The programme seeks to explore intentionally the role of the mother-tongue Scriptures in the process of Bible Translation and Interpretation, and to equip students for the ongoing task of Bible translation and interpretation, by developing their skills in translation and exegesis, both in the original biblical languages and in African mother tongues, the languages in which most Africans read the Scriptures, pray and worship. The programme is so designed that it will meet the need of translation agencies working in Africa, theological training institutions and churches, for theologically trained staff who are biblical experts able to relate their biblical and theological scholarship to the realities of the African context and to the needs of the African Church in the wider world.

A. Course work: First semester

a. Reading, exegesis and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible for indigenous translation. (For those specialising in Old Testament)

b. Reading, exegesis and interpretation of the Greek New Testament Bible for indigenous translation. (For those specialising in New Testament)

c. Themes in Modern African Christian Theology

d. Christian Faith and Primal Religions of the World, with special reference to Africa

e. The Bible in African Christianity

B. Course work: Second semester

a. Advanced reading exegesis and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible for indigenous translation. (For those specialising in Old Testament)

b. Advanced reading, exegesis and interpretation of the Greek New Testament Bible for indigenous translation. (For those specialising in New Testament).
(PhD students who are taking Hebrew will be expected to take this course also, as a preparation for studying the Septuagint.)

c. Issues in Gospel and Culture - Biblical, Historical and Theological Perspectives

A series on research methods will accompany this programme.

C.  Dissertation/Thesis

MTh: In the second year, students write a dissertation of 30,000 words. A special requirement is that, apart from the regular abstract in English, students should submit also a one page abstract of their dissertation in their mother tongue.

PhD: Students are required to submit a thesis of around 100,000 words on an agreed topic not earlier than three years after registration.