Master of Theology
The Master of Theology provides a unique opportunity to train professionally competent scholars, leaders and managers in a wide range of careers. Graduates engage in cutting edge research and critical exploration of contemporary issues. Developing specialised skills in fields such as Theology, Biblical Studies and Christian History.
intellectual, influential, transformational
With an exciting vision to train professionally competent scholars, leaders and managers in a wide range of careers, the Alphacrucis College MTh provides a unique opportunity to engage in cutting edge research and critical exploration of contemporary issues. Developing specialised skills in fields such as Theology, Biblical Studies and Christian History, students will be trained to communicate complex ideas and propose solutions to a wide audience, as well as design and implement an advanced research thesis. Students also have a selection of electives, which range from Ancient Languages to Marketing, to add to their learning experience.
Graduates of the MTh will have advanced knowledge of theological studies, including recent developments and approaches in the area of their discipline specialisation. The MTh also provides a pathway into doctorate level studies.
With internationally acclaimed lecturers who bring not only academic expertise but practical experience into the classroom, the Alphacrucis College MTh will provide an educational experience of holistic formation which prepares students to change the world.
Dr Adam White
Program Director
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Course Overview
The Master of Theology is designed to prepare graduates for ministry within church, academic and community settings. Graduates of the MTh will have an advanced knowledge of theological studies, including a working knowledge of recent developments and approaches in the area of their discipline specialisation.
Graduates of the MTh will demonstrate the following outcomes:
- an advanced and integrated understanding of theological studies specific to their discipline;
- an understanding of general research principles and methods, and advanced knowledge of specific research approaches used in the selected disciplinary field;
- an ability to critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in the selected disciplinary field;
- an 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;
- an ability to communicate effectively complex ideas and propose solutions to peers and general audiences.
Who Is It For?
The MTh award is ideal for:
- graduates of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in theology, ministry or equivalent who wish to undertake deeper theological reflection
- those seek a postgraduate award in which they can undertaken advanced research of complex issues
- those who seek a pathway into doctoral studies and an academic career
Course Duration
Full Time: 1.5 years
Part-time: Up to 7 years
Course Fees
Fee information for this course can be found on the Higher Ed Indicative Fee Schedule.
Course Structure
The course consists of 120 credit points comprising:
- One research methods unit: 20 credit points (Core);
- Two 20 credit point subjects, at 600 level, to be taken from the area of specialisation (Major);
- 20 credit points, at 500 level or above, to be taken from a discipline outside the specialisation (Elective Subjects);
- one 40 credit point research project (20,000 words) in area of discipline (Core).
To qualify for award of the degree of Master of Theology a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 120 credit points.
Entry Requirements
IELTS
IELTS for overseas students is 7.0 or higher with no band scores lower than 6.5. Applicants with an equivalent English language test results may also be considered.
Academic Entry Requirements
Completion of a ministry or theology undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or equivalent.
Fees
Complete Fee Schedules and FEE-HELP information (where appropriate) for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Documents section, under the Fees and FEE-HELP Information link.
Rev. Associate Professor Jacqueline Grey (faculty profile)
Jacqui is associate professor of Biblical Studies, specialising in hermenutics and Old Testament studies. Her publications include Them, Us and Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today, Raising Women Leaders, and Three's A Crowd: Pentecostalism, Hermeneutics and the Old Testament as well as various articles and book chapters. Jacqui speaks regularly at local and international events and has appeared on various national TV and radio programs in Australia, including the ABC TV's Q&A program. Jacqui is committed to ensuring quality education within the theological sector, and provides assistance to Pentecostal colleges in developing contexts to further their institutional goals. She is a member of the Register of Experts of the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), established by the Australian Federal government. She is currently the President (2017) of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, and is part of the steering committee for Biblical Ethics in the Society of Biblical Literature. Her research interests include pentecostal hermeneutics, prophetic literature and feminist readings of Scripture. Jacqui loves travelling, Turkish food, photography and coffee with friends.
Mrs Alison Lau (faculty profile)
Dr Van Shore (faculty profile)
Van is married to Heazle and they have two adult children, Ben married to Lani and Amy married to Seng. Van loves to laugh and celebrate with others their uniqueness in God and enjoys walking, bird watching, tennis and good food. He has almost 20 years of pastoral ministry and teaching experience.
In 2009, Van was selected along with a number of New Testament scholars throughout Australia to write a chapter in The Content and Setting of the Gospel Tradition (Eerdmans, 2010). Dr Mark Harding and Dr Alana Nobbs co-edited the work. Van's chapter was called "The Titles of Jesus".
In 2011, Van also authored two books: The Art of Not Disappearing (River Publishing, UK), and in 2011-2012, while living in Bangkok, he wrote his second book, The Art of Not Getting Lost on the Way Home. This was prior to joining the staff at the Alphacrucis College.
Rev. Dr Adam White (faculty profile)
Adam began his working career as a spraypainter and from there moved into ministry as a youth pastor then an associate pastor at Riverlands Christian Church in Penrith. Then at the age of 25 he felt called to study theology at Southern Cross College (now AC); this continued through an honours degree up to a Doctorate of Ancient History at Macquarie University. He is married to Rachel and has a daughter named Sophia and two sons, Alexander, and Sebastian.
Units offered as part of this Award:
- BIB601 - Methods in Biblical Studies
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Outcomes:
- Display a detailed understanding of the historical development of the theory and practice of methods in biblical studies. This includes:
- Historical-critical methods;
- Literary approaches;
- Ideological criticisms;
- Social-scientific theories.
- Critically evaluate the validity, usefulness and consequences of difference approaches to biblical studies;
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in using methods of biblical studies;
- Demonstrate advanced skills in biblical exegesis.
- BIB602 - Seminar Presentation of Research in Biblical Studies
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Outcomes:
- Propose a topic of research within biblical studies and formulate a research proposal;
- Demonstrate advanced research skills, critical engagement with alternate perspectives and the ability to make a solid argument;
- Utilise an appropriate method to develop a coherent argument on selected issues or passages;
- Present the results of research to peers and respond to critically and generously to the research of others.
- HIS601 - Theory and Practice in Christian History
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Outcomes:
- Display a detailed understanding of historical theory and practice;
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the origins of Christian historical thought;
- Display perceptive understanding of the major emphases which typified Christian historical thought and practice from the Enlightenment to the Postcolonial era;
- Critically evaluate the validity, usefulness and consequences of difference approaches to historical inquiry;
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the processes of historical inquiry;
- Use critical judgment to evaluate the contributions of major schools of contemporary historiography;
- Critically analyse the implications of writing contemporary history from a Christian perspective.
- HIS602 - Producing Christian History
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Outcomes:
- Display a detailed understanding of the major issues and challenges involved in producing public and professional Christian history;
- Critically evaluate the methods and skills used by historians, including those used to study key figures, movements, issues and time periods;
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the interaction of the historian with the wider society and use this knowledge to better appreciate the historian’s place in history and society;
- Display an appreciation of the particular challenges facing the Christian historian and the strengths and limitations of producing Christian history;
- Exhibit an advanced ability to research the historical record from primary and secondary sources and critically analyse the results;
- Demonstrate proficiency in producing publishable historical research for a contemporary audience.
- HIS603 - Pentecostalism in Australasia
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Outcomes:
- Display a detailed knowledge of the origins of Pentecostalism;
- Demonstrate an extensive understanding of the foundations and early development of Pentecostalism in Australasia;
- Recognise and explain the impact and ramifications of the charismatic renewal in Australasia;
- Exhibit an advanced ability to research the historical record from primary and secondary sources and critically analyse the results;
- Demonstrate a thorough appreciation of the contributions of Pentecostalism to Christianity in Australasia;
- Critically evaluate the emergent relationship between Pentecostalism and broader Australasian communities;
- Critically analyse contemporary Pentecostal movements in Australasia in the light of historical record.
- RES601 - Research Methods
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Outcomes:
- Discuss the difference between quantitative and qualitative approaches to research;
- Formulate a research question and outline an appropriate research plan for data collection
- Effectively construct and communicate a research project which will inform and enhance the selected research field
- RES602 - Research Project
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Description: Students will undertaken an in-depth independent research project, in consultation with an approved supervisor. The research project should be in the area of specialisation (either Theology, Biblical Studies or History). Unit detail page >>
- THE512 - Apologetics
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Outcomes:
Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate the development of apologetic method from modernity to post-modernity;
- Critically analyse the challenges to religious faith and practice that arise in contemporary culture;
- Compose translations between Christian and secular language games;
- Explain the underlying presuppositions or motifs of Christian self-understanding;
- Formulate advanced responses to questions of religious faith.
- THE601 - Theologians: Method and Meaning
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Outcomes:
1. Explain the contribution of selected theologians central to Christian tradition (pre-20th century) to contemporary thought and practice;
Unit detail page >>
2. Compare, contrast and evaluate the theological insights of selected authors;
3. Summarise the theological method of key 20/21st century theologians and explain the way this frames their theology;
4. Present research conclusions to peers and engage in constructive and critical dialogue. - THE602 - Seminar Presentation of Theological Research
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Outcomes:
- Explain the epistemological perspectives of contemporary western culture and discriminate between alternate theological responses;
- Propose a topic of research on a contemporary theological issue and formulate a research proposal;
- Demonstrate advanced research skills, critical engagement with alternate perspectives and the ability to make a solid argument;
- Utilise an appropriate theological method to develop a coherent argument on selected theological issues;
- Present the results of research to peers and respond critically and generously to the research of others.
- XXX610 - Independent Guided Study in...
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Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
- XXX611 - Colloquium in ....
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Curriculum objective: Unit detail page >>
