Masters Program (Th.M.)
nd_2.jpgETF offers a two-year academic masters degree. A Diploma Supplement is given automatically and free of charge to every student upon graduation.Students with a bachelors degree from ETF or another academic bachelors program in theology will be admitted for study. English is the language of instruction. The master’s thesis may also be written in Dutch, French or German.

The masters student learns how to make independent contributions to biblical and theological studies and how to participate in contemporary theological discussion. Research plays an important role and is applied in seminar courses and written projects. You are also trained in leadership development. There are three specializations to this program:
Bible & Theology
This specialization emphasizes theology as an academic discipline. The focus is on the coherence and relevance of the classical theological disciplines: Biblical Studies, Historical, Systematic and Practical Theology. If you are considering doctoral research following the masters degree, this would be the obvious choice. If you desire to become a teacher in a theological institution then the Bible & Theology specialization would be highly encouraged.
Church & Pastoral Ministries
If the combination of leadership, preaching and pastoral ministry is important for your future work, then the specialization Church & Pastoral Ministries is a good choice. This course of study prepares you for pastoral and leadership responsibilities in the local church. It would also provide relevant skills essential for youth work, or hospital, prison, or military chaplaincy. This program is well suited for students who have followed the Dutch HBO- Godsdienst Pastoraal Werk (GPW) program.
Religion & Education
This specialization focuses on the study of various conceptions of God and faith. Additionally, you learn various methods for communicating Christian faith to others. One may also choose to study contemporary issues in the field of Missiology. After your training you should be able to provide leadership in missiological or service organizations. If you desire further qualifications in journalism for addressing multi-religious questions, this program offers outstanding possibilities.

The conclusion of each of these specializations consists of the writing of a master’s thesis. When this is successfully completed, you receive the diploma “master in de godgeleerdheid en godsdienstwetenschappen” (Master of Theology and Religious Studies).
The program may also be followed part-time.

Objectives

You can find here some information about the objectives of the masters program.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the masters program is granted upon approval of the Academic Committee, following successful completion of application materials. To assist in determining whether or not there has been adequate preparation to undertake masters’ studies, the following qualifications are considered:
  • Those who have earned a Belgian bachelors degree providing access to the Master of Theology Program. Due to academic agreements between Belgium and other recognized countries, some foreign diplomas are valued equally with the Belgian bachelors degree.
  • Those who show that they have completed a theological program of three years in full-time classes, at the university level. A good knowledge of Hebrew and Greek is necessary.
  • A Hebrew and Greek exam is required except when a student is given a written exemption by the committee. The three year bachelors program at the ETF will serve as the basis for evaluation of other programs.
  • A special bridge program may be arranged for well prepared students with insufficient or uncertain formal theological education. Upon satisfactory completion of the bridge program the student is allowed to enter the first year of the Master of Theology Program.

Application and Acceptance Procedure

The completed application form, application fee and supporting documents (official grade transcripts and diplomas) must be received by the beginning of the academic year which is the 30th of September. For non-EU citizens, it is best to apply much earlier to allow for processing entry visas. Notification of acceptance or rejection will take place as soon as the admissions committee has been able to evaluate the prospective student. If the student is not accepted, he/she may reapply the following year. Re-application is only encouraged if the student has improved on the noted weaknesses hindering admission. Students whose mother tongue is not English should submit TOEFL (or an equivalent to TOEFL) test scores unless they can show that they have done significant study in an English language institution. TOEFL information may be gotten through the internet: www.toefl.org.

[For more information on the masters program, see 'Downloads' or you can send a mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .]

Downloads
 
 
 
 

St. Jansbergsesteenweg 97
3001 Leuven, België
Tel.: +32 (0) 16 200895
Fax: +32 (0) 16 200943
info@etf.edu

Academic Programs
Masters Program (Th.M.)