Programme Details

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 in Christian Studies with 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 is aimed at Christians who want to receive a degree from an internationally recognised university while remaining in their ministry setting. It is designed for existing leaders and aspiring leaders within the Church without formal theological training or for those with a theological education who would like to upgrade/pursue to a higher level.

Typically, our learners will be:

• Full-time church leaders and those who are involved in missional activities who are unable to train in a residential set-up.

• Lay leaders and elders who cannot afford traditional theological training, both in terms of finance and time.

• Committed and able Christian leaders who would like to enhance their understanding and make use of their God-given talents for their personal knowledge as well as to make use of their potential for the glory of God.

The degree is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and registered under the Nagaland Government Act 2012 (Act No.4 of 2013), North East Christian University, Nagaland, India. UGC is a statutory Organization of the Government of India by an Act of Parliament in 1956, for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education.

How is the Programme delivered?

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.

Applicant Requirements

• 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.

Costs and Financing Options

Fees

The estimated fees for the entire programme is as follows:

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.

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Programme Credits

Below is the breakdown of how our courses are divided between these five areas. The MA in Christian Studies programme is structured so that a minimum of 10 courses will be core courses and seven courses will be selected by the learner from a variety of ’optional’ courses. There is an additional requirement of a thesis submission to complete the programme.

Timetable

Duration of the Programme

The duration of the MA in Christian Studies programme is two years, consisting of four semesters of five months each. The first semester begins in July and runs until November, and the second semester runs from January until May.

Programme Breakdown (2022)

Module Descriptions

The philosophy of this programme, which has been developed from seven characteristics of The Good Shepherd, is broken down into five key modules.

Each module is split into two parts with a final exam at the end. The final grade for the course will be based on the successful completion of all the necessary requirements such as lesson contents, tutorial session participation, assignments, paper presentation and final examination. Generally, marks for each module are allocated as follows:

Cluster 1: Bible, Culture and Context (MBCC) – 16 Credits

This module provides learners with an understanding of the Bible in relation to their culture and context. It will cover specific books of the Bible, and provide skills to interpret and apply Scripture to the various areas of their ministry.

Cluster 2: Christian History and Missions for Multiplying (MCHM) – 12 Credits

This module provides learners with an understanding regarding Christian mission and history. It encourages learners to engage with the wider context of Global Christianity and relate their own experiences to this context.

Cluster 3: Christian Theology and Ethics (MCTE) – 12 Credits

This module provides learners with an understanding of key theological and ethical issues. It will enable learners to acquire knowledge and develop skills necessary to lead and instruct their church and community.

Cluster 4: Religions, Ideologies and Persecution (MRIP) – 8 Credits

This module provides learners with practical skills and knowledge to navigate their various religious-cultural contexts. It will give them tools to faithfully respond to the challenges of other religions, worldviews, and persecution.

Cluster 5: Christian Ministry in Management (MCMM) – 16 Credits

This module provides learners with an awareness and understanding of key ministry areas and skills required for effective ministry.

Thesis Writing – 12 Credits

An original contribution at the Master’s level in about 20,000 to 25,000 words.

Programme

The online theological education method used for the MA in Christian Studies programme is a combination of online tutorial meetings and structured learning through uploaded lessons/content available in the LMS. A large part of the studies will be self-paced learning. There will be expert tutors/faculty in each subject who will assist and guide the students once a week or whenever required.

Each subject (course) is divided into two sections. In the first section/Part I, the students will learn through uploaded lessons/content in the LMS. Part I is a ten-week course, and includes reading, completing learning activities, submitting assignments and engaging in the discussion forum during the weekly tutorial (based on the lessons you are required to learn).

Second section/part II comprises of seven weeks. This includes reading(s) in each day’s lesson, followed by discussion/interaction with the tutor once a week. There will also be a book/article review, essay writing/assignments, discussion questions and paper presentations based on the subject, all completed through the LMS. Students will choose the relevant topics for their assignment. All the assignments should be practical, and should relate to the student’s own socio-cultural and religious context.

Methodology

• Self-learning through structured learning in the LMS in the form of discussion questions, reflection answers and weekly tests or assignments, complemented with weekly group tutorials under a qualified tutor.

Assessments and written assignments:

• Weekly assessments and monitored progress within a tutorial group through face-to-face sessions.

• There will be essays/assignments of approximately 2,500 words per subject per semester.

• Some courses will also include paper presentations and practicums as a course requirement.

Thesis Writing:

Completing a thesis is a requirement for each student (12 credits). Thesis writing starts in the second year from the first semester onwards. Each student will select a topic related to his or her area of interest. For instance, students who are in the Christian ministry cluster will select a topic from the Christian ministry branch of studies. A multi-disciplinary approach will also be encouraged.
The thesis should be around 20,000–25,000 words. Research skills will be taught in the first year, so that the student will have become familiar with the writing and research methods required.
A research guide/subject expert will supervise each student.

Application dates:

Applications for the master’s programme are open until the end of June of every year. Late submissions may be considered at the discretion of the OCRPL and NECU Academic Committees.

How to apply:

Please make sure you include the following with this application form (scanned copies are acceptable).

• A passport-sized photograph.

• Academic qualification record starting from matriculation, with all supporting documents (pass certificates and mark sheets).

• Letter of recommendation from your church.

• Personal testimony (about 750 words)

• Reference letter from a referee or spiritual leader

• Ministry experience reports

Application fee:

There is no application fee for applying to OCRPL. However, NECU will charge an application fee of INR 500 upon registration, which is incorporated within the course fee.