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Master of Arts in Church History

<p>The Master of Arts in Church History is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by Africa International University through the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology. The programme provides graduate-level training in the Bible, theology, and church history, equipping students with tools for further research in the field.

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 220,500
Ksh 441,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 242,775
Ksh 485,550 total
Job market
Low
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 220,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 441,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 242,775 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, modular, online, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 1 institution.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

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

Overview

The programme combines historical study with theological reflection, preparing graduates for teaching, research, and ministry roles requiring deep understanding of the Christian church's historical development. Students engage with primary sources, historical methods, and critical analysis of church history from the early church to contemporary African Christianity.

Core areas of study include early church history, medieval church history, Reformation history, modern church history, African church history, history of Christianity in Kenya, historical research methods, and hermeneutics. The programme requires students to publish an article before graduation, as mandated by the Commission for University Education.

Africa International University, located in Nairobi, is a pan-African Christian university with strong theological traditions. The programme benefits from AIU's extensive library resources in African Christianity and church history, including archives of East African church history.

The programme is designed for both recent graduates and experienced practitioners seeking advanced training in church history. Flexible study options include remote teaching via Microsoft Teams, evening classes, weekend classes, and modular sessions, making it accessible to working professionals.

Graduates are prepared for careers as church history lecturers, researchers, theological educators, church leaders, and heritage consultants. The programme's emphasis on African church history is particularly relevant given the dynamic growth of Christianity in Africa and the need for documented historical analysis.

Skills Required

  • Historical Research Methods
  • Church History Analysis
  • Biblical Interpretation
  • Theological Reflection
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • African Church History
  • Hermeneutics
  • Academic Writing and Publishing
  • Historiography
  • Comparative Religious History

Key Subjects

  • Early Church History
  • Medieval Church History
  • Reformation History
  • Modern Church History
  • African Church History
  • History of Christianity in Kenya
  • Historical Research Methods
  • Hermeneutics
  • Historical Theology
  • Graduate Research and Writing

Certifications

  • American Society of Church History Membership
  • International Association for Mission Studies Membership

Specializations

Early Church History

Focuses on the history of the Christian church from its origins through the patristic period, including councils, creeds, and early theological developments.

Reformation History

Examines the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, including key figures, theological debates, and the socio-political impact of the Reformation.

African Church History

Covers the history of Christianity in Africa from early origins through contemporary developments, including missionary activity, indigenous churches, and African theology.

History of Christianity in Kenya

Focuses on the specific history of Christian churches and movements in Kenya, including missionary activities, church planting, and indigenous developments.

Medieval Church History

Examines the medieval period of church history including monasticism, papacy, scholasticism, and the relationship between church and state.

Modern Church History

Covers church history from the Enlightenment through the contemporary period, including revival movements, ecumenism, and global Christianity.

Pentecostal and Charismatic History

Examines the historical development of Pentecostal and charismatic movements globally and in Africa, including origins, key figures, and theological developments.

Historical Theology

Focuses on the development of Christian doctrine through history, tracing theological developments from the early church to contemporary theology.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Early Church History
  • Medieval Church History
  • Reformation History
  • Modern Church History
  • African Church History
  • History of Christianity in Kenya
  • Historical Research Methods
  • Hermeneutics
  • Historical Theology
  • Graduate Research and Writing

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Early Church History

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines the history of the Christian church from its origins through the patristic period, including apostolic age, church fathers, councils, and early theological developments.

  • Hermeneutics

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers principles of biblical interpretation and hermeneutical theory, providing tools for understanding Scripture in historical and contemporary contexts.

  • Medieval Church History

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Examines the medieval period of church history including monasticism, papacy, scholasticism, crusades, and the relationship between church and state.

  • Reformation History

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, including key figures, theological debates, and socio-political impact of the Reformation on European Christianity.

  • African Church History

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examines the history of Christianity in Africa from early origins through contemporary developments, including missionary activity, indigenous churches, and African theology.

  • Modern Church History

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Covers church history from the Enlightenment through the contemporary period, including revival movements, ecumenism, and global Christianity.

  • Historical Research Methods

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original historical research, including archival research and historiography.

  • History of Christianity in Kenya

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective

    Focuses on the specific history of Christian churches and movements in Kenya, including missionary activities, church planting, and indigenous developments.

  • Graduate Research and Writing

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Develops academic research and writing skills, including thesis preparation, academic publishing, and scholarly communication.

  • Thesis

    Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore

    Original research thesis on a church history topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence. Students must also publish an article before graduation.

Specialisations

  • Early Church History

    Focuses on the history of the Christian church from its origins through the patristic period, including councils, creeds, and early theological developments.

  • Reformation History

    Examines the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, including key figures, theological debates, and the socio-political impact of the Reformation.

  • African Church History

    Covers the history of Christianity in Africa from early origins through contemporary developments, including missionary activity, indigenous churches, and African theology.

  • History of Christianity in Kenya

    Focuses on the specific history of Christian churches and movements in Kenya, including missionary activities, church planting, and indigenous developments.

  • Medieval Church History

    Examines the medieval period of church history including monasticism, papacy, scholasticism, and the relationship between church and state.

  • Modern Church History

    Covers church history from the Enlightenment through the contemporary period, including revival movements, ecumenism, and global Christianity.

  • Pentecostal and Charismatic History

    Examines the historical development of Pentecostal and charismatic movements globally and in Africa, including origins, key figures, and theological developments.

  • Historical Theology

    Focuses on the development of Christian doctrine through history, tracing theological developments from the early church to contemporary theology.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on early church history, Reformation studies, or African Christianity at AIU's Nairobi campus. Students engage with primary historical sources, analyse church documents, and discuss historical interpretations in seminar settings. The programme includes research sessions in the library's African Christianity archives. Those taking modular or remote classes participate in intensive two-week sessions or online via Microsoft Teams. Students in the research phase conduct archival research, interview church leaders, and work on their thesis and required publication under faculty supervision.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Programme offers comprehensive coverage of church history from the early church to contemporary African Christianity, with particular strength in African church history.Career opportunities are relatively limited, primarily in theological education and church contexts.
Flexible study options including remote, evening, weekend, and modular modes make the programme accessible to working professionals.Programme is relatively expensive at approximately KES 573,150 total for a private university.
AIU's library resources in African Christianity and church history provide excellent research materials for students.Only one institution offers this specific programme in Kenya, limiting choice.
CUE requirement to publish an article before graduation ensures graduates develop research and publishing skills valuable for academic careers.The requirement to publish an article before graduation adds pressure and may extend the programme duration for some students.

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
Private190k to 243k
190k at Tangaza University243k at Africa International 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

AIU 242.8K FT, Tangaza 190K/yr verified. UoN 220.5K verified. Maseno unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, AIU financial aid, and sponsorship from churches and theological institutions supporting staff development.

Funding options

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

  • AIU Financial Aid

  • Church and Ministry Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • HELB Postgraduate Loan

    LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.

  • AIU Financial Aid

    ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan

    AIU students demonstrating academic merit and financial need.

  • Church and Ministry Sponsorship

    ScholarshipKsh 300,000Kenyan

    Ministry practitioners sponsored by their churches or theological institutions for professional development.

Scholarships you could apply for

2 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade
N/A (Postgraduate)minimum entry
Alternative entry

In exceptional cases, the Senate may admit applicants without a first degree if they can demonstrate through research and academic work that they are qualified to undertake postgraduate study, subject to regulatory body requirements.

When it next starts

Taught at 1 institution
January 20271 institution

Including Africa International University.

September 20271 institution

Including Africa International University.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Continuous Assessment

    Coursework40% of the mark

    CATs, historical source analyses, research papers, seminar presentations, and book reviews conducted throughout each semester.

  • Final Examination

    Examination60% of the mark

    End-of-semester examination covering course content, including essay questions, historical analysis, and source criticism.

  • Published Article

    Research100% of the mark

    CUE-mandated requirement to publish an article in a recognised journal before graduation, demonstrating research and scholarly writing competence.

  • Thesis

    Research100% of the mark

    Original research thesis on a church history topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes. CUE requires students to publish an article before graduation.

  • Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa

    Professional accreditation

    Pan-African accreditation agency for theological education programmes. Accreditation enhances recognition across African theological institutions.

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya. Students are required by CUE to publish an article before graduation. The programme is offered by Africa International University, a chartered Christian university in Nairobi.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • Church History Lecturer

    Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Teaches church history and related subjects at Bible colleges, seminaries, and universities, conducting research and publishing scholarly work.

  • Theological Educator

    Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Teaches theology and church history in theological institutions, developing curriculum and mentoring future ministry leaders.

  • Researcher

    Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Conducts historical research on African Christianity, working with research institutions, archives, or publishing organisations.

  • Church Leader

    Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Serves in church leadership roles applying historical understanding to ministry, governance, and denominational administration.

  • Heritage Consultant

    Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000

    Advises churches and Christian organisations on preserving historical records, archives, and heritage sites.

  • University Lecturer

    Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Teaches history, religious studies, or theology at universities, contributing to research and academic scholarship.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as church history lecturers, theological educators, researchers, and church leaders, with demand primarily in theological institutions and churches.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Logos Bible Software

    SoftwarePrimary

    Digital Bible study platform providing historical sources, church fathers collections, commentaries, and research tools for church history study.

  • Zotero

    SoftwarePrimary

    Reference management software for organising historical sources, citations, and research materials for thesis and publication writing.

  • Microsoft Teams

    Software

    Collaboration platform used for remote teaching and learning, enabling participation in classes from any location.

  • SPSS

    Software

    Statistical software for quantitative research components, analysing demographic and historical data.

Common misconceptions

  • Church history is just about memorising dates and events.

    Church history involves critical analysis of historical sources, understanding theological developments, and interpreting the social, political, and cultural contexts that shaped Christianity.

  • Church history is irrelevant to contemporary ministry.

    Understanding historical developments helps ministry leaders navigate contemporary challenges, avoid past mistakes, and build on the wisdom of Christian tradition.

  • Church history focuses only on Western Christianity.

    The programme places significant emphasis on African church history, recognising Africa's central role in early Christianity and the dynamic growth of African Christianity today.

  • A master's in church history only leads to academic careers.

    Graduates serve in churches, theological institutions, publishing, heritage organisations, and parachurch organisations, applying historical understanding to diverse ministry and professional contexts.

  • Church history is only for those preparing for ordained ministry.

    The programme serves anyone interested in understanding Christianity's historical development, including researchers, educators, and lay leaders seeking deeper historical perspective.

  • The programme requires knowledge of ancient languages.

    While knowledge of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew can be helpful, the programme is accessible to students without ancient language training, with English-language sources and translations used extensively.

Further reading

Read next