Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies requires the completion of 72 credit points (8units) from 8100 and 9200 series units from the Sydney College of Divinity Schedule of Units of Study coded within the 8100 and 9200 series.

The 72 credit points (eight units) will include 36 credit points (4 units) from the discipline of Biblical Studies and the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology.

The course may include a specialisation which comprises 54 credit points in either Biblical Studies or Systematic Theology with at least two 9200-series units. The Grad Cert entry award can be used towards the 54 credit points required.

Units coded “A” are not counted towards a concentration in any discipline or subdiscipline.

The course will include a Generic (Research) unit and / or a Capstone unit and / in either the discipline of Biblical Studies or the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology as found in the Sydney College of Divinity Schedule of Units of Study.

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.

A candidate may include 18 credit points in the Research Essay (10,000- 12,000 words in length and written in the area of specialisation under supervision) \ providing the candidate completes a 8100 Research Methodology unit (9 credit points) before or concurrently with the Research Project.

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 SystematicTheology and Biblical Studies including recent developments in theory and practice;
• an understanding of research principles and methods applicable to SystematicTheology and Biblical Studies and their practice

Skills

Graduates will have cognitive and technical skills specifically in Theology and Biblical Studies, so as to be able independently to:

• analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise 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.

Exit Points

Candidates of the Master of Theological Studies may exit with 36 credit points to the Sydney College of Divinity Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, provided they surrender the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies after graduation.

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 graduate level, that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in a Sydney College of Divinity award.

Progress to Further Awards

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

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 all information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery, and timetable.

In 2024 Nazarene Theological College is not currently accepting students into this award at the Queensland campus located at 40 Woodlands Dr, Thornlands QLD, 4164.  Please contact the SCD Academic Registrar for other location options (registrar@scd.edu.au).

In 2024 PlanetShakers College is not currently accepting students into this award at the Melbourne campus located at 129 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC, 3006.  Please contact the SCD Academic Registrar for other location options (registrar@scd.edu.au).

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 scd@scd.edu.au