Master of Theology

Program Overview

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Master of Theology

Program Description

The Master of Theology is an 18-month full-time (or equivalent part-time) advanced degree in theology that allows students to tailor their learning by choosing from one of the three study streams in the program. The Advanced (Research) stream prepares students for further study in theology. It involves advanced coursework and a thesis and can prepare students for teaching theology and for a Higher Degree by Research (ThD or PhD) in theology. The Pastoral Studies, or Practice of Ministry Stream, enables those who have completed the Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry to extend their learning into the master’s level. This pathway includes advanced coursework and a research component. The General Studies Stream caters to those who want to expand their knowledge via a broad selection of advanced coursework without a major research component.

Program Requirements

• Advanced (Research) Stream (may not be offered in all disciplines) (300 credit points)
  • At least two 6000 level courses in discipline of research (50 units of credit)
  • Level 5300 courses in the discipline, in consultation with the Academic Dean at CIS, providing no equivalents have been undertaken in prior studies (max 75 units of credit)
  • Up to two 6000 or 5200 or 5300 level electives outside the discipline but pertinent to the thesis topic chosen in consultation with the CIS Academic Dean (max 50 units of credit)
  • Level 5000 language courses, relevant to the thesis topic may be chosen, in consultation with the Academic Dean at CIS (max 50 units of credit), providing no equivalent has been previously studied
• Research component
  • CISR6300 Research Training and Thesis Proposal (25 units of credit) AND CISR6310 Supervised thesis (75 units of credit) 15,000 words
• Practice of Ministry Stream (200 credit points)
  • Ministry Studies courses (5000 or 6000 level) where equivalent has not previously been taken (at least 50 units of credit)
  • Other relevant level 5000 or 6000 courses (e.g., Spirituality or Pastoral Theology), in consultation with the CIS Academic Dean, where no prior equivalent has been studied
• Research component
  • CISR6210 (50 units of credit); OR
  • CISR6300 Research Training and Thesis Proposal (25 units of credit) AND CISR6310 Supervised thesis (75 units of credit) 15,000 words
• General Studies Stream (300 credit points)
  • 6000 level courses in any discipline may be pursued (up to 275 units of credit depending on research option chosen)
  • A student may substitute up to 100 units of credit at 5300 level, or level 5000 language courses (50 credit points maximum), if equivalents not previously taken, subject to consultation with the CIS Academic Dean
• Research component
  • Research Project (CISR6200 (25 units of credit) OR CISR6210 (50 units of credit))

Entry Requirements

• Advanced (Research) Stream: AQF7 in theology or MDiv. GPA of 2.5 overall, with WAM of at least 70% (Distinction, on UNDA scale, or equivalent) in the intended field of research across at least 100 credits in that discipline.
• Practice of Ministry Stream: AQF7 in Theology or MDiv with 2.0GPA and the Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry with at least a Credit or better in all courses
• General Studies Stream: AQF7 in theology or MDiv. At minimum of 2.0 GPA.
• For students without the prior study in the English language: IELTS of 7.0 in all bands.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master of Theology graduates will be able to:

1. Apply focused knowledge of Catholic theology, achieved through detailed study of one of the theological disciplines or the Practice of Ministry, or extended knowledge across the range of theological disciplines
2. Apply theological perspectives, methods, and research principles, evident in honed cognitive and technical skills, applied in the light of Catholic faith, in one of the theological disciplines, the Practice of Ministry or across the range of theological disciplines
3. Analyse and synthesise complex information, methods, and theories in a manner that demonstrates advanced theological and/or ministerial competence, while applying cognitive, technical, and creative skills
4. Communicate complex theological and pastoral positions, in a succinct, contextualised and doctrinally coherent way, to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
5. Adapt their knowledge and skills to act with competence, creativity, autonomy, and ethical responsibility in their Christian living in the world and/or Ministry in the Church.

Practical Component

The Practice of Ministry Stream includes a practicum requirement. Other streams in the Master of Theology do not include a practicum requirement.

Partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney

This program is offered through an exclusive partnership with the Catholic Institute of Sydney (CIS) and provides the option to participate in this program externally, at one of the eligible CIS campuses or through Notre Dame, at the Fremantle or Sydney campus. By attending the CIS campus in Sydney, you will receive instruction from their internationally trained faculty and lecturers, and earn an accredited degree through the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Career Opportunities

A Master of Theology can lead to careers in religious education (with additional training), chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), academia, writing, communications, advertising, ministry, pastoral counselling, spiritual direction, youth work, or research.

Real-World Experience

You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

Domestic Fee-Paying
A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.