Master of Arts / STL in Theology
The Master of Arts / STL in Theology is a combined ecclesiastical and civil degree programme providing advanced training in systematic theology, biblical theology, moral theology, church history, and pastoral theology. The programme awards both a Master of Arts (civil degree) and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL, pontifical degree). Students learn advanced theological concepts, biblical interpretation, doctrinal theology, moral theology, and pastoral theology. The programme is designed for individuals seeking advanced theological education for teaching, research, or church ministry.
Students develop advanced competencies in systematic theology, biblical theology, moral theology, church history, pastoral theology, theological research, and ecclesiastical scholarship. The curriculum covers advanced systematic theology, biblical theology, moral theology, church history, pastoral theology, theological research methods, and a thesis. The STL is a pontifical degree recognised by the Holy See and required for teaching theology in Catholic seminaries and pontifical universities.
Theological education at the master's and licentiate level is important for training theology teachers, researchers, and church leaders. Seminaries, theological colleges, pontifical universities, and church institutions require personnel with advanced theological degrees. The STL is specifically required for teaching theology in Catholic institutions. The programme addresses the demand for advanced theological education with ecclesiastical recognition.
The programme combines classroom lectures with seminars, research, and theological writing. Students study advanced theology, engage in theological research, participate in seminars, and write a thesis. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, research supervision, and thesis-based work. The programme emphasises theological scholarship and research competence.
Graduates find employment as theology lecturers, seminary professors, theological researchers, church leaders, or theological educators in seminaries, theological colleges, pontifical universities, and church institutions. The MA/STL qualification is specifically recognised for teaching theology in Catholic institutions and provides a pathway to doctoral studies (STD).
This programme is ideal for theology graduates, seminary students, religious order members, and individuals seeking advanced theological education for teaching, research, or church leadership. The combined MA/STL provides both civil and ecclesiastical recognition for theology education.
- Duration
- 18 months
- Public, up to
- Ksh 220,500
- Private, up to
- Ksh 310,375
- Job market
- Low
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time, Part-time
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 15 students
- Award
- Master
What you study
10 subjects- Advanced Systematic Theology
- Biblical Theology
- Moral Theology
- Church History
- Pastoral Theology
- Theological Research Methods
- Dogmatic Theology
- Sacramental Theology
- Ecclesiology
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeAdvanced Systematic Theology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Advanced systematic theology covering Trinitarian theology, Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and eschatology at an advanced level.
Biblical Theology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Biblical theology covering advanced Old and New Testament theology, biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and contemporary biblical scholarship.
Moral Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Moral theology covering fundamental moral theology, bioethics, social ethics, Catholic social teaching, and contemporary moral issues.
Church History and Patristics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Church history covering advanced church history, patristic theology, the Church Fathers, and historical development of Christian doctrine.
Pastoral Theology and Canon Law
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Pastoral theology covering pastoral care, pastoral ministry, and Canon Law covering church law, sacramental law, and ecclesiastical governance.
Theological Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Theological research methods covering research design, theological methodology, sources and methods in theology, and preparing for thesis research.
Dogmatic and Sacramental Theology Seminar
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced seminar in dogmatic and sacramental theology covering contemporary theological debates, sacramental theology, and liturgical theology.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A theological thesis demonstrating research competence, original theological scholarship, and the ability to contribute to theological discourse. The thesis is defended before a pontifical examination board.
Specialisations
Systematic Theology
Focus on Trinitarian theology, Christology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and dogmatic theology at an advanced level.
Biblical Theology
Focus on Old and New Testament theology, biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and contemporary biblical scholarship.
Moral Theology
Focus on fundamental moral theology, bioethics, Catholic social teaching, and contemporary moral issues.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on advanced theology with afternoon seminars and research work. Students study systematic theology, engage in biblical exegesis, discuss moral theology, and work on research papers. Seminars involve theological debate and scholarly presentation. The programme emphasises theological scholarship, research competence, and preparation for teaching theology. The small class size enables close interaction with faculty and personalised research supervision.
The trade offs
In its favour
- The combined MA/STL provides both civil (CUE) and ecclesiastical (Holy See) recognition, uniquely qualifying graduates for Catholic theology teaching.
- Provides a pathway to doctoral studies (STD — Doctor in Sacred Theology) and senior church leadership roles.
- Tangaza University offers post-graduate scholarship opportunities and subsidised fees for theology students.
Against it
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
- Career opportunities are primarily within Catholic institutions, seminaries, and church organisations.
- The STL is a specialised ecclesiastical degree with limited recognition outside Catholic and academic theological contexts.
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 coursesAnnual 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
CUEA MTh 310.4K/yr. Tangaza 95K/sem=190K/yr(2025/26 schedule). UoN 220.5K/yr.
Tangaza University offers post-graduate scholarship opportunities and subsidised fees for theology students. Religious orders and dioceses may sponsor students for theological training. HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- Alternative entry
- Bachelor's degree in Theology (minimum Second Class Lower Division) or a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB) from a CUE-recognised or pontifical institution. Applicants without theology backgrounds may be required to complete prerequisite theology courses.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Seminars
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, seminar presentations, and research papers evaluating advanced theological understanding.
Research Papers and Theological Writing
Project30% of the mark
Research papers, theological essays, and exegetical assignments demonstrating theological scholarship and research competence.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A theological thesis defended before a pontifical examination board, demonstrating original theological scholarship and research competence.
Accreditation
Tangaza University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) is a pontifical degree recognised by the Holy See through the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Tangaza University is chartered by CUE. The STL is a pontifical degree recognised by the Holy See.
Holy See — Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education
AcademicRequired
The STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) is a pontifical degree granted through the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesTheology Lecturer
Low demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaches theology in seminaries, theological colleges, or pontifical universities, delivering courses in systematic theology, biblical theology, or moral theology.
Seminary Professor
Low demand
Serves as a professor in Catholic seminaries, teaching theology and forming future priests, with the STL qualification required for seminary teaching.
Theological Researcher
Low demand
Conducts theological research in pontifical institutions, research centres, or church organisations, contributing to theological scholarship and publications.
Church Leader / Theological Educator
Low demand
Serves in church leadership or theological education roles, providing theological guidance, teaching, and formation in church institutions.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as theology lecturers, seminary professors, and theological researchers in seminaries, theological colleges, and church institutions, with the STL qualification recognised for teaching in Catholic institutions.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
The STL is just another master's degree.
The STL (Licentiate in Sacred Theology) is a pontifical degree recognised by the Holy See, specifically required for teaching theology in Catholic seminaries and pontifical institutions.
Theology master's degrees have no career value.
The MA/STL is specifically recognised for teaching theology in Catholic institutions and provides a pathway to doctoral studies (STD) and senior church leadership roles.
Theology is only for priests and religious.
The MA/STL is open to lay people, religious, and clergy, with graduates serving as theology teachers, researchers, and church leaders.
Ecclesiastical degrees are not recognised academically.
The combined MA/STL provides both civil recognition (MA, accredited by CUE) and ecclesiastical recognition (STL, recognised by the Holy See), making it doubly recognised.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Master of Arts / STL in Theology are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.