The Master of Theological Studies is a 72-unit program, comprising coursework and research, which is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law on a fee-paying basis.
The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold an approved three-year degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Course aims
The course is designed to provide teachers of religious education, other professionals in the field of religion and people with a general interest in religion with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary theology and biblical studies, and to provide opportunities to reflect on theological dimensions of professional and social life. It includes an opportunity to undertake a research project on a theme of personal interest or relevance to their professional work. It is anticipated that students who satisfactorily complete a substantial project 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 debate and reflection, and develop in-depth knowledge in an area of theology or biblical studies
- provide students with the opportunity to undertake and produce an extended research project/dissertation on a contemporary issue in theology or biblical studies
Learning outcomes
On completion of the Master of Theological Studies, students will:
- be able to demonstrate their in-depth knowledge of the literature and texts of an area of theology or biblical studies from an informed critical perspective
- be able to discuss and evaluate current theory and research in a selected area of study
- be able to contribute to informed theological academic debate and knowledge
- have developed effective independent research and analytical skills and applied these in a research project
- be able to demonstrate 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 four-year 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 will 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.
Program of study
To qualify for the Master of Theological Studies, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.
Core - Year 1 & 2 topics
THEO8307 Theology of Jesus Christ GE (4.5 units)
THEO9033 Biblical Hermeneutics: Making Sense of the Bible GE (4.5 units)
THEO8102 Interpreting the Old Testament GE (4.5 units)
THEO8204 Interpreting the New Testament GE (4.5 units)
THEO8506 Reading Cultures GE (4.5 units)
THEO8314 Introduction to Christian Thought GE (4.5 units)
THEO9031 Research Methods Seminar (4.5 units)
plus either
THEO9011A Master of Theological Studies Dissertation (9 units)
OR
THEO9011A Master of Theological Studies Dissertation (9 units) AND
THEO9011B Master of Theological Studies Dissertation (9 units)
Option - Year 1 & 2 topics
Students select option topics to make up the 72 units required for their degree.
Biblical Studies
THEO8202 Synoptic Studies GE (4.5 units)
THEO8104 Old Testament Exegesis: Pentateuch GE (4.5 units)
THEO8206 Pauline Letters GE (4.5 units)
THEO8004 The Bible and Popular Culture GE (4.5 units)
THEO8701 Biblical Greek 1 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8704 Biblical Hebrew 1 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8106 Old Testament Exegesis: The Writings of the Hebrew Bible GE (4.5 units)
THEO8105 Old Testament Exegesis: Prophets GE (4.5 units)
THEO8107 Old Testament Exegesis: Wisdom GE (4.5 units)
THEO8207 Study Tour: Lands of the Bible GE (4.5 units)
THEO8702 Biblical Greek 2 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8703 Biblical Greek 3 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8705 Biblical Hebrew 2 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8706 Biblical Hebrew 3 GE (4.5 units)
THEO7106 Readings in Old Testament Studies (4.5 units)
THEO7204 Readings in New Testament Studies (4.5 units)
THEO8103 Ecology and the Bible (4.5 units)
Historical and Systematic Theology
THEO8315 Christian Ethics GE (4.5 units)
THEO8316 Church, Ministry and Sacraments GE (4.5 units)
THEO8317 God the Trinity GE (4.5 units)
THEO8318 Religious Pluralism in a Contemporary World GE (4.5 units)
THEO7306 Readings in Systematic Theology (4.5 units)
THEO7405 Readings in Church History (4.5 units)
THEO8003 Guided Study in Theology (4.5 units)
THEO8401 Church History A GE (4.5 units)
THEO8402 Church History B GE (4.5 units)
THEO9501 Guided Study in Christian Spirituality (4.5 units)
Ministry Studies
THEO7501 Readings in Ministry and Mission Studies (4.5 units)
THEO7502 Readings in Christian Education or Discipleship (4.5 units)
THEO7503 Readings in Christian Leadership (4.5 units)
THEO7504 Readings in Pastoral Care (4.5 units)
THEO8205 John's Gospel and the Johannine Epistles GE (4.5 units)
THEO8501 Caring Practices of the Church GE (4.5 units)
THEO8502 Christian Education GE (4.5 units)
THEO8503 Christian Leadership GE (4.5 units)
THEO8504 Ministry and Mission Studies 1 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8505 Ministry and Mission Studies 2 GE (4.5 units)
THEO8508 Theology and Practice of Chaplaincy (4.5 units)
THEO8509 Exploring Cross-Cultural Ministry GE (4.5 units)
THEO8510 Towards Reconciliation: A Theological Understanding GE (4.5 units)
THEO9309 Guided Study in Liturgy (4.5 units)
