Master of Theology (Research)

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  • 1
    Year Full Time
  • 96
    Credit Points
  • Payments Centrelink Approved
  • 2.5
    Max Years Part Time
  • Online Course
  • Overseas Students
    Cricos code: 094613D (English)

Rationale

The Master of Theology (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 (Res) 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. 

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.

Admission Requirements

Academic Qualifications:

BTh/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, OR

MPM with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods and Confirmation of Candidature and an overall GPA≥2.0, OR

Theological and non-theological qualifications deemed by the Research Committee to provide a suitable grounding for Master of Theology (Research) study.

RTP = Research Training Pathway

FoR = Field of Research

 

Language requirements:

All applicants to the course where studied in English are to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency, in accordance with the English Language Proficiency Policy. The IELTS test scores required are 7.5 overall with a min 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening and 6.5 in speaking.

Language requirements (Chinese):

All applicants to the course where studied in Chinese are to demonstrate proof of Chinese language proficiency, in accordance with the Languages Other Than English Policy. Requirements include a relevant qualification in Chinese in the last 10 years; or using Chinese as the language primarily spoken both at home and work for the last 10 years; or Chinese Language Proficiency test through a HSK Test or another test approved by the University.

Articulation Options

  • DMIN20

Exit Options

Overseas Students

This course is registered on CRICOS and is available to overseas students at selected delivery locations. See here for more information.

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Theology (Research) is an AQF Level 9 Masters Research award.

Graduates of the Master of Theology (Research) will be able to:

Knowledge

1. Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and depth of understanding of Theology in AT LEAST ONE of the fields of ‘Bible and Languages,’ ‘Christian Thought and History,’ and ‘Ministry and Practice.’

2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods used in AT LEAST ONE of the fields of ‘Bible and Languages,’ ‘Christian Thought and History,’ and ‘Ministry and Practice.’

Skills

3. Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a specialised research project that makes a contribution to knowledge, AND/OR professional practice, AND/OR creative practice.

4. Analyse, synthesise, evaluate and critically reflect on complex information, problems and concepts and apply established theories in the context of an advanced body of knowledge and practice.

Application of knowledge and skills

5. Plan and conduct a substantial piece of research with creativity, initiative, autonomy, and accountability.

6. Communicate a coherent and sustained argument effectively and disseminate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Fees

$12,648 per semester for full-time (48cp) domestic students (2025 course fees).

For more information about tuition fees, FEE-HELP, and student payments, view tuition fees.

Course Rules

  1. Applicants must review the HDR Course Enrolment Policy.
  2. Applicants seeking entry to the course to undertake research in the fields of BB, NT, OT, LA, or TH must meet the biblical language requirements of 2 units in the relevant biblical language(s) and 2 exegesis units from relevant set text units. Applicants in the field of TH may apply for an exemption from the above requirements by including a letter with supporting evidence from their proposed principal supervisor.
  3. Upgrade to doctoral courses is not permitted.
  4. Candidates must submit an Annual Progress Report throughout the duration of candidature.
  5. Candidates must satisfactorily complete Confirmation of Candidature.
  6. Candidates must satisfactorily complete the requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee, where relevant.
  7. Candidates may apply for leave, suspension and/or extension of candidature.
  8. Candidates must attend, and participate in, a minimum of 4 college research seminars (or other research conference approved by the Graduate School of Research) during each year of full-time candidature (minimum of 2 for each year of part-time candidature).
  9. Candidates must present at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes’ duration at a research conference approved by the Graduate School of Research prior to submission of the thesis.
  10. Candidates must submit a thesis or approved body of work for examination. Theses must be approximately 30,000 words, and may vary by ±10%. The word count includes all material except the bibliography i.e., it includes footnotes and any excursuses or appendices. An excursus contributes to and supports the argument; an appendix contains information which verifies the argument of the thesis, such as a translation of a key text, extensive tables, or a questionnaire.
  11. Candidates must produce a citation in plain English which enables those with no specialised knowledge of the field to comprehend the nature of the research and appreciate its contribution to society.

Approved for delivery at

Approval to deliver a course does not guarantee that this course will be available in a given year – please contact a college about current availability.