Master of Divinity in Theological Studies
The Master of Divinity in Theological Studies provides advanced training in systematic theology, historical theology, philosophical theology, and contemporary theology. Students learn systematic theology, church history, philosophical theology, ethics, and contemporary theological issues. The programme is designed for those seeking advanced theological qualifications for ministry, teaching, or research.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 220,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 661,500 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 191,050 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of Bachelor's Degree (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 years, full-time, part-time, modular, evening, weekend, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop advanced competencies in systematic theology, historical theology, philosophical theology, Christian ethics, and theological research. The curriculum covers systematic theology, church history, philosophical theology, Christian ethics, African theology, research methods, and a research thesis. The programme comprises 111 credit hours over three years.
Theological studies expertise is important for the church in Africa, which is developing its own theological voice. Churches, seminaries, and theological institutions require trained theologians with advanced qualifications. Africa's growing theological education sector and the emergence of African theology create demand for theological expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced theological training.
The programme combines classroom lectures with theological seminars, case studies, and research. Students study theological concepts, analyse theological systems, examine historical developments, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, theological discussions, and research supervision. The programme is offered in multiple modes including evening, weekend, and modular classes.
Graduates find employment as pastors, theology teachers, seminary lecturers, theological researchers, or Christian organisation leaders in churches, seminaries, theological institutions, and Christian organisations. The MDiv supports careers in pastoral ministry, theological education, and theological scholarship.
This programme is ideal for those seeking advanced theological qualifications for ministry, teaching, or research. The programme provides advanced skills in theological reasoning, historical analysis, and ethical reflection for pastoral and academic roles.
What you study
10 subjects- Systematic Theology
- Historical Theology and Church History
- Philosophical Theology
- Christian Ethics
- African Theology
- Biblical Theology
- Research Methods
- Contemporary Theology
- Theological Apologetics
- Thesis Research
Modules
8 in the programmeSystematic Theology I
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Systematic theology covering the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology, and the systematic study of Christian doctrines.
Church History and Historical Theology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Church history covering early church, medieval, Reformation, and modern church history, and historical theology covering theological developments through history.
Philosophical Theology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Philosophical theology covering philosophical methods for theology, faith and reason, philosophical arguments for Christian beliefs, and philosophical theology issues.
Research Methods for Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, theological research methods, and research ethics.
Christian Ethics and African Theology
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Christian ethics covering ethical reasoning and moral theology, and African theology covering African theological movements, African contextual theology, and African contributions to theology.
Systematic Theology II and Contemporary Theology
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Advanced systematic theology covering ecclesiology, eschatology, and anthropology, and contemporary theology covering modern theological movements and issues.
Theological Apologetics and Ministry
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Theological apologetics covering defending the faith, responding to challenges, and the application of theology in ministry contexts.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 3Semester 18 creditsCore
A research thesis on a theological studies topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to theological knowledge.
Specialisations
Systematic Theology
Focus on the systematic study of Christian doctrines, theological systems, and constructive theology.
African Theology
Focus on African theological movements, African contextual theology, and African contributions to global theology.
Historical Theology
Focus on the historical development of Christian theology, church history, and historical theological analysis.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on systematic theology or church history with afternoon theological seminars and research work. Students study theological systems, analyse historical developments, examine ethical issues, and conduct research. Theological seminars involve discussing theological texts, debating theological positions, and presenting research. The programme emphasises theological reasoning, historical understanding, and ethical reflection for effective ministry and scholarship.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| AIU is a leading pan-African theological institution with strong theology programmes. | The programme is 3 years with 111 credit hours, requiring significant time commitment. |
| The programme includes African theology, providing contextual theological training relevant to the African church. | Career opportunities are primarily within church and theological education contexts. |
| Offered in multiple modes (evening, weekend, modular) providing flexibility for working professionals. | Theological studies can be intellectually demanding, requiring engagement with complex philosophical and historical concepts. |
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
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 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
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.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Africa International University, International Leadership University, Adventist University of Africa.
Including International Leadership University, Adventist University of Africa, Pan Africa Christian University.
Including Africa International University, International Leadership University, Adventist University of Africa.
How you are assessed
3 componentsCoursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, examinations, and theological essays evaluating understanding of theological concepts.
Seminars and Theological Papers
Project30% of the mark
Theological seminar presentations, research papers, and theological writing assignments evaluating research and analytical skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in theological studies, defended before an examination panel.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
AIU is chartered by CUE. MDiv programme accredited by CUE.
Africa International University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MDiv programme is accredited by CUE.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesPastor
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 200,000
Serves as a pastor with advanced theological training, providing theologically grounded preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
Theology Lecturer
Low demand
Teaches theology in seminaries or theological colleges, training future pastors and church leaders in theological reasoning.
Theological Researcher
Low demand
Conducts theological research in research institutions or think tanks, contributing to theological scholarship and African theology.
Christian Organisation Leader
Low demand
Leads Christian organisations or ministries, applying theological expertise to organisational leadership and programme development.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as pastors, theology lecturers, and theological researchers in churches, seminaries, and theological institutions across Africa.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Theological studies is just about memorising doctrines.
Theological studies involves critical reasoning, historical analysis, philosophical engagement, ethical reflection, and constructive theology, not just memorisation.
A theology degree is only for pastors.
Theological education is valuable for teachers, researchers, Christian organisation leaders, chaplains, and anyone engaged in faith-based work.
African theology is not a real academic discipline.
African theology is a well-established field with dedicated journals, scholars, and programmes, addressing African contexts and concerns in theological reflection.
Theology is disconnected from real life.
Theology addresses real-life questions about meaning, ethics, suffering, justice, and human flourishing, connecting faith with contemporary issues.