Arts & Humanities

Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies

The Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies provides advanced training in biblical studies, biblical languages, biblical interpretation, and biblical theology. Students learn Old and New Testament studies, biblical Hebrew and Greek, hermeneutics, exegesis, and biblical theology. The programme is designed for those seeking advanced biblical studies qualifications for ministry, teaching, or research.

Students develop advanced competencies in biblical exegesis, biblical languages, hermeneutics, Old and New Testament studies, biblical theology, and research. The curriculum covers biblical Hebrew, biblical Greek, Old Testament studies, New Testament studies, hermeneutics, exegesis, biblical theology, research methods, and a research thesis. The programme comprises 111 credit hours over three years.

Biblical studies expertise is important for the church in Africa, which requires trained biblical scholars and teachers. Churches, seminaries, and theological institutions require graduates with advanced biblical studies qualifications. Africa's growing church and theological education sector create demand for biblical studies expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced biblical studies training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with language study, exegesis practicum, and research. Students study biblical texts, learn biblical languages, practise exegesis, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, language courses, exegesis seminars, and research supervision. The programme is offered in multiple modes including evening, weekend, and modular classes.

Graduates find employment as pastors, biblical studies teachers, seminary lecturers, Bible translators, or Christian organisation leaders in churches, seminaries, theological institutions, and Christian organisations. The MDiv supports careers in pastoral ministry, theological education, and biblical scholarship.

This programme is ideal for those seeking advanced biblical studies qualifications for ministry, teaching, or research. The programme provides advanced skills in biblical interpretation, languages, and theology for pastoral and academic roles.

Duration: 3 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 191,050
Job market: Low

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Modular, Evening, Weekend
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Greek
Old Testament Studies
New Testament Studies
Hermeneutics and Exegesis
Biblical Theology
Research Methods
Biblical History and Archaeology
Preaching and Teaching
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Biblical Hebrew I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Biblical Hebrew covering Hebrew alphabet, grammar, vocabulary, and translation of simple Old Testament Hebrew texts.
New Testament Studies I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
New Testament studies covering NT background, Gospels, Acts, and the historical and cultural context of the New Testament.
Hermeneutics and Exegesis
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Hermeneutics covering principles of biblical interpretation, and exegesis covering exegetical methods, text analysis, and interpretation of biblical texts.
Research Methods for Biblical Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, biblical research methods, and research ethics.
Biblical Greek I
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Biblical Greek covering Greek alphabet, grammar, vocabulary, and translation of simple New Testament Greek texts.
Old Testament Studies I
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Old Testament studies covering OT background, Pentateuch, historical books, and the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament.
Biblical Theology and Preaching
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Biblical theology covering biblical theological themes, and preaching covering expository preaching from biblical texts.
Advanced Exegesis and Thesis Research
Year 3Semester 18 creditsCore
Advanced exegesis of biblical texts and a research thesis on a biblical studies topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to biblical studies knowledge.

Specialisations

Old Testament Studies
Focus on Old Testament books, Hebrew exegesis, OT theology, and the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament.
New Testament Studies
Focus on New Testament books, Greek exegesis, NT theology, and the historical and cultural context of the New Testament.
Biblical Languages
Focus on advanced biblical Hebrew and Greek, enabling deeper exegetical work and original language biblical research.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on biblical studies or theology with afternoon language study and exegesis seminars. Students study biblical texts in Hebrew and Greek, practise exegesis, analyse biblical theology, and conduct research. Language courses involve vocabulary, grammar, and translation of biblical texts. Exegesis seminars involve detailed analysis of biblical passages with peer and faculty feedback. The programme emphasises biblical language competence, exegetical skill, and theological understanding.

The trade offs

In its favour

AIU is a leading pan-African theological institution with strong biblical studies programmes.
The programme includes biblical Hebrew and Greek, providing foundational language skills for biblical interpretation.
Offered in multiple modes (evening, weekend, modular) providing flexibility for working professionals.

Against it

The programme is 3 years with 111 credit hours, requiring significant time commitment.
Career opportunities are primarily within church and theological education contexts.
Biblical language courses can be challenging for students without prior language training.

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

Public118k to 221k

118k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private190k to 191k

190k at Tangaza University191k 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

UoN 441K/2yr(keguide). Maseno 236.7K(yumpu). AIU 95.5K/sem2(vm). Tangaza 95K/sem2(official)

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. AIU may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. Churches and denominations may sponsor students for theological training.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB 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: Recognised Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0 or Second Class Upper Division, or GPA 2.75-2.99 with 2 years of working/ministry experience.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, examinations, and language proficiency tests evaluating biblical studies knowledge.
Exegesis Projects and Language Proficiency
Project30% of the mark
Exegesis projects, translation exercises, and language proficiency assessments evaluating exegetical and language skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in biblical studies, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

Africa International University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MDiv programme is accredited by CUE.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
AIU is chartered by CUE. MDiv programme accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Pastor
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 200,000
Serves as a pastor with advanced biblical studies training, providing biblically grounded preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
Biblical Studies Lecturer
Low demand
Teaches biblical studies in seminaries or theological colleges, training future pastors and church leaders in biblical interpretation.
Bible Translator
Low demand
Works on Bible translation projects, applying biblical language skills and exegetical expertise to translate Scripture into local languages.
Christian Organisation Leader
Low demand
Leads Christian organisations or ministries, applying biblical studies expertise to organisational leadership and programme development.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as pastors, biblical studies teachers, seminary lecturers, and Bible translators in churches, seminaries, and Christian organisations across Africa.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Biblical studies is just about reading the Bible.
Biblical studies involves original languages, historical context, literary analysis, exegesis, hermeneutics, and theological interpretation, not just reading.
You don't need biblical languages for ministry.
Biblical Hebrew and Greek enable deeper understanding of Scripture, more accurate interpretation, and better preaching and teaching.
A Master of Divinity is only for pastors.
The MDiv prepares graduates for pastoral ministry, theological education, Bible translation, Christian leadership, and academic research.
Biblical studies is not relevant in the modern world.
Biblical studies provides insights into ethics, history, culture, and human nature that remain relevant for addressing contemporary issues.