learning and assessments that correspond with differential requirements. The total number of credits will be 80 and each student is expected to cover 40 credits each year. Our programme is structured around five key clusters which are essential in ministerial training:
- Bible, Culture and Context (MBCC)
- Christian History and Missions for Multiplying (MCHM)
- Christian Theology and Ethics (MCTE)
- Religions, Ideologies and Persecution (MRIP)
- Christian Ministry and Management (MCMM)
Why MA at OCRPL?
The programme can be studied from anywhere in the world by any eligible student without major disruption to his or her work and ministerial commitments, provided the student has access to stable internet and a computer or smartphone.
- Upon successful completion you will receive a validated degree from a recognised university.
- If eligible for a scholarship, you may receive a degree at a reduced cost (up to 50%).
- You become a part of a global network of leaders and scholars.
- You gain research expertise and other transferrable skills, and grow professionally in the process.
- You may want to continue your education and apply for a PhD afterwards.
Who is this course designed for?
The programme aimed at Christians who want to receive an MA degree from an internationally recognised university while remaining in their ministry setting.
Examples may be,
- A Christian leader who has significant experience in church who will gain useful expertise for ongoing Christian work in the field of religion and culture.
- Church ministers guiding their constituency in their relations to a majority religion who wish to upgrade their competencies and credentials.
- People involved in the public square, such as Christian development agencies, or individuals working in the fields of religion, politics or Christian ethics.
There are four key components of the academic requirement:
Part I: Structured self-study and weekly tutorials: Learners will complete the required online self-study material through our Learning Management System (LMS), and will take a quiz/test and undertake reflection on the discussion questions.
Part II: Comprehensive reading and reflecting with weekly tutorials: Learners will have to complete the reading lists and provide high quality academic submission in the form of book reviews or essay writings/assignments, discussion questions, paper presentations and thesis.
Tutorials: Following the online discussion and self-study, weekly tutorials will enable learners to discuss clarifications, doubts, application and reflections. These tutorials will be a guided discussion on the course content by a qualified tutor.
- A university bachelor’s degree from any discipline, second class (minimum 50% marks; average B grade) or equivalent.
- A Bachelor’s theological degree with at least second class (minimum 50% marks; average B grade) or equivalent, awarded by recognised accrediting and degree awarding bodies in India and or from other countries.
An applicant who does not meet the above requirements may still apply. Such applications will be reviewed by the Academic Committee for Equivalence of the NECU-OCRPL through the Recognising through Prior Learning entry method on a case by case basis.
The estimated fees for the entire programme is as follows:
| INR | |
| Each Semester | ₹20,000 |
| Total for 4 Semester | ₹80,000 |
The fees will be paid to OCRPL and it includes NECU Admission Fee and Examination Fee. OCRPL will then arrange to pay to NECU on behalf of the students.
Additional fees may be incurred for graduation, registration and residential sessions if required.
This is course is heavily subsidised to make theological education accessible and affordable. Hence we request prospective students to pay the fees on time. It is requested that at least 50% of the semester fees is paid upfront and the remaining can be paid in instalments before the completion of each semester. Any delay in payment may affect the progress of studies. However, there may be the possibility of providing a partial scholarship (up to 50%) but only to selected candidates. Please see or request for a scholarship application and for eligibility here.
