The MTh Religion and Culture programme is a research-oriented programme with a strong focus on Christian witness and engagement with Muslims. Students learn about the diverse traditions, cultures, and interpretations found in Islam, how to engage critically with religious and cultural dimensions of the Islamic world, and how to evaluate their implications on Christian witness and engagement today. This is an online programme that combines both synchronous and asynchronous learning.
The MTh programme in Religion and Culture (with a focus on Islam) is recognised and accredited by ECTE (European Council for Theological Education). This programme is in line with the relevant frameworks of higher education: EQF (European Qualifications Framework) Level 7 and ISCED Level 7. This programme is not recognised by the United Kingdom Government as a Higher Education Degree.
Course Details
| Learning Style | Virtual |
| Course Length | 2 years (Full time) |
| Start Date | January 2025 |
| Application Dates | 10 May 2024 until 16 December 2024 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $900 |
| Available Facilities |
OCRPL Library Learning materials available on our Learning Management System (LMS) |
Programme Design
The MTh programme runs for two years. It consists of:
(1) Coursework: six main modules (44 ECTE credits).
(2) Mini-dissertation (36 ECTE credits). The programme is 80 ECTE credits in total.
*One ECTE credit equates to 25 notional hours of learning.
Why MTh at OCRPL?
- It’s a virtual programme. You can study from anywhere around the world without major disruption to your work and ministry (provided you have access to stable Internet).
- Upon successful completion, you will receive a degree certificate comparable to an European standard EQF level 7.
- Potential scholarship up to 50% of tuition fees are available for candidates from the Global South.
- You learn from world experts in the field of Islamic studies.
- 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 gain training in critical thinking, writing and researching, and acquire other transferrable skills.
- The programme will equip you for ministry and provide you with necessary skills and knowledge for engagement with people of other faith.
- The programme fosters spiritual formation and growth, particularly in the context of challenging ministry.
Who is this course designed for?
The programme is designed for those who want to engage with Muslims and want to receive education while remaining in their ministry setting. The online method of learning provides valuable flexibility for church leaders who are not able to attend a residential training programme, either because of time or because of finances. It enables them to ‘train on the job’ and continue to do ministry in, for and through their context.
Examples may be:
- A seminary lecturer from the Global South who wants to learn about Christian witness and engagement with Muslims in order teach in the field of religion and culture.
- A mission leader who has significant experience in missions who will gain useful expertise for ongoing mission 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 ministry in the public square, such as Christian development, religion, politics or Christian ethics.
How is the course delivered?
The MTh programme is a virtual programme that combines both synchronic and asynchronic learning. OCRPL provides a support system to the students wherever they are. OCRPL makes all MTh course material available online via its LMS (Learning Management System).
Students learn as they participate in lectures and tutorial sessions, work on their reading assignments and write essays for each main module. OCRPL also uses Turnitin to monitor students’ submissions as well as to monitor for a degree of plagiarism in their work. Apart from regular weekly seminars and scheduled meetings with a tutor/supervisor, students engage in the self-directed learning process and be responsible for their study schedule.
Applicant Requirements
Standard Entry
A candidate wishing to enrol for the masters’ programme needs to be in possession of a University degree in theology with a second-class honours as a minimum requirement (comparable to an EQF Level 6). Possession of a Master’s degree in theology or the humanities is preferable.
Non-standard Entry
An applicant holding qualifications other than those stated above shall be considered on his or her merits through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. OCRPL looks for evidence of the candidate’s equivalent ability, research skills, background knowledge and training in relation to the proposed research. Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of their accomplishment and potential to undertake sound research at postgraduate level are taken into consideration.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be sufficiently proficient in English to complete the programme of study. English proficiency of candidates may be achieved through:
- Being a national of a majority English speaking country.
- A minimum IELTS score in academic English of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in the reading and written components.
- Successful completion of a full Bachelors or Masters degree from recognized and accredited University where the medium of instruction is English.
- Applicants will be asked to provide such evidence as is deemed necessary by OCRPL.
Costs and Financing Options
Fees
Fees are invoiced per academic year. At the start of the programme students are required to pay a registration and admission fee of $100. Yearly tuition fees may be paid in full or by instalments. Student accounts in arrears could lead to students being unable to register for the next academic year or being examined and/or results being released.
Fee Rates
The estimated fees for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 years are as follows:
Registration Fee: $100 (required for admission to the programme)
1st Year: $600 ($100 per one module; 6 modules all together)
2nd Year: $200 (thesis writing under supervision)
Total: $900
Partial scholarships (up to 50%) may be available to select students.
