About the department
Biblical scholarship in context
The Department of Old and New Testament Studies
engages with the Bible, including the Old and New
Testaments, and Early Christian Greek Literature.
The department studies these texts in their original
languages and considers their significance in
contemporary contexts. Its teaching and research
support responsible and ethical engagement with
biblical texts in local and global communities.
Academic disciplines
Three areas of study
Old Testament
Advanced study of the Old Testament,
including methodology, exegesis,
hermeneutics, canonical history,
historical and cultural background,
and theology.
New Testament
Advanced study of the New Testament,
including textual criticism, hermeneutics,
exegetical methods, historical research,
canonical history, background and theology.
New Testament Greek and Early Christian
Greek Literature
Study of New Testament Greek and Early
Christian Greek Literature, including
grammar, literature, translation and rhetoric.
Academic focus
What students study
The department introduces students to the methods
and approaches used to study biblical writings and
Early Christian Greek Literature.
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Methods used to expound biblical writings
(methodology).
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Practical exposition of biblical writings
(exegesis).
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Textual criticism and canonics.
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The social and cultural milieus in which
biblical writings originated.
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The central theological themes and message of
biblical writings.
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Hermeneutics and contextual interpretation.
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Biblical spirituality.
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Greek grammar, literature, translation and
rhetoric.
Postgraduate studies
Postgraduate study in biblical studies
The Faculty offers postgraduate qualifications
across theology and religion. Within Old and New
Testament Studies, postgraduate specialisations
include Old Testament, New Testament, and New
Testament Greek and Early Christian Literature.
BTh Honours
Old Testament
128 credits. Minimum period of study:
one year.
BTh Honours
New Testament
128 credits. Minimum period of study:
one year.
BTh Honours
New Testament Greek and Early Christian
Literature
128 credits. Minimum period of study:
one year.
Master of Theology
Old Testament
180 credits. Minimum period of study:
one year.
Master of Theology
New Testament
180 credits. Minimum period of study:
one year.
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
Old Testament
360 credits at NQF Level 10. Minimum period of study:
two years. Includes an additional departmental selection
process and an initial research proposal.
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
New Testament
360 credits at NQF Level 10. Minimum period of study:
two years. Includes an additional departmental selection
process and an initial research proposal.
Postgraduate specialisation
New Testament Greek and Early Christian
Literature
Postgraduate study includes advanced
research in New Testament Greek and
Early Christian Literature.
BTh Honours
Honours programme structure
Bachelor of Theology Honours with
specialisation in Old Testament.
Total credits: 128. Minimum period of
study: one year.
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Research Report in Old Testament
Studies, 32 credits.
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Research Methodology and Theory,
16 credits.
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Methodology of Exegesis and
Hermeneutics of the Old Testament,
20 credits.
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Advanced Introduction to the Books
of the Old Testament and Canonical
History of the Old Testament,
20 credits.
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History of Israel and the
Cultural-Historical Background of
the Old Testament, 20 credits.
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Theology of the Old Testament,
20 credits.
Bachelor of Theology Honours with
specialisation in New Testament.
Total credits: 128. Minimum period of
study: one year.
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Research Report in New Testament,
32 credits.
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Research Methodology and Theory,
16 credits.
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Textual Criticism, Hermeneutics and
Exegetical Methods of the New
Testament, 16 credits.
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History of New Testament Research,
Canonical History of the New
Testament, and Introduction to the
Books of the New Testament,
16 credits.
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Theoretical Aspects of Historical
Research and the Background and
History of the New Testament,
16 credits.
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Exegesis of Selected Parts of the
New Testament, 16 credits.
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Theology of the New Testament,
16 credits.
Bachelor of Theology Honours with
specialisation in New Testament Greek
and Early Christian Literature.
Total credits: 128. Minimum period of
study: one year.
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Research Report in New Testament
Greek and/or Early Christian
Literature, 32 credits.
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Research Methodology and Theory,
16 credits.
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The History of Reception of the
Greek New Testament in/and Early
Christian Literature, 20 credits.
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Advanced Study of New Testament
Greek, 20 credits.
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Advanced Study of Early Christian
Literature, 20 credits.
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Advanced Study of Greek Rhetoric,
20 credits.
Master of Theology
Master's study and research
The Master of Theology programmes in Old Testament
and New Testament each carry 180 credits and have a
minimum period of study of one year.
The programme consists of two compulsory
modules in Old Testament Studies and two
elective modules outside the field of
Old Testament Studies.
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Research in Old Testament Studies,
60 credits.
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In-depth Study of Old Testament:
Introduction, Exegesis (or Exposition),
Hermeneutics and Theology, 60 credits.
Programme structure
The compulsory modules contribute
120 credits. Two elective modules
contribute the remaining 60 credits.
The programme consists of two compulsory
modules in New Testament Studies and two
elective modules outside the field of
New Testament Studies.
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Research in New Testament Studies,
60 credits.
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In-depth Study of the New Testament,
60 credits.
Programme structure
The compulsory modules contribute
120 credits. Two elective modules
contribute the remaining 60 credits.
Doctoral studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
The Faculty's Doctor of Philosophy in Theology offers
specialisations in Old Testament and New Testament Studies.
The qualification is at NQF Level 10, carries 360 credits,
and has a minimum period of study of two years. It requires
advanced independent research that makes a significant and
original contribution to theological scholarship.
The Rulebook describes the doctoral research as a thesis
of 70,000 to 100,000 words or, where permitted by the
applicable rules, a set of interrelated publishable
manuscripts or published articles with an introduction
and conclusion. The precise format must be confirmed
against the current Rulebook and departmental guidance.
Specialisation: Old Testament. The Rulebook
lists module code TOTT9100 and academic plan
code BC990425. Applicants must meet the general
doctoral admission requirements and the
specialisation requirements.
- Prerequisite: 32 credits in Hebrew at NQF Level 5 or higher, depending on the research focus.
- An additional departmental selection process applies.
- An initial research proposal must be submitted as part of the additional selection process.
Specialisation: New Testament. The Rulebook
lists module code TNTT9100 and academic plan
code BC990426. Applicants must meet the general
doctoral admission requirements and the
specialisation requirements.
- Prerequisite: 32 credits in New Testament Greek at NQF Level 5 or higher, depending on the research focus.
- An additional departmental selection process applies.
- An initial research proposal must be submitted as part of the additional selection process.
Doctoral admission enquiries
Contact Marina Van Biljon as the
Department Manager for further information about the
additional selection process for the Old Testament and
New Testament PhD specialisations. Email:
vanbiljonm@ufs.ac.za and theologypostgraduate@ufs.ac.za.
Confirm the current contact details and admission process
before publication.
Research
Research-led postgraduate study
Research is an important component of postgraduate
study in the department. The Rulebook provides for
research reports and research modules within the
Old Testament, New Testament, and New Testament
Greek and Early Christian Literature specialisations.
In the Master of Theology programmes, the research
component includes a 60-credit research module.
The Old Testament programme includes Research in
Old Testament Studies, while the New Testament
programme includes Research in New Testament Studies.
Before you apply
Admission requirements, programme structures and
module information are subject to the applicable
Faculty rules. Prospective students should consult
the current Faculty Rulebook and postgraduate
information before applying.