Master of Theology

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 Caroline Batchelder
Program Director

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Course flyer

Academic Advice Sheet

Course Overview

CRICOS Course Code: 080052C

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 who seek a postgraduate award in which they can undertake advanced research of complex issues; and those who seek a pathway into doctoral studies and an academic career.

Course Structure

The course structure is based on three semesters (each of 12 weeks duration, plus an exam week). It comprises:

▪    one 20 credit point research methods subject
▪    40 credit points of specialisation subjects;
▪    20 credit points taken from a 500 level or above in a discipline outside the specialisation (electives); and
▪    one 40 credit point research project (20,000 words) in the discipline area.

To qualify for award of the degree of Master of Theology, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 120 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the subjects noted below.

Required Core Subjects

RES601 Research Methods (20 credit points)
RES602 Research Project (40 credit points)

Specialisations

Biblical Studies

BIB601 Methods in Biblical Studies
BIB602 Seminar Presentation of Research in Biblical Studies

Christian History

HIS601 Theory and Practice in Christian History
HIS602 Producing Christian History OR HIS603 Pentecostalism in Australasia

Theology

THE601 Theologians: Method and Meaning
THE602 Seminar Presentation of Theological Research

For specific information on subject and specialisation availabilities, please see the Master of Theology Course Handbook.

Length of Program

Full-Time: 1.5 Years (4 subjects per semester, 40 credit points)
Part-Time: Up to 7 Years (1 - 2 subjects per semester)

Fees

Domestic Student Fees 2019: AU$1995 per 10cp
International Student Fees 2019: AU$2200 per 10cp

Delivery Locations

Adelaide
Brisbane
Hobart
Melbourne
New Zealand
Online
Perth
Sydney

Delivery Modes

Face-to-Face (weekly 3 hour lectures)
Intensive (5 days of lectures delivered within a one week period)
Extensive (5 days lectures delivered across a term period)
Online Delivery (weekly video/audio lectures provided to be viewed at own convenience)

Articulation Options

Upon completion, students can continue their studies with a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree. See the Awards Offered page for more information.

Course Learning Outcomes

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.

▪ 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.

Entry Requirements

IELTS

International Students will be required to show proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall, reading 6.5; writing 6.5; speaking 6.5; listening 6.5 (or equivalent).

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education

This course requires the completion of at least an Australian Level 7 Bachelor degree awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas qualification). Applicants with Recent Secondary Education are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training

This course requires the completion of at least an Australian Level 7 Bachelor degree awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas qualification). Applicants with a Vocational Education and Training qualification are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

Applicants with Higher Education

Completion of an Australian Level 7 Bachelor degree in Ministry or Theology awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas qualification)

OR

Completion of a Australian Level 8+ postgraduate qualification in Ministry or Theology awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas qualification).

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

This course requires the completion of at least an Australian Level 7 Bachelor degree or (or equivalent overseas qualification). Applicants with no formal higher education are not eligible for direct entry into this course.

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.

Mr David Graieg (faculty profile)

David Graieg studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Western Australia and Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is currently undertaking a PhD through Murdoch University. David has previously taught apologetics in Singapore and worked at City Bible Forum. He runs a Reasonable Faith chapter in Perth. David is married to Grace, and they have three young children.

Rev. Associate Professor Jacqueline Grey (faculty profile)

Jacqui is Dean of Theology and 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 teaching and assistance to Pentecostal colleges in developing contexts to further their institutional goals. She is a member and past president (2017) of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, and is co-chair of Biblical Ethics section (2018-2020) of the Society of Biblical Literature. Jacqui is also a Research Fellow in the Department of Biblical and Ancient Studies, University of South Africa. Her research interests include pentecostal hermeneutics, prophetic literature and feminist readings of Scripture. Jacqui loves travelling, Turkish food, photography and coffee with friends.

Rev. Dr Kevin Hovey (faculty profile)

Kevin's current role, Head of Department: Pastoral and Cross Cultural Ministry, is an interesting convergence of many experiences and roles covering more than 45 years as an ordained minister of the Australian Christian Churches.

Starting with 31 years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, ministry was focused on developing and training local leaders. This ranged from informal mentoring in remote villages to developing Bible college structures and curriculum. Serving as consultant to the National Executive Council of Assemblies of God of Papua New Guinea provided opportunities for input – and for growth. In 2017, this service was recognized by the Papua New Guinea government with the Member of Logohu award that was announced in the Independence Day Honours list.

While still on field, the need for missionary training became evident, so the internationally recognized World Harvest Institute “missionary finishing program”, as some have termed it. Post Papua New Guinea, missionary leadership, missionary strategy and missionary training roles have continued to keep a focus on task of mission, but with a greater focus on seeing that outworked through local churches.

Kevin’s PhD thesis, completed in 2017, is entitled Guiding Light: Contributions of Alan R. Tippett Toward the Development and Dissemination of Twentieth Century Missiology. This will be published in 2019.

He also serves as the Oceania representative on the Pentecostal World Fellowship’s World Missions Commission, rubbing shoulders with key mission leaders from around the world.

Dr Lyn Kidson (faculty profile)

On staff with Campus crusade for Christ (Student Life) from 1994 until 2001. Children and family pastor at Wentworthville Baptist church 2009-2010.

Master of Divinity from Sydney Missionary and Bible College and Master of Arts in Early Christianity at Macquarie University. PhD from Macquarie University (2018).

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.

Dr Robyn Wrigley-Carr (faculty profile)

Robyn's love for theology and spirituality began when she was working in the Religious Books Department of Hodder & Stoughton Publishers in London. She subsequently went to Vancouver, Canada, to study her Masters in Spiritual Theology at Regent College. As part of her Regent degree, Robyn studied theology for a term at Oxford University, on a student exchange program. Robyn met her Kiwi husband at Regent, then they both returned to Sydney to live. Robyn worked as a lecturer in Spirituality for 8 years at the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM), and has lectured at MCSI (Macquarie University), Christian Heritage College, and tutored at the Broken Bay Institute. Robyn received an ORS scholarship and additional funding from the University of St Andrews to pursue her PhD full-time at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and also tutored in Theology at the University. She has received ARTFinc Grants in both 2016 and 2018 and an ADM Summer Research Fellowship in 2018. Robyn started as a permanent faculty member at AC in 2015. She has three gorgeous children.

Units offered as part of this Award:

BIB601 - Methods in Biblical Studies: Description: To examine Paul’s strategies used in overcoming the specific problems among the Corinthian Christians from a Pentecostal perspective. Special application is made to comparable situations in modern Pentecostalism, and how Paul’s answers may in fact be addressing us. Unit detail page >>
BIB602 - Seminar Presentation of Research in Biblical Studies: Description: In this subject, students will apply advanced research skills on a selected topic within biblical studies and present results of research to peers. Students will also respond to critically and generously to the research of others. Unit detail page >>
HIS601 - Theory and Practice in Christian History: Description: In this subjects, students will gain a detailed understanding of historical theory and practice, and the major emphases which typified Christian historical thought and practice from the Enlightenment to the Postcolonial era. Students will evaluate the validity, usefulness and consequences of difference approaches to historical inquiry, and the contributions of major schools of contemporary historiography. Unit detail page >>
HIS602 - Producing Christian History: Description: This subject builds on students skills and knowledge of the theories and practices of Christian history. Students will gain a detailed understanding of the major issues and challenges involved in producing public and professional Christian history, the methods and skills used by historians, the interaction of the historian with the wider society and use this knowledge to better appreciate the historian’s place in history and society, and the particular challenges facing the Christian historian and the strengths and limitations of producing Christian history. Students will apply advanced research skills in Christian history and will produce publishable historical research for a contemporary audience. Unit detail page >>
HIS603 - Pentecostalism in Australasia: Description: In this subject, students will gain an extensive understanding of the origins of Pentecostalism, including the foundations and early development of Pentecostalism in Australasia and the charismatic renewal in Australasia. Students will explore the emergent relationship between Pentecostalism and broader Australasian communities, the contributions of Pentecostalism to Christianity in Australasia, and contemporary Pentecostal movements in Australasia in the light of historical record. Unit detail page >>
RES601 - Research Methods: Description: This subject is the foundational class for all MTh and MPhil studies. Students will be taught advanced research skills across the main disciplines of theological and ministry studies. They will also develop some of the early research of what will become their major project. Unit detail page >>
RES602 - Research Project: Description: Students will undertake 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: Description: Is it possible to make sense of Christian faith in the 21st century? This course explores traditional "proofs" of the existence of God, and analyses their contemporary relevance. It considers the relationship between theology and science, and provides students with tools to defend central elements of the gospel. Students are also challenged to put theory into practice by engaging in discussions about faith with non-Christians. Unit detail page >>
THE601 - Theologians: Method and Meaning: Description: This unit introduces you to the work of some seminal theologians from Christian tradition and the 20th/21st century. It invites you to think about how method in theology influences a particular author’s project and conclusions. Unit detail page >>
THE602 - Seminar Presentation of Theological Research: Description: In this subject, students will apply advanced research skills to a selected topic on a contemporary theological issue and present results of research to peers. Students will also respond to critically and generously to the research of others. Unit detail page >>
XXX610 - Independent Guided Study in...: Description: In this subject, students will apply advanced research skills to a topic of interest, and will present the results of research in a manner that is clear, cohesive and logical. Unit detail page >>
XXX611 - Colloquium in ....: Description: In this subject, students will apply advanced research skills to a topic of interest related to the broad categories of the colloquium, and will present the results of research to peers. Students will also respond critically and generously to the research of others. Unit detail page >>