Course Description
An AC Master of Theology (MTh) gives you the skills you need to engage in research and the critical exploration of contemporary issues. This is your opportunity to train as a professionally competent scholar, leader or manager in a wide range of careers. You will gain an advanced knowledge of theological studies, including a working knowledge of recent developments and approaches in the area of your specialisation.
While developing specialised skills in fields such as Theology, Biblical Studies, and Ministry, you will be trained to communicate complex ideas and propose solutions to a wide audience, as well as design and write an advanced research thesis. You can also choose from a selection of electives, which range from Ancient Languages to Marketing, to add to your learning experience.
Course Structure
The course consists of 120 credit points, comprising:
- one 20 credit points core research methods subject (Core);
- one 40 credit point research project (20,000 words) in area of discipline (Core);
- two 20 credit point subjects to be taken from the area of specialisation (Major);
- 20 credit points to be taken from a discipline outside the specialisation (Elective Subjects).
To qualify for award of the degree of Master of Theology a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 120 credit points.
For more information see the Student Handbook.
Subjects
Core / 2 Subjects (60 credit points)
Major Options / 2 Subjects (40 credit points)
Biblical Studies:
Christian History
- HIS601 Theory and Practice in Christian History
- One of the following: HIS602 Producing Christian History or HIS603 Pentecostalism in Australasia
Ministry
Theology
Electives(s) / 1-2 Subjects (20 credit points)
An elective may be any subject that is 500 level or above. Electives are often used to develop skills needed for the final research thesis (e.g., language) or to explore areas related to the final thesis. Electives may also be a 20cp subject within a major other than the chosen major. Electives should be discussed with the MTh Program director.
- Option A: 2x 500 level subject – 10 credit points
- Option B: 1x 600 level subject (from specialisations above) – 20 credit points
More Information
For more details on which subjects you can choose, see the current enrolment guide for this course.
You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
Admissions
Academic
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)
This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with recent high school education only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
This course of study requires the completion of a higher education qualification by an authorised institution. Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification only are not eligible for direct entry into this course.
Applicants with Higher Education Study
Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in the field of Ministry or Theology by an authorised institution with a credit average or higher for admission into this course.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Applicants who have not completed formal higher education study are not eligible for direct entry into this course.
Other Requirements
Applicants may be required to attend a pre-admission interview with the Director of Postgraduate Studies to discuss specialisation and determine suitability for the course, including the capacity of the applicant to undertake a 40-credit point research project.
Language
Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 (with no score below 6.5 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.
Study Modes
Delivery Mode*: Face-to-Face (Campus class), Online Live (Zoom class), Online Recorded
Locations**: Sydney, Melbourne, Online
Duration: 1.5 years full-time/up to 7 years part-time
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
* Our study modes are flexible so you can mix-and-match different modes throughout your course to fit your needs. For example, a face-to-face student can choose to attend some classes online or an online student may choose to take some subjects face-to-face.
** Some subjects may only be available in certain study modes each semester. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information. Face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives, where the subject is delivered in a block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.
Fees & Timetable
A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.
FEE-HELP is available for eligible students to assist you in financing your studies. For more information and other options, please visit the Financing Your Study page. For students who cannot access government loans, an alternative option is Study Loans, a private student loan provider. To learn more about loans provided by Study Loans, click here.
Course Outcomes
Knowledge:
Graduates will demonstrate:
- advanced and integrated understanding of theological studies specific to their discipline;
- have an understanding of general research principles and methods, and advanced knowledge of specific research approaches used in the selected disciplinary field.
Skills:
Graduates will:
- critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in the selected disciplinary field;
- ability to lead advanced discussion and analysis of contemporaneous topics, issues and challenges impacting on Christian ministry and the Pentecostal community, and create solutions to these challenges. This includes the ability to apply knowledge and skills to new and diverse contexts;
- communicate effectively complex ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences.
Application of Knowledge and Skills:
Graduates will:
- articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected disciplinary field to develop appropriate solutions;
- design and implement a major research project
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may find employment in ministry or church-based organisations (e.g. senior pastor of a church); become part of the next generation of leaders of not-for-profit organisations; take up leadership or management positions in schools (e.g. vice-principal), or various management positions in for-profit businesses.
Alumni Story
“I spent 7 years studying with Alphacrucis beginning with my undergraduate in Theology and finally graduating with a Masters in 2022. Some of the standout classes for me included Trinity and Christian Life and Christ & Salvation. The former equipped me with an understanding of the inner trinitarian life and how theologians have understood it across the tradition, whereas the latter helped me to see how the death of Christ on a cross was both significant and deeply meaningful. I’m not exaggerating when I say that these qualifications help me every day with the task of communicating the Gospel and helping people answer their questions about faith and Jesus.”
RYAN KERRISON
MASTER OF THEOLOGY
Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.
