U. of Zululand, Pretoria, or Free State

For a master's in theology, which of these schools would you choose and why?

 

I know very little of this subject but that has never stopped me from offering an opinion before...
I suppose that I'd choose Pretoria because it is, I believe, the oldest of the three schools and perhaps the more respected (in terms of the overall reputation of the school). I know nothing of the reputations of the respective Theology Departments, a factor which could make a big difference in some circles.
Jack

 

When you mention Zululand, are you meaning the University itself or SATS?

If you are referring to Zululand, let me know how you are in contact with them, because I have lost all contact with the folks there, since their web site went down -(I haven't checked it in a few days).

Any of the Universities you mentioned would be acceptable. Is there a reason that UNISA isn't in your mix?

I would find the one that fits your area of study and go with it.

Good Luck,
clint

 

Unizul

I just mailed in my application for admission to Unizul along with the application to get my dissertation title OK'd, Unizul seems to have a rep for student friendliness and certainly is inexpensive. The entire DTh should run under $2000! But it is smaller and not as prestigious as some others.

I was told by a SATS rep that Unizul had been hacked. Apparently , as per an email from Bobby Loubser, they think their back in business, But as of 6am, in Oregon, I still could not access the website.

 

I would *guess* that Pretoria followed by Free State followed by UNIZUL for reputation.

UNIZUL's Theology dept. is nothing short of terrific in terms of user friendliness. Very customer service oriented.

North

 

Having evaluated each of these schools myself, as a prospective doctoral student, I have come to rank these three schools in the following order:

1) Pretoria

2) Free State

3) Zululand

At present, I don't anticipate applying to these schools. I am in the early stages of the application process elsewhere. However, if that didn't end up working out, I would be quite comfortable pursuing entry into doctoral research through Pretoria or (to a lesser extent) Free State.

Cory

 

update on Zululand

I have finally had more contact with the folks at Zululand. Their web site is still messed up, but email seems to be working. While I know this thread concerned Theology originally, I thought I would mention that they are still there... ha
I also have to say that Dr. Hooper in the English Dept at Zululand has been the most helpful person, that I have talked to, of any DL representative from South Africa. If she is indicative of the other folks at Unizul, then they get my support.

clint

 

I have not had good luck connecting with UNIZUL. Do you have a good email address for their admissions office that you could post here? I would be most grateful.

 

I'm like Jack. Not knowing what I'm talking about has never stopped me from pontificating before, so here goes:

Pretoria would be my first choice for academic reputation.

But I find Zululand interesting. I like the reports on their friendliness and customer service. Their price can't be beat. But I'm scared by the reports that Zululand may be overhauled in SA's draconian higher education revamping, and conceivably some departments might be eliminated.

While they have probably the weakest academic reputation of the three, I have interest in African traditional religious beliefs. I'd be interested in knowing if Zululand's theology department delves into these non-Christian areas, or into the many South African independent syncretistic churches. There's a whole area of study in what happens when Christianity or other world religions are embraced, and in so doing transformed, by traditional societies.

If Zululand's theology department has any interest in this and doesn't turn its back on it as an embarrasment, then studying at a historically black university originally aimed at the Zulu community might actually look pretty good.

I mean, Pretoria or Free State might not be able to give you anything that you can't find elsewhere, but Zululand could have some unique strengths, at least if it (and you) want to exploit them. It's arguably the best university in the entire world in which to study religious manifestations among the Zulu.

Bottom line: a large part of my choice would depend on what the interests of the universities staff are, and which one could best support my interests.

 

unizul

I have been able to recently reach Bobby Loubser a prof at Unizul with this address; [email protected]

Re the changes in SA higher ed, Prof Song who heads up the Theology Dept tells me that any of such will not affect my DL program at Unizul (nor is Theology on campus likely to be touched)
The University's phone # 27-035-902-6715
fax #27-035-902-6700

 

Larry,
I was about to answer you, when I saw that Bill already gave a contact email. I haven't been in touch with the admissions dept, since the web site went down. I have been talking with an instructor. I was going to post her email, but since Bill has already given you one, I would just email him and ask for the contact info.

If that doesn't work, let me know and I will see what I can do.
(That makes me sound awfully important.... I probably couldn't do much, but I will try )
clint

 

I decided it might be easier to go ahead and get the contact info for Zululand and post it here. This is just a heads up. I have written to Dr. Hooper and requested the info. When she sends it, I will put it in this forum. I thought this might be easier than having several people contact some poor soul in South Africa, inundating him/her with requests for the contact info.
Hope this is helpful,
clint

 

Prof. Arthur Song is Dean of Theology and Religion Studies at Unizul. His email address is [email protected] . He is very helpful.

 

Thank you, One and All, for your responses and information. I sent emails to Professors Song (theology) and Edwards (psych) a few weeks ago and received no response. A couple weeks ago, I sent a letter to the school. No response yet. Persistence and patience are the keys, eh? I'll try again.

 

Hello to all. I just heard back from Dr Hooper at Unizul. She said that the webmaster would be the appropriate person to talk with about their university. He will help direct you to whomever you need to talk to.
I actually think its the same person that was mentioned earlier in the thread, but the email is a little different, so I will go ahead and post it again.
Hope this helps.
clint
Contact person:
[email protected]

 

Larry, go the the SATS web page and send an email to the registrar - Reuben. He will direct responses to Profs Song and Edwards. Reuben is nothing short of fantastic. I have finally been approved through SATS for a PhD in Psychology. Good Luck.

 

ZOWIE!!! Thanks so muchly! I'll get right on it.

 

Jeepers, Howard, you were certainly right about Reuben - - overnight response to my email inquiry! Thanks kindly!

 

You know, I have had email contact with quite a few of the South African educators lately. I have been totally impressed with their quick and friendly responses. Not to mention that they are usually helpful....


It has been a far different experience from my B&M days when the profs thought it an inconvenience to see you outside of class..(I know that isn't true of all or maybe even most USA college profs, but that has been MY experience...)
I would recommend the South African universities to anybody, whether UNISA, UNIZUL, or whoever.

clint

 

Thanks to all who have replied to my post!

Does anyone know the costs of master's degrees in theology at the three respective schools?

Thanks!