Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies at the Australian University of Theology Limited is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to study theology and religion at an advanced level. It suits graduates from theology, ministry, education, or the humanities who want to go deeper, and also people from other fields, law, health, teaching, business, who want a serious grounding in Christian thought. You do not need a theology degree to get in, though some background helps.

How the degree is structured

Like most Australian master's degrees, this one runs over two years full time, usually across semesters. You study a set of units of study, each worth a fixed number of credit points, and you need to accumulate the total credit points the course requires to graduate. There is typically a core, biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, ethics, and then electives so you can weight the degree towards what you actually care about. A capstone unit or a minor thesis is common in the final stage, where you research a question in depth and write it up under supervision. Part-time study is usually possible, which is how a lot of students do it while working.

What you actually study

Expect to read primary texts closely, scripture, historical theologians, contemporary writers, and to argue about them in tutorials and essays. You learn to interpret texts in their historical and social settings, to weigh competing theological positions, and to write clearly about complex ideas. Assessment is mostly essays, seminar papers, and the final research project rather than exams. If you are heading towards ministry, ordained or lay, the degree gives you the doctrinal and biblical background that churches and dioceses expect. If you are heading towards research, the thesis component is your audition for a doctorate.

Who it suits

This degree fits people preparing for ministry or chaplaincy, teachers of religious education, and professionals who want to think theologically about their work. It also suits anyone considering a PhD in theology or religious studies. International students should note that the Student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and on completion you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. English proficiency is required; IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common coursework-postgraduate standard, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 0100542. Confirm entry requirements, unit lists, and fees on the official page before you apply.

• Ministry or pastoral roles in churches and faith-based organisations
• Chaplaincy in hospitals, schools, defence, and aged care
• Religious education teacher (with a teaching qualification)
• Academic research or PhD study in theology or religious studies
• Writing, editing, or publishing in religious and academic media
• Roles in faith-based charities and community organisations
• Ethics and mission roles in religious institutions