Master of Arts

CRICOS 063708J

About this course

The Master of Arts course is designed for those who hold a tertiary qualification in a theological discipline who wish to pursue a further qualification in theology as part of their continuing education for ministry. The award provides a study of theological and related disciplines through a structure of specialisations.

The Master of Arts is classified into one of two categories, Category 1 and Category 2.

Category 1 (AQF 8 entry) 1 year full-time or 3 years (maximum) part-time.

Category 2 (AQF 7 Entry) 1.5 years full-time or 4.5 years part-time.

  • Study Mode: Full Time, Part Time,

  • Credit Points: Category 1: 72, Category 2: 108

  • Award Level: AQF Level 9

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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic
NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community
  • VIC
  • Domestic
Nisibis Assyrian Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Nazarene Theological College
  • QLD
  • Domestic
  • International
NSW College of Clinical Pastoral Education
  • NSW
  • Domestic
Perth Bible College
  • WA
  • Domestic
  • International
Planetshakers College
  • VIC
  • Domestic
  • International
Sparrows College
  • WA
  • Domestic
St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic
  • International
St Cyril's Coptic Orthodox Theological College
  • NSW
  • Domestic

Course Details

Admission to the  Master of Arts requires:

  • Satisfactorily completed a three-year AQF 7 (or equivalent) in the disciplines of Theology or Ministry from an institution recognised by the Academic Board; OR
  • Satisfactorily completed an AQF 8 (or equivalent) in the disciplines of Theology or Ministry from an institution recognised by the Academic Board; AND
  • Satisfactorily completes a pre-enrolment interview with a relevant course advisor.

 

English Proficiency

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 with no score less than 6.5 in all bands of the test.

The Master of Arts requires candidates to complete credit points as follows:

 

  • Those in Category 1 are required to complete 72 credit points in units whose content is not similar to those covered in their previous studies.
  • Those in Category 2 are required to complete 108 credit points in units whose content is not similar to those covered in their previous studies.

 

All course units will be taken from the University College Schedule of units of study coded within the 8100 and 9200 series.

 

The course may be taken with or without a specialisation:

  • A specialisation in the Master of Arts comprises 54 credit points in a discipline or subdiscipline, with at least two 9200-series units.
  • A specialisation in a discipline requires 54 credit points from the discipline, with at least 27 credit points in one subdiscipline, with a minimum of 18 credit points from 9200 series units.
  • A specialisation in a subdiscipline requires 54 credit points from the subdiscipline, with a minimum of 18 credit points from 9200 series units.
  • Units coded “A” are not counted towards a Concentration or Specialisation in any discipline or subdiscipline.

 

All course units will be taken from 8100 and 9200 series units in the Sydney College of Divinity Schedule of Units of Study.

 

The course will include at least one Generic Research unit.

 

A candidate may take a maximum of 36 credit points in units listed as Generic (Research) units in the Schedule of Units of Study with a maximum of 18 credit points in Independent Guided Study units, 18 credit points in Research Project units, and 18 credit points as a Research Essay. Students who transfer from the Master of Arts to the Master of Divinity cannot exceed this limit in total across both programs.

 

A candidate whose admission or provisional admission has been granted on the basis of a Vocational Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate must complete the unit A8100 Critical Academic Skills in Theological Education during the first enrolment period.

 

Candidates wishing to proceed to the degree of Master of Philosophy must include one 18 credit point research unit at Distinction level.

 

 

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

  • an integrated understanding of an advanced body of knowledge in one or more theologically-related disciplines or areas of practice, including recent developments in the theological disciplines and/or their practice;
  • understanding research principles and methods applicable to these theological disciplines and their practice.

 

Skills

Graduates will have cognitive and technical skills in a theologically-related body of knowledge, so that they are able independently to:

  • analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories associated with a theologically-related body of knowledge;
  • research and apply established theories to a theologically-related body of knowledge or practice;
  • interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas through coherent and sustained argument to specialist and non-specialist audiences inrelation to a theologically-related body of knowledge.

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to:

  • apply knowledge and skills in a way that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgment, adaptability, and accountability as a practitioner and/or learner in relation to the inter-dependent building up of the church and good of the wider community;
  • plan and execute a research-based project, and/or piece of scholarship in an area of theology.

 

Exit Points

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Arts or Graduate Diploma of Arts provided they have met the requirements of those awards.

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 54 credit points in the 12 unit Master of Arts (1.5 years), and 36 credit points in the 8 unit Master of Arts (1 year).

 

Credit will be granted for units that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Master of Arts.

 

Progress to Further Awards

All units satisfactorily completed in the Master of Arts may be credited towards a Sydney College of Divinity Master of Arts award, on condition that a completed Master of Arts will be surrendered prior to graduation in that award.

The Master of Arts is offered through the individual colleges and an application for enrolment must be made to the Registrar of the teaching institution. The registrar will be able to help you with all information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery, and timetable.

 

A domestic student at Sydney College of Divinity is designated as full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. SCD offers a wide range of units and students have the option to study one or more units across the colleges delivering SCD awards, whilst enrolled with one college.

 

International students

International students are subject to the conditions of their Australian student visa and are required to maintain a full-time enrolment of four units (36 credit points) per semester. If you are planning to enrol as an international student, you have the responsibility to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions at all times. Learn more about your responsibilities, rights, and what studying in Australia can offer you. Not all our teaching institutions offer study programs for international students.

 

Check out the locations and courses offered to international students, and for more information email us at [email protected]