Arts & Humanities

Master of Divinity (French)

The Master of Divinity (French) at the Adventist University of Africa is a postgraduate programme offered through the Theological Seminary. The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and is delivered in French, serving Francophone African students. Classes are conducted on the campus of Cosendai Adventist University in Cameroon.

The programme provides comprehensive theological education, equipping learners with extensive knowledge in biblical studies and applied theology. It is designed for individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Theology or Religion, as well as those with non-theology degrees who have manifested a calling to pastoral ministry.

The curriculum covers biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), Old and New Testament studies, systematic theology, church history, pastoral ministry, missiology, and practical ministry skills. The programme integrates theoretical theological education with practical ministerial training, preparing graduates for pastoral ministry, teaching, and church leadership.

Admission requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 4-point scale. Applicants with a CGPA of 2.5 to 2.99 may be accepted on probation. Non-theology graduates must complete an additional 30 credits of coursework. Two recommendations are required, one from the local church board and one from the previous university or employing organisation.

The programme is offered full-time over three years (for theology graduates) or four years (for non-theology graduates), with part-time options extending to four or five years respectively. Delivery modes include face-to-face instruction and online distance learning (ODeL), providing flexibility for students across Francophone Africa.

Graduates are prepared for ordained ministry, church leadership, theological education, and missionary service within Francophone Africa and beyond. The programme addresses the critical need for trained French-speaking pastoral leaders in the growing Seventh-day Adventist Church and broader Christian community in Francophone Africa.

Skills Required

Biblical interpretation and exegesis in French
Biblical Hebrew and Greek proficiency
Theological reflection and systematic theology
Pastoral ministry and care
Preaching and homiletics in French
Cross-cultural mission in Francophone contexts
Church leadership and administration
Evangelism and discipleship
Spiritual formation and mentoring
Research methods in theology

Key Subjects

Biblical Hermeneutics
Pentateuch and Old Testament Studies
Gospels and New Testament Studies
Biblical Hebrew and Greek
Systematic Theology
Church History
Pastoral Ministry
Missiology
Spiritual Formation
Research Methods in Theology

Certifications

Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association Membership
Association for Theological Education in Africa (ATEA) Membership
Association of Theological Institutions in Eastern and Central Africa (ATIECA) Membership

Specializations

Biblical Studies

Focuses on advanced biblical interpretation, exegesis, and biblical languages, preparing graduates for teaching and research in biblical studies in Francophone contexts.

Pastoral Ministry

Develops pastoral care, preaching, and church leadership skills for those preparing for ordained ministry in Francophone African churches.

Missiology

Focuses on cross-cultural mission, evangelism, and church planting in Francophone African and global contexts.

Theological Studies

Covers systematic theology, Christian ethics, and theological reflection, preparing graduates for theological education and research.

Church History

Examines the history of Christianity with emphasis on African church history, developing skills for historical research and teaching.

Chaplaincy

Prepares graduates for spiritual care roles in hospitals, schools, military, and other institutional settings in Francophone contexts.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 204,750
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Biblical Hermeneutics
Pentateuch and Old Testament Studies
Gospels and New Testament Studies
Biblical Hebrew and Greek
Systematic Theology
Church History
Pastoral Ministry
Missiology
Spiritual Formation
Research Methods in Theology

Modules

12 in the programme

The Pentateuch
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
An in-depth study of the Pentateuch, emphasising the social-historical context, the message of the narratives, theological themes, and their implications for Christianity.
Hebrew Readings
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Develops practical working knowledge of biblical Hebrew for accurate interpretation of the Old Testament, covering morphology, syntax, and lexicography.
The Gospels
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the historical and critical issues in the study of the Gospels, their structure, interrelations, and unique theologies, enabling accurate interpretation.
Greek Readings
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Equips students with knowledge of Greek morphology and syntax for exegetical and hermeneutical study of the New Testament and Septuagint.
Systematic Theology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers major doctrines of the Christian faith including the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, and ecclesiology from an Adventist perspective.
Church History
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Surveys the history of Christianity from the early church to the present, with emphasis on African church history and the Seventh-day Adventist movement.
Pastoral Ministry and Care
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Develops pastoral care, counselling, and ministry skills for congregational leadership, including crisis counselling, premarital counselling, and pastoral visitation.
Preaching and Homiletics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Covers principles and practice of biblical preaching, including sermon preparation, delivery, and contextualisation for Francophone African congregations.
Missiology and Cross-Cultural Mission
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Examines the theology and practice of Christian mission in cross-cultural contexts, addressing contemporary issues in Francophone African mission.
Spiritual Formation
Year 2Semester 43 creditsCore
Nurtures personal spiritual growth and character development through practices of prayer, meditation, self-reflection, and spiritual disciplines.
Research Methods in Theology
Year 2Semester 43 creditsCore
Introduces research methodologies for theological research, covering study design, literature review, data collection, and thesis writing.
Research Thesis
Year 3Semester 66 creditsCore
An original research thesis in a theological discipline, demonstrating mastery of research methods and contribution to theological knowledge.

Specialisations

Biblical Studies
Focuses on advanced biblical interpretation, exegesis, and biblical languages, preparing graduates for teaching and research in biblical studies in Francophone contexts.
Pastoral Ministry
Develops pastoral care, preaching, and church leadership skills for those preparing for ordained ministry in Francophone African churches.
Missiology
Focuses on cross-cultural mission, evangelism, and church planting in Francophone African and global contexts.
Theological Studies
Covers systematic theology, Christian ethics, and theological reflection, preparing graduates for theological education and research.
Church History
Examines the history of Christianity with emphasis on African church history, developing skills for historical research and teaching.
Chaplaincy
Prepares graduates for spiritual care roles in hospitals, schools, military, and other institutional settings in Francophone contexts.

A day as a student

A typical day for a Master of Divinity (French) student at AUA combines morning lectures on biblical interpretation, theology, or church history delivered in French with afternoon seminars on pastoral care, preaching, or missiology. Students engage with biblical texts in original languages, participate in theological discussions in French, and practise homiletics through sermon preparation and delivery. The programme is delivered at Cosendai Adventist University in Cameroon or through online distance learning, providing flexibility for students across Francophone Africa. Spiritual formation sessions and chapel services nurture personal faith and character development.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme is the only CUE-accredited French-language Master of Divinity in Kenya, serving the growing need for trained Francophone African pastoral leaders.
Flexible delivery modes include face-to-face instruction at Cosendai Adventist University in Cameroon and online distance learning (ODeL).
Denominational employees receive a 20% tuition discount, and merit scholarships are available for deserving students.

Against it

The tiered fee structure based on country of origin can result in significantly different costs for students from different African countries.
The programme is primarily designed for Seventh-day Adventist contexts, which may limit its recognition in other denominational settings.
Non-theology graduates must complete an additional 30 credits of prerequisite coursework, extending the programme duration by one year.

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 205k

191k at Africa International University205k at Adventist University of Africa

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 Masters 95.5K/sem=191K/yr. AUA USD-based. UoN generic 220.5K/yr. Maseno unverified.

Funding options include Seventh-day Adventist Church sponsorship for denominational employees (with 20% tuition discount), AUA merit scholarships (Baker Worthy Students Scholarship, Brempong Owusu-Antwi Scholarship), and self-sponsorship for non-denominational students.

Funding options

Seventh-day Adventist Church Sponsorship
AUA Scholarships (Baker Worthy Students, Brempong Owusu-Antwi)
Denominational Employee Discount (20%)

Scholarships

3 recorded

Seventh-day Adventist Church Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 204,750
Denominational employees receive a 20% tuition discount. Church-sponsored candidates may receive full or partial sponsorship for theological training.
Baker Worthy Students Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
Merit-based scholarship for deserving students at AUA demonstrating academic excellence and financial need.
Brempong Owusu-Antwi Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
Merit-based scholarship honouring the legacy of Brempong Owusu-Antwi, for deserving students at AUA.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Applicants with CGPA of 2.5 to 2.99 may be accepted on probation. Non-theology graduates must complete an additional 30 credits of theology coursework. Two recommendations required: one from the local church board and one from the previous university or employing organisation. Demonstrate proficiency in French.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Research papers, exegetical assignments, theological essays, and ministry project reports submitted in French for each course unit.
Field Ministry Evaluation
Practical20% of the mark
Assessment of practical ministry competencies through supervised field education, internships, and ministry practice evaluations.
End-of-Semester Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations at the end of each semester, testing mastery of biblical, theological, and ministerial knowledge in French.
Research Thesis
Project20% of the mark
An original research thesis in a theological discipline, written in French, demonstrating research competence and contribution to theological knowledge.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya. CUE approved AUA to teach in the French language, making this the only CUE-accredited French-language Master of Divinity programme. The Adventist University of Africa is a CUE-chartered private university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan university programmes. CUE approved AUA to teach in the French language, making this the only CUE-accredited French-language Master of Divinity programme.
Association for Theological Education in Africa (ATEA)
Professional accreditation
Pan-African accrediting body for theological education, providing quality assurance and professional recognition for theological programmes in Africa.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Pasteur
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 220,000
Provides spiritual leadership, pastoral care, preaching, and administrative oversight in a local church or parish in Francophone Africa.
Theological Educator
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches theology, biblical studies, or ministry courses at theological colleges, seminaries, or university theology departments in Francophone Africa.
Missionary
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Engages in cross-cultural mission work including evangelism, church planting, community development, and discipleship in Francophone African contexts.
Chaplain
Moderate demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides spiritual care and counselling in hospitals, schools, prisons, or military settings in Francophone contexts.
Church Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 85,000 to Ksh 210,000
Manages church operations, programmes, finances, and staff, combining theological understanding with administrative and leadership skills.
Bible Translator
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 190,000
Works with Bible societies or translation organisations to translate and adapt biblical materials for Francophone African audiences.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue ordained ministry, church leadership, theological education, and missionary service within Francophone Africa and the global Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Logos Bible Software
SoftwarePrimary
Bible study software providing original language tools, commentaries, dictionaries, and theological resources for biblical exegesis and sermon preparation in French.
Paratext
Software
Bible translation software used for biblical text analysis and translation work, particularly relevant for Francophone ministry contexts.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources and producing academic citations in theological research.
Google Workspace
Software
Cloud-based collaboration tools for church administration, team coordination, and ministry communication in Francophone contexts.
Zoom
Software
Video conferencing platform for remote counselling, online teaching, virtual meetings, and pastoral care in digital ministry contexts.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

The French MDiv is a separate qualification from the English MDiv.
Both programmes lead to the same Master of Divinity degree; the difference is the language of instruction, with the French version designed for Francophone African students.
The programme is only for Seventh-day Adventist members.
While the programme is offered by an Adventist institution, it is open to all qualified applicants who meet the academic requirements, though 96 percent of students are Adventist members.
Studying in French limits career opportunities to Francophone countries.
Graduates can serve in diverse contexts including international mission fields, ecumenical organisations, and multicultural ministries where French language skills are an asset.
The programme is only available in Cameroon.
While face-to-face classes are held at Cosendai Adventist University in Cameroon, the programme also offers online distance learning (ODeL) options, making it accessible to students across Francophone Africa.
A theology undergraduate degree is required for admission.
Applicants with non-theology degrees can enrol but must complete an additional 30 credits of prerequisite theology coursework as part of the programme.