Master of Theological Studies

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved three-year degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Advanced Entry (1.5 years) applicants who have completed an approved three-year degree or equivalent qualification in Theology or Ministry from an approved tertiary institution may be eligible to complete a program of 54 units.

However, the Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The Master of Theological Studies is designed for two categories of students:

those who hold a tertiary qualification in a non-theological discipline who have a general interest in theology, religion and Christianity
those who hold a tertiary qualification in theology and wish to advance their knowledge and skills for the purposes of professional and personal development.

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary theology and biblical studies, and provides opportunities to reflect on theological dimensions of professional and community life. It is anticipated that students who satisfactorily complete a substantial dissertation may be eligible to undertake a research higher degree in Theology.

The Master of Theological Studies aims to provide students with the opportunity to:

critically examine literature, engage in exploration and reflection, and develop in-depth knowledge in an area of theology or biblical studies
undertake and produce an extended dissertation on a contemporary issue in theology or biblical studies
reflect on, and critically analyse, the connection between theological study and practice, and society and communities, in historical and contemporary contexts.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the Master of Theological Studies, students will have:

demonstrated an advanced and integrated knowledge of the literature and texts in the disciplines of theology and biblical studies
discussed and critically evaluated current theory and research in historical and contemporary theological ideas and traditions, and synthesised the relationships between them
demonstrated skills in hermeneutical and other academic methodologies in the reading and analysis of biblical, and other theological texts
contributed to informed theological academic debate and knowledge as it applies to contemporary issues and contexts
developed independent research and analytical skills and applied these in a research project
demonstrated effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Credit

Limited credit may be granted for recognition of prior studies undertaken at the University or other approved tertiary institutions.

Applicants holding an approved Honours degree in Theology or a Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies may be granted up to 36 units of credit. Applicants holding a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies may be granted up to 18 units of credit. Applicants may be granted up to 36 units of credit for approved, relevant work experience.

The maximum credit which may be granted for any combination of an approved four-year Honours degree and approved, relevant work experience will be 36 units.

Applicants holding an approved Graduate Certificate in a related field may be granted up to 18 units of credit.