Arts & Humanities

Masters of Arts in Biblical Theology

The Master of Arts in Biblical Theology at Pan Africa Christian University is a postgraduate programme that seeks to produce hermeneutically sound biblical scholars and researchers who can accurately interpret scripture. The programme equips students with critical and creative skills to bridge the gap between the Ancient Near East and the contemporary world, enabling them to communicate God's word effectively in every sphere of society.

The curriculum covers advanced biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, Old and New Testament theology, biblical languages, and contextual theology. Students develop expertise in exegetical methods, theological research, and the application of biblical scholarship to contemporary church and societal challenges.

Admission requires a relevant bachelor's degree with at least an Upper Second Class Honours or a CGPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants with a Lower Second Class Honours or CGPA of 2.50 may be considered with additional relevant training, evidence of research capability, and relevant work experience. Holders of a relevant postgraduate diploma are also eligible. The programme has intakes in January, May, and September.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and delivered through the School of Theology at PAC University's main campus in Nairobi. The university is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Pentecostal tradition, providing a faith-based academic environment for theological education.

Career prospects include roles in pastoral ministry, theological education, biblical research, church leadership, Christian publishing, and parachurch organisations. Graduates serve as pastors, theology lecturers, bible translators, Christian education directors, and theological writers.

The programme addresses the growing need for biblically grounded scholars who can engage with contemporary issues from a theological perspective. In Africa's rapidly growing church, there is increasing demand for trained theologians who can provide sound biblical scholarship and leadership for the church and society.

Skills Required

Biblical exegesis and interpretation
Hermeneutical methods
Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew)
Theological research and writing
Old Testament theology
New Testament theology
Contextual theology
Biblical scholarship and criticism
Theological education and pedagogy
Cross-cultural biblical interpretation

Key Subjects

Advanced Biblical Interpretation
Hermeneutics
Old Testament Theology
New Testament Theology
Biblical Greek
Biblical Hebrew
Exegetical Methods
Contextual Theology
Theological Research Methods
Biblical History and Archaeology

Certifications

ATESEA Theological Education Certification
Society of Biblical Literature Membership
Bible Society of Kenya Translation Certification
Evangelical Theological Society Membership

Specializations

Old Testament Theology

Advanced study of Old Testament theology, including exegetical methods, historical context, and theological themes of the Hebrew Bible.

New Testament Theology

Focuses on New Testament theology, including exegetical methods, Gospel studies, Pauline theology, and early Christian thought.

Biblical Hermeneutics

Examines principles and methods of biblical interpretation, including historical-critical, literary, and contextual approaches to scripture.

Biblical Languages

Develops proficiency in biblical Greek and Hebrew for advanced exegetical work and original-language biblical scholarship.

Contextual Theology

Explores the application of biblical theology to African contexts, addressing cultural, social, and contemporary issues from a biblical perspective.

Theological Research

Focuses on research methods for biblical and theological studies, including thesis writing, academic publishing, and scholarly discourse.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 337,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Modular
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 12 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Biblical Interpretation
Hermeneutics
Old Testament Theology
New Testament Theology
Biblical Greek
Biblical Hebrew
Exegetical Methods
Contextual Theology
Theological Research Methods
Biblical History and Archaeology

Modules

11 in the programme

Advanced Biblical Interpretation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced methods and principles of biblical interpretation, including historical-critical, literary, and theological approaches to scripture.
Hermeneutics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theoretical frameworks for biblical interpretation, examining hermeneutical principles, interpretive communities, and contextual approaches.
Old Testament Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theological themes and structures of the Old Testament, including covenant, creation, wisdom, prophecy, and the theology of the Hebrew Bible.
Biblical Greek
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced study of Koine Greek for New Testament exegesis, including grammar, syntax, and translation of biblical texts.
New Testament Theology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Theological themes of the New Testament, including Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and the theology of Paul and the Gospels.
Biblical Hebrew
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced study of Biblical Hebrew for Old Testament exegesis, including grammar, syntax, and translation of Hebrew scriptures.
Exegetical Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Practical methods for biblical exegesis, including text analysis, linguistic study, historical context, and theological interpretation.
Contextual Theology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsElective
Application of biblical theology to African contexts, addressing cultural, social, and contemporary issues from a biblical-theological perspective.
Biblical History and Archaeology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsElective
Historical and archaeological context of the biblical world, including Ancient Near East history, archaeology, and cultural background.
Theological Research Methods
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Research methods for biblical and theological studies, including thesis design, academic writing, and scholarly research conventions.
Thesis / Research Project
Year 2Semester 412 creditsCore
Independent research thesis on a biblical theology topic, conducted under faculty supervision and assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Old Testament Theology
Advanced study of Old Testament theology, including exegetical methods, historical context, and theological themes of the Hebrew Bible.
New Testament Theology
Focuses on New Testament theology, including exegetical methods, Gospel studies, Pauline theology, and early Christian thought.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Examines principles and methods of biblical interpretation, including historical-critical, literary, and contextual approaches to scripture.
Biblical Languages
Develops proficiency in biblical Greek and Hebrew for advanced exegetical work and original-language biblical scholarship.
Contextual Theology
Explores the application of biblical theology to African contexts, addressing cultural, social, and contemporary issues from a biblical perspective.
Theological Research
Focuses on research methods for biblical and theological studies, including thesis writing, academic publishing, and scholarly discourse.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with morning lectures on biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, or biblical languages, followed by exegetical workshops where students analyse specific biblical texts in their original languages. Afternoons involve theological seminars, research methodology sessions, or library research for thesis preparation. Students regularly engage with guest lecturers from visiting scholars and church leaders. Chapel services and spiritual formation activities are integrated into the academic schedule. Independent reading, exegetical paper writing, and thesis research occupy significant portions of the schedule, with regular consultations with faculty supervisors.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme produces hermeneutically sound scholars who can bridge ancient biblical contexts and contemporary African realities.
Includes biblical language training (Greek and Hebrew) providing tools for original-language biblical scholarship.
Flexible trimester system with intakes in January, May, and September accommodates different start times.
Faith-based academic environment at a CUE-accredited private Christian university with strong theological tradition.

Against it

Tuition is relatively high for a private university at approximately KES 337,500 per year.
Only offered at one institution, limiting choice for prospective students.
Scholarships are currently only available to undergraduate students, not postgraduate theology students.
Niche field with career prospects primarily limited to church, academia, and Christian organisations.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private191k to 338k

191k at Africa International University338k at Pan Africa Christian University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 220.5K, AIU 191K/yr verified. PAC, Maseno unverified.

PAC University offers work-study opportunities for students. Church and denominational scholarships may be available for students sponsored by church organisations. HELB postgraduate loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Scholarships at PAC are currently only available to undergraduate students, but postgraduate students may access work-study programmes.

Funding options

PAC University Work-Study Programme
HELB Postgraduate Loan
Church and Denominational Scholarships

Scholarships

3 recorded

PAC University Work-Study Programme
Work studyKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students who have completed at least two trimesters at PAC University. Work-study opportunities provide financial support through campus employment.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities. Applicants must meet HELB eligibility criteria.
Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Students sponsored by church denominations or Christian organisations for theological training. Varies by sponsoring body.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Holders of a relevant postgraduate diploma from a recognised institution are also eligible for admission. The programme is open to graduates from theology, religion, biblical studies, and related disciplines. Intakes are in January, May, and September.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
Ongoing assessment through exegetical papers, seminar presentations, language quizzes, and assignments throughout each trimester.
End-of-Trimester Examination
Examination60% of the mark
Written examination conducted at the end of each trimester for each course unit.
Thesis / Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research thesis on a biblical theology topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Language Proficiency Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Assessment of biblical language proficiency, including translation exercises and exegetical analysis of original-language texts.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), Kenya's statutory body for university quality assurance. Pan Africa Christian University is a CUE-accredited private Christian university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation required for all university programmes in Kenya. Pan Africa Christian University is a CUE-accredited private university.
Association of Theological Institutions in Eastern and Central Africa (ATESEA)
Theological accreditation
Regional accreditation body for theological institutions in Eastern and Central Africa, providing quality assurance for theological education.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Theology Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 220,000
Teaches biblical studies and theology at theological colleges, seminaries, and universities, conducts research, and supervises student projects.
Senior Pastor
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides spiritual leadership, preaches, teaches, and oversees church operations with theologically informed biblical interpretation.
Bible Translator
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 200,000
Works with Bible societies and translation organisations to translate scripture into local languages using original-language expertise.
Christian Education Director
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Develops and oversees Christian education programmes for churches, denominations, and parachurch organisations.
Theological Writer and Editor
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Writes and edits theological publications, Bible study materials, and Christian literature for publishing houses and ministries.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers in pastoral ministry, theological education, biblical research, church leadership, Christian publishing, and parachurch organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

BibleWorks
Biblical researchPrimary
Software for biblical exegesis and research, providing original-language texts, lexicons, and search tools for biblical scholarship.
Logos Bible Software
Biblical researchPrimary
Comprehensive digital library and research platform for biblical studies, theology, and sermon preparation.
Accordance Bible Software
Biblical research
Bible study software for advanced exegetical work, including original-language tools and scholarly resources.
EndNote
Reference management
Reference management software for organising citations and bibliographies in theological research and thesis writing.
Paratext
Bible translation
Software for Bible translation projects, supporting exegesis, drafting, and checking of Bible translations.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

This programme is only for those preparing for pastoral ministry.
While many graduates enter ministry, the programme also prepares scholars for academia, biblical research, Christian publishing, and theological education roles.
Biblical theology is just about memorising scripture.
The programme involves rigorous academic study including original languages, exegetical methods, hermeneutics, and critical engagement with scholarly literature.
A theology degree has limited career prospects.
Africa's rapidly growing church creates demand for trained theologians in education, leadership, publishing, translation, and parachurch organisations.
You need to be ordained to apply for this programme.
The programme is open to any holder of a relevant bachelor's degree with the required academic qualifications, regardless of ordination status.
The programme is only for Pentecostal students.
While PAC University has Pentecostal roots, the programme is open to students from diverse Christian traditions who meet the academic requirements.
Biblical languages are too difficult to master at the master's level.
The programme provides structured instruction in biblical Greek and Hebrew, building progressively from foundational to advanced exegetical skills.