Master of Theological Studies
CRICOS 107372E
The Master of Theological Studies (MThSt) is an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) award. The course is designed for those who hold a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and who wish to pursue a further qualification in the discipline of Biblical Studies and the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology as part of their continuing education for ministry.
The Award Summary lists the full program and the academic regulations for students enrolling in 2022. The Master of Theological Studies is offered through the individual colleges. Contact the Registrar of the teaching institution for study information, including mode of delivery and timetable, and to make an application for admission. Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian government scheme, assisting students to access a loan to help cover all or part of their tuition fees.
The Master of Theological Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) and takes 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time of study.
An applicant for admission to candidature for the Master of Theological Studies shall hold an SCD Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies or equivalent.
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 in all bands of the test.
The Master of Theological Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) from 8100 and 9200 series units in the SCD Schedule of Units of Study. The course will be taken with at least 36 credit points (4 units) from the discipline of Biblical Studies and the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology.
The course may be taken with at least one specialisation from the discipline of Biblical Studies or the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology. A specialisation in the MThSt comprises 54 credit points with at least 18 credit points of 9200-series units. Graduate Certificate entry award units may be used towards the 54 credit points required for specialisation.
Graduates will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in a theologically-related area.
Knowledge
Graduates will have:
- an integrated understanding of an advanced body of knowledge in Systematic Theology and Biblical Studies including recent developments in theory and practice.
- an understanding of research principles and methods applicable to Systematic Theology and Biblical Studies and their practice.
Skills
Graduates will have specialised cognitive and technical skills specifically in Theology and Biblical Studies, so as to be able independently to:
- analyse critically, reflect on and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories associated with theology and Biblical studies,
- research and apply established theories to theology and Biblical studies,
- apply specialised and creative skills for Christian living and ministry,
- interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas through coherent and sustained argument to specialist and non-specialist audiences in relation to Theology and Biblical Studies.
Applications of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates will have the ability to:
- apply knowledge and skills in a way that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and accountability as a practitioner and/or learner in relation to the interdependent building of the church and good of the wider community,
- plan and execute a research-based project, and/or piece of scholarship in either the discipline of Biblical Studies or the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology.
A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Master of Theological Studies.
Credit can only be granted for Bible and Theology units at the graduate level, that are from an equivalent award or institution, and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the SCD award.
Exit point
The Master of Theological Studies has nested within it the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and the Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies. The Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies requires a further 36 credit points and the surrender of the Sydney College of Divinity Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies.
The Master of Theological Studies is not offered to international students on an Australian student visa.
The Master of Theological Studies 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 any information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery, and timetable.
A domestic Sydney College of Divinity student 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.
For more information contact us at scd@scd.edu.au