Master of Theology

Every student program for the Master of Theology will consist of no fewer than 108 credit points.

Every program will include:

• Either a specialisation (54 credit points) in a discipline or subdiscipline; OR
• At least 27 credit points in two or more disciplines or subdisciplines;
• At least one 9200 series Generic Research unit;
• Not more than 90 credit points in one subdiscipline, including a Research Essay, but not including the Research Methodology unit;Not more than 18 credit points in Independent Guided Studies without approval of the Academic Board.

A specialisation in a subdiscipline requires 54 credit points from the subdiscipline. A specialisation in a discipline requires 54 credit points from the discipline, with at least 27 credit points in one subdiscipline.

In addition:

• Up to 36 credit points (4 units) may be taken from the 8100 series (including 8100 series language units;
• The 8100-series Research Methodology Unit (9 credit points) may be taken in addition to the 36 credit points from the 8100 series;
• All other course units will be taken from the 9200-series units in the Schedule of Units of Study;
• A candidate may take a maximum of 54 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 36 credit points as a Research Essay. Students who transfer from the Master of Theology to either the Master of Divinity or the Master of Arts cannot exceed this limit in total across both programs;
• 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 an 8100-series Research Methodology Unit (9 credit points) before or concurrently with the Research Project;

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

Candidates who enter the program from a Bachelor of Theology or equivalent cannot enrol in units with content similar to those covered in their previous studies.

Candidates wishing to proceed to the degree of Master of Philosophy must include one 18 credit point research unit, or two 9 credit point research units at Distinction level.

Knowledge

Graduates will have:

• a deep and integrated understanding of an advanced body of knowledge in one or more theologically related disciplines or areas of practice, with a solid grasp of recent developments in those sub-disciplines and areas of practice;
• an understanding of research principles and methods applicable to theological investigation and practice

Skills

Graduates will have expert 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;
• 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 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 judgement, adaptability, and accountability as a practitioner or learner in relation to one or more theological disciplines, with a view to the building up of the church and the good of the wider community;
• plan and execute a substantial research-based project, and/or piece of independent study in an area of theology.

 Exit Points 

A range of exit points are available from the Master of Theology. These include the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, requiring 36 credit points.

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 54 credit points in the Master of Theology.

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 Theology.

Progress to Further Awards

Students who complete the Master of Theology may articulate into the Master of Philosophy at the University College. Admission into the Master of Philosophy award would require a completed Master of Theology which includes an 18 credit point Research Project or Essay with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Admission into the Sydney College of Divinity Doctor of Ministry award would require a Master of Theology with a GPA of 2.8 or higher including a Research Essay with a GPA of 2.8 or higher and the appropriate ministry experience.

Admission into the Sydney College of Divinity Doctor of Philosophy or Theology would require a completed Master of Theology with a GPA of 3.0 or higher including a Research Essay with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Master of Theology 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 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 ([email protected]).

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]