This presentation outlines the requirements for theological theses at three levels, BTh (Honours), MTh, and PhD. The presentation was prepared by Dr Kevin Smith, the Vice-Principal of the South African Theological Seminary

1. South African Thesis Requirements
BTh, MTh, and PhD
By Kevin G. Smith

2. What are the expectations of a thesis at each level?
THESIS REQUIREMENTS
South African Thesis Requirements

3. MTh: Some Basic Guidelines
• In a thesis-only programme, the MTh thesis should be
approximately 40,000-50,000 words in length, and should
contain in the vicinity of 100-150 bibliography entries.
• In a mini-thesis at the end of a coursework MTh, the
guidelines are 20,000-25,000 words and 50-75 sources.
• The MTh thesis should be properly
formatted, referenced, and edited.
• The MTh thesis should be logically and linguistically coherent.
South African Thesis Requirements

4. PhD: Some Basic Guidelines
• The PhD dissertation should be approximately 80,000-100,000
words in length.
• The PhD dissertation should have approximately 250-300
bibliography entries.
• The PhD dissertation should be properly
formatted, referenced, and edited.
• The PhD dissertation should be logically and linguistically
coherent.
South African Thesis Requirements

5. Comparison of Thesis Levels
BTh level MTh level PhD level
36 credits 180 credits 360 credits
10,000-15,000 words 40,000-50,000 words 80,000-100,000 words
30-40 pages 140-160 pages 250-350 pages
30-50 sources 100-150 sources 250-300 sources
Candidates must systema- Candidates must master the Candidates must add new
tically analyze the selected selected topic in the field of knowledge to the field of
topic in the field of study. study. study.
South African Thesis Requirements

6. Comparison of thesis levels
• BTh level: design and execute a small research project in a
chosen field of study, showing reasonable command of the
subject area and the appropriate research methods.
• MTh level: demonstrate mastery of the literature and
research methods which relate to the chosen topic and field
of study.
• PhD level: contribute new scientific knowledge in the field of
study (assumes mastery of literature and research methods).
South African Thesis Requirements

7. Comparison of Thesis Levels
PhD • New knowledge
• Publication
MTh • Literature
• Methodologies
BTh • Basic skills
• Limited scope
South African Thesis Requirements

8. Assessment Criteria by Level
• Make a significant, original, and substantial contribution
to existing knowledge at the frontiers of the discipline?
• Write a research report worthy of publication, either in its
PhD entirety or in key sections?
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of
existing research and literature in field.
• Select and properly apply appropriate
research methods with competence.
MTh • Develop a cohesive and coherent argument
around the chosen thesis.
• Identify, conceptualize, and
conduct a research project?
• Demonstrate familiarity with
academic models and methods.
BTh
• Demonstrate linguistic
competence in the presentation
of a coherent thesis.
South African Thesis Requirements

9. What kind of topic can be researched at each level?
ILLUSTRATION OF VIABLE THESES
South African Thesis Requirements

10. Illustration: Synoptic Problem
Three students—Linda (BTh), Kalnisha (MTh), and Javier
(PhD)—all elect to write their theses on “the Synoptic
Problem”. What would be expected of each student to
do justice to the topic at the level of his or her thesis?
At which levels is it possible to write a thesis on “The
Synoptic Problem”?
Give this some thought before you move to the next
slide.
South African Thesis Requirements

11. Synoptic Problem: BTh Level
• Can Linda write her BTh thesis on The Synoptic
Problem?
• At the BTh level, she does not need to master all the
literature or to contribute anything new.
• All she has to do is write 40 solid pages, covering the
major views in an organised manner.
• Therefore, this is doable.
South African Thesis Requirements

12. Synoptic Problem: MTh Level
• Can Kalnisha write her MTh thesis on The Synoptic
Problem?
• She is unlikely to demonstrate mastery of the vast
body of literature in a 150-page thesis.
• She is likely to write a dry and thin rehash of existing
views.
• Therefore, this is not doable.
South African Thesis Requirements

13. Synoptic Problem: PhD Level
• Can Javier write his PhD dissertation on The Synoptic
Problem?
• To pass his PhD, he will have to contribute something
new to the scholarly discussion of The Synoptic Problem.
• The topic is doable if he has discovered an original
hypothesis that he can defend convincingly.
• The burden is upon Javier to make an original
contribution.
South African Thesis Requirements

14. How will my thesis be examined?
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR A PH.D.
South African Thesis Requirements

15. Exit-level outcomes for a PhD
1. Identify, understand, interpret, integrate, apply, and
communicate a body of new knowledge (original research) in
interaction with existing knowledge (current state of research
in the field of study).
2. Apply logical, theoretical, analytic, creative and systematic
thinking effectively to solve a range of problems within a
focused research context.
3. Exhibit the ability to identify and address issues of ethical
action and social responsibility in the field of research.
South African Thesis Requirements

16. Exit-level outcomes for a PhD
4. Apply principles of sound research practice in
collecting, organizing, and evaluating information in terms of
a critical understanding of relevant research
methodologies, techniques, and technologies.
5. Be aware of, and be able to interact constructively
with, multicultural and multi-faith communities, from a
theological perspective.
6. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and
critique issues of church and society.
South African Thesis Requirements

17. Core Assessment Criteria for PhD
• Does the candidate demonstrate comprehensive knowledge
of existing research and literature?
• Does the candidate demonstrate a high level of independent
research capability?
• Does the dissertation make a significant, original, and
substantial contribution to existing knowledge at the frontiers
of the discipline?
• Is the dissertation publishable, either as a whole or in part?
South African Thesis Requirements

18. Bill Domeris’ Criteria
• Demonstrate linguistic competence in the presentation of a
coherent thesis.
• Demonstrate familiarity with academic methods and models.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the relevant academic
sources in the chosen area of study.
• Demonstrate ability to develop a cohesive and coherent
argument around the chosen thesis.
• Include material which is worth publishing.
• Add significantly to the body of existing knowledge in the
field.
• Make an original contribution to the subject area.
South African Thesis Requirements