The MTh is a specialised, advanced study Master’s degree in the area of Biblical Studies. Biblical Studies is broadly conceived to include study of the languages and literature of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Ancient Near East. The degree therefore permits pathways of specialization in Old Testament, New Testament, and Ancient Near Eastern studies (Assyriology). It is intended to bring students to the point where they can consider embarking upon doctoral research. It can also function as a self-contained and satisfying course of study in its own right.
There is a strong philological focus to the degree. It is required that students have completed a minimum of a one-year complete introduction to the language relevant to their specialisation. Students must have completed a comprehensive introduction to one of the following languages: Classical Hebrew, New Testament (or Classical) Greek, Akkadian, or Sumerian. This is usually established by means of a language placement test as part of the interview. As part of the application and interview, students are expected to have some idea about the particular area of the sub-field in which they would like to work for their dissertation.