Arts & Humanities

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology is a programme that equips students with advanced knowledge in theological studies, biblical interpretation and Christian ministry. Offered at Africa International University through the School of Theology, the programme prepares graduates for theological leadership, teaching and ministry roles.

The curriculum covers biblical studies, Old Testament, New Testament, systematic theology, church history, African theology, biblical languages, hermeneutics, Christian ethics, pastoral theology, mission studies, research methods and a research project. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in theology and ministry.

The programme responds to the need for trained theological leaders who can engage critically with Christian faith in African contexts. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those seeking advanced theological education for ministry, teaching or further study.

The programme is delivered through modular and school-based modes, with 3-hour class sessions held in January, May and September. Students engage with lectures, seminars, research projects and theological reflection. The programme requires 30 credit hours of coursework.

Graduates pursue careers as pastors, theological educators, chaplains, ministry coordinators, church administrators and Christian organisation leaders in churches, theological institutions, schools and faith-based organisations. They can also progress to a Master of Arts in Theology or Master of Divinity.

Prospective students should have a recognised bachelor's degree with at least 2.0 GPA or Pass. The programme is suitable for both clergy and lay persons seeking advanced theological education.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 187,200
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: Modular, School-based
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Postgraduate Diploma

What you study

6 subjects

Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics
Systematic Theology and African Theology
Church History and Christian Ethics
Biblical Languages and Pastoral Theology
Mission Studies and Research Methods
Research Project in Theology

Modules

6 in the programme

Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers biblical studies, Old Testament, New Testament, biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, exegetical methods and biblical theology.
Systematic Theology and African Theology
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers systematic theology, doctrine, theology proper, Christology, pneumatology, African theology, contextual theology and theology in African contexts.
Church History and Christian Ethics
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers church history, early church, Reformation, African church history, Christianity in Africa, Christian ethics, moral theology and ethical decision-making.
Biblical Languages and Pastoral Theology
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew basics), pastoral theology, pastoral care, preaching, worship, sacraments and pastoral ministry.
Mission Studies and Research Methods
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers mission studies, missiology, African mission, contextualisation, research methods in theology and theological research design.
Research Project in Theology
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
A supervised research project on a theological topic, assessed through a written research paper and oral defence.

Specialisations

Biblical Studies
Focuses on biblical interpretation and exegesis for careers as theological educators.
Pastoral Ministry
Specialises in pastoral care and ministry for careers as pastors and chaplains.
African Theology
Focuses on contextual theology in Africa for careers in theological research and teaching.
Mission Studies
Specialises in missiology and cross-cultural mission for careers in mission organisations.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a 3-hour class session on biblical studies or systematic theology, followed by a seminar on African theology or hermeneutics. Afternoon sessions may include a biblical languages workshop, a pastoral theology discussion, or work on the research project. Students also engage in theological reflection groups and present research findings.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme is offered at AIU's School of Theology, a well-established theological institution in East Africa.
Graduates can progress to a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Theology.
The modular and school-based delivery makes it accessible to working professionals.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
Theology careers are primarily within church and faith-based organisations.

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

Public120k to 187k

120k at Moi University (estimated)187k at Moi University

Private191k to 191k

191k at Africa International 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

Moi Univ offers PGD Religious Studies; PG fee ~187K/yr (worldscholarshipforum). AIU 191K/yr confirmed (businessradar)

Students can access HELB loans for postgraduate study. AIU may offer internal bursaries. Churches and denominations may sponsor their members pursuing theological training.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: A recognised bachelor's degree with at least 2.0 GPA or Pass.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment
Written examination40% of the mark
Modular assessments covering biblical studies, systematic theology, church history and pastoral theology.
Theological Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of exegetical papers, theological essays, sermon preparation, reflection papers and group presentations.
Research Project
Project30% of the mark
A supervised research project on a theological topic, assessed through a written research paper and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Africa International University, School of Theology.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Africa International University, School of Theology.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Pastor
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 180,000
Provides spiritual leadership, preaches, leads worship, provides pastoral care, manages church programmes and supports congregation members in churches and parishes.
Theological Educator
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches theology in theological colleges and seminaries, develops theological curriculum, supports student formation and contributes to theological scholarship.
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 38,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides chaplaincy services in schools, hospitals, prisons or military, offering spiritual support, counselling and pastoral care to students, patients and staff.
Ministry Coordinator
Low demandKsh 42,000 to Ksh 190,000
Coordinates ministry programmes, supports church administration, manages ministry initiatives and facilitates church operations in churches and faith-based organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as pastors, theological educators, chaplains and ministry coordinators in churches, theological institutions and faith-based organisations.

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Theology is only for those preparing for ordination.
Theology is a rigorous academic discipline that benefits anyone seeking to understand Christian faith, including lay persons, educators and professionals in faith-based organisations.
A postgraduate diploma in theology has no career prospects.
Graduates serve as pastors, educators, chaplains and leaders in churches, schools and faith-based organisations. They can also progress to a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Theology.
Theological study is just about reading the Bible.
Theology involves biblical languages, hermeneutics, systematic theology, church history, ethics, African theology and mission studies, providing a comprehensive academic foundation.
African theology is not a legitimate academic field.
African theology is a well-established academic discipline that engages Christian faith with African contexts, cultures and experiences, contributing to global theological scholarship.