Master of Theology (Korean)

The Master of Theology (Korean) at the Australian University College of Divinity is a coursework master's degree taught in Korean. It runs for 1.5 years full time, or the part-time equivalent, and is registered on CRICOS (course code 082728C). The degree suits pastors, church workers, missionaries and graduates in theology who want to study at postgraduate level without stepping out of Korean-language ministry. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in theology or a related field and you work in a Korean-speaking congregation or organisation, this is built for you.

What you study

The course covers biblical studies, Christian theology, church history and practical ministry, with the option to focus your work on an area that matters to your context. You will study units of theology at a level above your undergraduate degree, reading primary texts, writing exegetical and theological essays, and engaging with scholarly debate in your field. Assessment is mostly written work, with some units including seminar presentations and supervised research tasks. Because the teaching is in Korean, you can express complex theological ideas in the language you minister in.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. A 1.5-year master's typically requires 72 to 96 credit points, depending on the institution. Study is organised into semesters or trimesters, and you can usually choose between full-time and part-time study. Some courses include a capstone unit or a minor research thesis, where you investigate a question in depth under supervision. Check the official course page for the exact unit list, credit point totals and whether a thesis option is available.

Skills and outcomes

You graduate with the ability to interpret biblical texts carefully, weigh theological arguments, and apply them to the life of a congregation or organisation. You learn to research independently, write clearly for both academic and church audiences, and lead theological reflection in a Korean-speaking setting. The qualification sits at AQF level 9, above a bachelor degree and below a doctorate. It is not an initial teacher education qualification, so it does not lead to teacher registration.

Practical matters

If you are applying from overseas, you will need to meet the university's English requirement. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for coursework postgraduate courses, and TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While you study on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Confirm all details, including fees, intakes and unit offerings, on the official course page before you apply.

• Pastor or associate pastor in a Korean-speaking congregation
• Church planter or ministry leader
• Chaplain in hospitals, aged care, prisons or the defence force
• Missionary or mission organisation worker
• Religious education coordinator in a faith-based school
• Bible college or seminary lecturer (with further study)
• Chaplaincy or pastoral care roles in community organisations
• Denominational administrator or theological resource developer

Australian employers in these fields include local churches, denominational offices, faith-based schools, hospitals and aged care providers, defence and correctional services, and mission and aid organisations.