Master of Divinity

Description of the Programme

The United Theological College of the West Indies aims to produce Ministers of Religion who are spiritually centered, contextually relevant, ecumenically committed and missionally oriented.

The Master of Divinity in Theology is a professional degree for persons responding to a call to the pastoral/parish ministry. It is therefore aimed at preparing persons for the ordained ministry, who may serve the church in congregations, institutional chaplaincy and international mission engagement.

The programme seeks to develop core competencies which include understanding of pastoral practice, knowledge of theology, knowledge of the Bible and an appreciation of the Caribbean context.

Entry Requirements:

  • All applicants for admission to read for the Master of Divinity in Theology should normally possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in theology from an accredited university. These persons may be required to complete qualifying courses after their transcripts are evaluated.
  • Applicants with a first degree in other areas will complete the programme over 8 semesters or 4 years.
  • Applicants who are graduates of the Diploma in Ministerial Studies and the B.A. Theology or Ministerial Studies programmes from the UTCWI/UWI will only be required to do 18 months of studies in the programme to complete the additional 21 M.div credits as outlined overleaf.
  • In the case of students for and from the participating denominations, the requisite approval and recommendations from the denomination should also be submitted with the application
  • Independent students must be recommended by their church.

A completed application with the required application fee, certified copies of diplomas, degrees, official transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be submitted to the College by June 30 each year.

Applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Curriculum Requirements

The Master of Divinity programme requires the successful completion of courses delivered through the following departments:

  • Biblical Studies
  • Historical Studies
  • Theological and Ethical Studies
  • Religious and Philosophical Studies
  • Practical Theology

along with general education courses. A research paper is also required.

Biblical Studies

  • The courses in Biblical Studies will provide a working knowledge of the Biblical Languages and various methods of interpretation, for the study of the Bible, with the goal that every student can understand and critique various translations and interpretations of the text and relate the Bible meaningfully to the contemporary church and society.
  • Biblical courses are aimed at a structural and holistic understanding of biblical texts in order to relate these texts to the entire fabric and structures of society
  • The courses are geared towards the encouragement of life-long study of the Bible and will enable students to interpret the Bible with critical imagination. All biblical courses will provide a focus on principles and methods of interpretation.

Total Biblical Studies credits, inclusive of Biblical Languages - 30

Foundation Course (3)

  • THEO 1003 The Making and Interpreting of the Bible(3) OR THEO 1002 Introduction to the New Testament OR )

An additional 12 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be at Level III.

Biblical Languages (15)

Foundation Courses in Biblical Languages (6)

  • THEO 1010 Introduction to Greek (3)
  • THEO 2004 Foundations of Biblical Hebrew (3)

At least an additional 9 credits in Biblical Languages from Level 2 or III.

Theological & Ethical and Religious and Philosophical Studies

  • Courses in this area should introduce students to a definition of and the language of theology, ethics and philosophy.
  • Courses are aimed at explaining the tools and methodologies of theology for the purpose of engaging Caribbean and other realities, so that students can process their theological learning in actual life, that is, understand the links between theory and practice.
  • Courses will seek to develop each student’s skills in critical and analytical thinking through the analysis of literature and ideas.
  • There will be a focus on enabling students to develop the capacity to engage in theological and ethical reflection of issues of importance in the Caribbean, such as social development, gender and public ethical issues

The Master of Divinity graduate should have knowledge of theology covering an Introduction to Theology and theological reflection, Christology, Trinity and Ecclesiology.

Total Theological & Ethical and Religious and Philosophical Studies Credits - 30

Foundation courses in Theology (6)

  • THEO 1301 Introduction to systematic Theology
  • THEO 1205 Intro. to Psychology

An additional 24 credits to be taken at Levels II and III.

Historical Studies

  • Courses are aimed at providing students with an understanding of the history of the Church
  • Courses are aimed at providing students with an understanding of the history of the Church from its beginning to today.
  • The courses are taught from a Caribbean ecumenical perspective.
  • Courses are aimed at enabling students to understand the development of doctrines and institutions, to be inspired by the models of faithful people from the past, and to gain a vantage point from which to engage the church today. Of the churches .

Total Historical Studies credits - 9

Foundation Historical Studies course

  • THEO 1103 History of the Early Church from Pentecost to Charlemagne (3)

At least 6 credits must be at Levels II and III.

Practical Theology

Practical Theology includes Supervised Ministry, Preaching and Homiletics.

Courses in this area:

  • are geared toward encouraging the student’s formation in attitudes and ministerial identity
  • have a strong ecumenical component, encouraging students to form habits that enhance ecumenical hospitality;
  • are aimed at encouraging life-long learning;
  • are aimed at shaping and guiding an appropriate development of spirituality

Total Practical Theology Credits - 36

Supervised Ministry (12 credits)

Master of Divinity students will be required to participate in a minimum of two years of supervised ministry. Included in this will be a summer intensive training in a church or site approved by the College and the student’s denomination. Required courses are:

Practicum in Institutional Chaplaincy (3)

Practicum in Pastoral Care (3)

Advanced Pastoral Care and Clinical Supervision (6)

Preaching and Interpretation (6)

Pastoral Studies (9)

(of which 6 credits are to be taken from Levels 2 and 3)

Christian Education (3 Credits)

Denominational Studies (3)

This programme exposes the student to the history, beliefs and doctrine of the student’s sponsoring denomination.

Advanced Pastoral Care & Clinical Supervision

Students participating in the APC are required to serve in any of the following facilities: hospitals, prisons and/or correctional facilities, as well as in hospices

The following courses and papers totalling 21 credits are required by the College in order to complete the Master of Divinity:

Foundation Language courses (Communication Skills) (6)

Introduction to Spiritual Formation (3)

Spiritual Direction (3)

Research Methods (3)

A major research paper chosen from any area of study to be completed in the final year (6).

Total credits required for Master of Divinity Degree - 123