Master of Theological Studies

Course information for - 2023 entry

Offered at 8 locations

Study mode
Online, Multi-mode
Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$15800 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023
Applications open April 2023

Overview

The Master of Theological Studies offers a sophisticated, broad-based grounding across theology, and philosophy within the Catholic tradition. You will advance your knowledge and skills, engaging deeply with the Catholic intellectual tradition, and its relevance in the twenty-first century.

The program offers a wide range of specialisations, as well as the opportunity to study across the breadth of the discipline without electing a specific specialisation. Available specialisations include:

  • Biblical studies
  • Bioethics
  • Christian thought and tradition
  • Liturgical studies
  • Mission and ministry
  • Philosophy
  • Spirituality

Flexible study options are available, including a rich variety of international study tours which can offer up to 20 credit points, as well as invaluable opportunities for face to face interaction with peers and teaching staff.

The Master of Theological Studies may be undertaken as professional development if you are working in a Catholic or other Church or faith-based organisation. It is also suitable for you if you wish to pursue an interest in the field or are preparing for a higher degree research program in theology and/or philosophy.

Various entry pathways are available. The Master of Theological Studies can be undertaken without prior theological or philosophical training (suitable if you have an undergraduate degree in another discipline), while if you have a Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent) and wish to deepen your knowledge and skills at the postgraduate level, you may be granted advanced standing.

Course details

Course structure

To complete the Master of Theological Studies, a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).

View course rules

Sample program map

Year - Study periodUnit 1Unit 2Unit 3Unit 4Unit 5

Year 1

Semester 1

THBS501 Biblical Studies

10cp

(Inc:  THBS562, THBS502, & THMM502)

PHIL510 Introducing Philosophy for Theology

10cp

(Inc: PHIL626)

OR

PHIL626 Philosophical Contexts for Theology

10cp

(Inc: PHIL510)

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Year 1

Semester 2

THCT500 Foundations of Christian Faith

10cp

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Year 2

Semester 1

THEL619 Introduction to Theological and Philosophical Research

10cp

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Year 2

Semester 2

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Elective

10cp

Project B

20cp

This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

A student who has completed the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies (80 cp) or the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (40 cp) may exit with that award.

Additional course information

Units are delivered in one of three modes:

  • multi-mode: comprising of a face-to-face component (including by video-conference) and online study over the course of a semester;
  • attendance mode: normally delivered face-to-face in an intensive block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends, and complemented by online study; and
  • fully online.          


EXIT QUALIFICATIONS

Students who have completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies or Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies may exit with that award.


Overseas study available

A diverse range of international study tours is offered, (e.g. Rome, Asia, and Israel and the Middle East.) Overseas study tours often provide 20 credit points (with units delivered in intensive mode). Study tours, while providing an overseas experience, also give fully online students an opportunity to complement their study with invaluable face-to-face interaction with academics and peers.

Explore the available study abroad opportunities ->

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor degree in any discipline.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Those who have completed the Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, or Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies will be granted advanced standing into the Master of Theological Studies.


Further study

Successful completion of the Master of Theological Studies may be eligible to progress to the Master of Theology (Research) or to doctoral studies.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$15800 Fee-paying

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships 

How to apply

Additional application information

Students who do not meet the admission requirements for this program should speak with the Course Coordinator as to whether they may be eligible to seek admission to the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies on the alternative entry pathway.

 

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.

Testimonial

Nicole

"Theology at ACU appealed because it covered such a broad range of challenging and thought-provoking topics. It also offered the opportunity of a four-week study tour to religious sites in Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. Distance learning offered me the flexibility I needed to continue my education while working, and gave me the opportunity to learn from experts all over Australia. The lecturers were hugely supportive, and I felt very much a part of the ACU community.” 

Nicole
Theological studies student
 

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