Master of Theology
Master of Theology
The Master of Theology (AQF level 9 Masters Research) course has been designed for research to be undertaken normally in one field of specialisation within either the Department of Bible and Language, Department of Christian Thought and History, or Department of Ministry and Practice. From its inauguration the MTh has…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Master of Theology (AQF level 9 Masters Research) course has been designed for research to be undertaken normally in one field of specialisation within either the Department of Bible and Language, Department of Christian Thought and History, or Department of Ministry and Practice.
From its inauguration the MTh has been used as a research degree for theology graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession and are aspiring to be teachers in theological colleges in Australia and overseas. Graduates of the course may articulate to the ACT DMin, ThD and PhD.
Course Structure
96 credit points over 1 year (F/T)
Primary Course Discipline
- Overall cps: 96
- Length: 1 year F/T (2 semesters) or P/T equivalent up to 2.5 years (5 semesters)
- Thesis: 30,000 word thesis. Thesis length may vary by ±10%. Total word count excludes Bibliography.
Learning Outcomes
The level of the course is equivalent to an AQF Level 9 Masters Research, and has been benchmarked against research masters of the Melbourne College of Divinity, the Sydney College of Divinity and research masters degrees offered at Australian universities.
Characteristics of the Master of Theology include:
- The demonstration of research skills and advanced knowledge in a specialised area of the discipline of theology, by which is meant a topic from one of the unit fields of the Departments of Bible and Languages (LA, OT, NT), the Department of Christian Thought and History (TH, CH, PE) including Integrative Studies (IN), and Ministry and Practice (EM, PC, DE);
- The demonstration of a high order of skill in analysis, critical evaluation and/or the professional application in a piece of extended research that exhibits comprehension and evaluation of new information, concepts and evidence encountered both in primary sources and also the secondary literature arising out of scholarly reflection in a specialised area of one or more of the major disciplines in theology such as Biblical Studies, Theology, Christianity in History, Ethics, or Ministry and Practice;
- The demonstration of a high order of skill in analysis and critical evaluation transferred from undergraduate study and showing evidence of the ability to think independently.
In the following domains, Graduates of the Master of Theology will be able to:
- Knowledge and Understanding
- Inquiry and Analysis
- Problem Solving and Integration
- Research
- Communication
- Teamwork and Professional Practice
- Engagement with the World
- Continuing Learning and Development.
REQUIREMENTS
RBTh/BMin Hons, with at least Lower Second Class Honours and at least a Credit grade in the thesis, OR
BTh or BMin with an overall GPA >=3.0 plus a Graduate Diploma with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=2.0 and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
BTh or BMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=2.0 and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MDiv or MMin with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA>=2.0 and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MDiv or MMin with an overall GPA>=2.0 plus a Graduate Certificate with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MDiv or MMin with an overall GPA<2.0 plus a Coursework Masters (Such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with an overall GPA>=2.0 with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with an overall GPA<2.0 plus Graduate Certificate with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and >=Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words
RTP = Research Training Pathway, FoR = Field of Research
Language requirements for non-English speaking background applicants: IELTS 7.5 with a minimum of 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening and 6.5 in speaking.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The Australian College of Theology (ACT) is Australia’s largest theological education provider with 16 colleges, 34 courses and over 700 units. The ACT offers specialist qualifications in ministry, theology, and Christian studies, ranging from undergraduate diplomas through to doctoral degrees. The Australian College of Theology exists as a partnership between the Anglican Church of Australia and a national network of Bible and theological colleges.
