Pre-2022 Master of Theology

ⓘ This information is only relevant to students who enrolled in the MTh award prior to 2022

Master of Theology (Pre-2022 MTh award summary)
CRICOS : 063709G
AQF Level 9

Entry Requirements A 3 year AQF Level 7 award in the discipline of theology
Duration          1.5 years (three semesters) full-time or 4.5 years (nine semesters) part-time
Mode           Full-time, Part-time
International students on an Australian student visa are required to study full-time.
Structure 108 credit points (i.e. 12 units) including either a discipline or sub discipline specialisation of 6 units (54 cps), or in-depth studies of 3 units (27cps) in two disciplines or subdisciplines.
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.

Graduate Profile and Rationale

The Master of Theology is a coursework program designed for those who hold at least a Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent) and who wish to pursue theological studies in greater depth and with greater rigour.  It includes either a specialisation of six units in one discipline or subdiscipline, or in-depth studies of three units in two or more disciplines or subdisciplines, along with the opportunity for a focused research project.  The disciplines and subdisciplines and specialisations are:

Discipline Sub-disciplines Specialisations / Sub-specialisations
Biblical Studies Biblical Studies
Christian Life & Ministry Christian Spirituality (S)
Worship & Liturgy (L)
Mission (M)
Pastoral Counselling (C)
Pastoral Theology (P)
Christian Ethics (E)		 Christian Spirituality
Worship & Liturgy
Mission
Pastoral Counselling
Pastoral Theology
Christian Ethics
Christian Life & Ministry  [Discipline]
Humanities in Christian Tradition Church History (H)
Philosophy (W)
Theological Education (D)		 Church History
Philosophy
Humanities in Christian Tradition [Discipline] (specialisations and sub- specialisations not to include A units)
Theology Theology

Outcomes

Graduates will have advanced knowledge and skills in relation to theology and its related disciplines, enabling them to undertake research and/or to engage in professional practice, and/or to continue life-long learning. Graduates will acquire:

Knowledge

  • 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
  • understanding of research principles and methods applicable to theological investigation and practice

Skills

  • expert, specialized cognitive and technical skills in a theologically-related body of knowledge, so that they are able independently to:
  • analyse critically, reflect on and synthesize 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 in relation to a theologically-related body of knowledge

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

  • the ability to
    • apply knowledge and skills in a way that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgment, 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.

PRE-2022 ACADEMIC REGULATIONS for the Master of Theology

1 Admission to Candidature
1.1 An applicant for admission to candidature for a degree of Master of Theology must:
1.1.1 have completed a three-year AQF Level 7 award in the discipline of theology; or
1.1.2 shall hold, from a university or other tertiary institution, qualifications approved by the Student Support and Administration Committee as equivalent to a three-year AQF Level 7 award in the discipline of theology.
1.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of this regulation the Student Support and Administration Committee may require an applicant to demonstrate fitness for admission as a candidate for a degree of Master of Theology by carrying out such work and/or sitting for such examinations as the Student Support and Administration Committee may determine.
1.3 In exceptional cases, an applicant may be admitted as a candidate for a degree of Master of Theology if the applicant submits evidence of other academic and professional attainments to the Student Support and Administration Committee.
1.4 A candidate for the award shall be designated as full-time or part-time. A student is normally 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.
1.5 No candidate for the award may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution, unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board.
1.6 Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 7.0 in all bands of the test and may be required to attend such English language courses as prescribed by the Sydney College of Divinity.
1.7 Application for enrolment in the Master of Theology program is made to the Registrar of the appropriate Teaching Body offering the program.
2 Course Structure
2.1 The Master of Theology requires the completion of 108 credit points.
2.2 Every program for the award shall include:.
2.2.1   Either a specialisation (54 credit points) in a discipline or subdiscipline,

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.

or

2.2.2   In-depth studies (27 credit points) in two or more disciplines or subdisciplines.

2.2.3   At least one 9600 series Generic Research unit

2.2.4   Not more than 90 credit points in one sub-discipline, including a Research Essay, but not including the Research Methodology unit;

2.2.5   Not more than 18 credit points in Independent Guided Studies without the approval of the Academic Board;
2.3 In addition:

2.3.1   Up to four units may be taken from the 8500 series (including 8500 series language units).

2.3.2   The 8500-series Research Methodology Unit (9 credit points) may be taken in addition to the four 8500 series units referred to in 2.3.1.

2.3.3   All other course units shall be taken from the 9600-series units in the Schedule of Units of Study.

2.3.4   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 MTh to either the MDiv or the MA cannot exceed this limit in total across both programs.
2.4 Candidates who enter the program from a BTh or equivalent cannot enrol in units with content similar to those covered in their previous studies.
2.5 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.
3 Period of Candidature
3.1 The period of candidature for the degree shall normally be 1.5 years (three semesters) full-time and up to 4.5 years (nine semesters) part-time.
3.2 In certain circumstances, the Student Support and Administration Committee may grant extensions to the period of candidature.
4 Leave of Absence
4.1 The Student Support and Administration Committee may grant leave of absence from the award. The period of leave shall not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the degree.
4.2 The period of leave shall normally be one semester after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester or will be required to complete candidature.
5 Assessment
5.1 The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board in line with the College’s established guidelines for assessment packages for units.
5.2 Students may be required by the Academic Board to present themselves for oral examination.
5.3 Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalised in accordance with the regulations of the Sydney College of Divinity, whose stipulations are severe.
6 Credits
6.1 A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 54 credit points in the Master of Theology. Credit can be granted only from units at graduate level where the outcomes, content, demand hours and assessment are equivalent to that of units in the SCD award.
7  Saving Clause
7.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Academic Board of the Sydney College of Divinity may, in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirement or prescription by these regulations, and report forthwith to the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity.

Contact your college registrar or the Academic Registrar at SCD if you have any questions.

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