MASTER OF theology (Mth)

Award Summary:  AQF Level 9

Entry Requirements

• A 3 year AQF Level 7 award in the discipline of theology

Structure

• 108 credit points (i.e. 12 units) including either a discipline or subdiscipline specialisation of 6 units, or in-depth studies of three units in two disciplines or subdisciplines.

English Proficiency

Applicants who have obtained qualifications from institutions where English is not the language of instruction require a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 with no result below 7.0. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.

Fees

See our  Tuition Fees.

Enrolment

Students must be enrolled in order to undertake a unit of study. Applications for admission should be made by contacting the registrar.

Outcomes

Graduates will have:

Knowledge

• A deep and integrated understanding of an advanced body of knowledge in one or more theologically related disciplines or areas of practice, with a solid grasp of recent developments in those sub-disciplines and areas of practice
• understanding of research principles and methods applicable to theological investigation and practice

Skills

• expert, specialized cognitive and technical skills in a theologically-related body of knowledge, so that they are able independently to:
  • analyse critically, reflect on and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories associated with a theologically related body of knowledge
  • research and apply established theories to a theologically-related body of knowledge or practice
  • interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas through coherent and sustained argument to specialist and non-specialist audiences in relation to a theologically related body of knowledge

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

• the ability to
  • apply knowledge and skills in a way that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgment, adaptability, and accountability as a practitioner and/or learner in relation to the interdependent building up of the church and good of the wider community.
  • plan and execute a research-based project, and/or piece of scholarship in an area of theology.

Admission to Candidature

1. An applicant for admission to candidature for a degree of Master of Theology must:
   1. have completed a three year AQF Level 7 award in the discipline of theology; or
   2. have completed the Master of Arts of the Sydney College of Divinity and take up the same specialisation in the MTh which was undertaken in the MA program and meet the pre-requisites for any coursework units in the MTh, or
   3. shall hold, from a university or other tertiary institution, qualifications approved by the Student Administration Committee as equivalent to a three year AQF Level 7 award in the discipline of theology.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of this regulation the Student Administration Committee may require an applicant to demonstrate fitness for admission as a candidate for a degree of Master of Theology by carrying out such work and/or sitting for such examinations as the Student Administration Committee may determine.
3. In exceptional cases an applicant may be admitted as a candidate for a degree of Master of Theology if the applicant submits evidence of other academic and professional attainments to the Student Administration Committee.
4. A candidate for the award shall be designated as full-time or part-time. A student is normally designated as a full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester.
5. No candidate for the award may be concurrently enrolled in any other undergraduate or postgraduate course within the Sydney College of Divinity or any other tertiary institution, unless approval has been granted by the Academic Board.
6. Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally will be required to demonstrate competency in English by an IELTS (or equivalent) result of 7.0 in all bands of the test and may be required to attend such English language courses as prescribed by the Sydney College of Divinity.
7. Application for enrolment in the Master of Theology program is made to the Registrar of the  St Cyril’s.

Course Structure

1. The MTh requires the completion of 108 credit points.
2. Every program for the award shall include:
   1. Either a specialisation (54 credit points) in a discipline or subdiscipline, or
   2. In-depth studies (27 credit points) in two or more disciplines or subdisciplines.
   3. At least one 9600 series Generic (Research) unit
   4. Not more than 90 credit points in one sub-discipline, including a Research Essay, but not including the Research Methodology unit;
   5. Not more than 18 credit points in Independent Guided Studies without approval of the Academic Board;
3. In addition:
   1. Up to four units may be taken from the 8500 series (including 8500 series language units).
   2. The 8500-series Research Methodology Unit (9 credit points) may be taken in addition to the four 8500 series units referred to in (a) above.
   3. All other course units shall be taken from the 9600-series units in the Schedule of Units of Study.
   4. A candidate may take a maximum of 54 credit points in units listed as Generic (Research) units in the Schedule of Units of Study with a maximum of 18 credit points in Independent Guided Study units, 18 credit points in Research Project units, and 36 credit points as a Research Essay. Students who transfer from the MTh to either the MDiv or the MA cannot exceed this limit in total across both programs.
   5. A candidate may include 18 credit points in the Research Project (10,000- 12,000 words in length and written in the area of specialisation under supervision) providing the candidate completes an 8500-series Research Methodology Unit (9 credit points) before or concurrently with the Research Project.
4. Candidates who enter the program from a BTh or equivalent cannot enrol in units with content similar to those covered in their previous studies.
5. Candidates wishing to proceed to the degree of Master of Philosophy must include one 18 credit point research unit or two 9 credit point research units at Distinction level.

Please consult the registrar for more information.

Period of Candidature

1. The period of candidature for the degree shall normally be 1.5 years (three semesters) full-time and up to 4.5 years (nine semesters) part-time.
2. In certain circumstances the Student Administration Committee of the SCD may grant extensions.

Leave of Absence

1. The Student Administration Committee of the SCD, at the recommendation of St. Cyril‘s may grant leave of absence from the Master of Theology. The period of leave shall not be counted as part of the period of candidature for the degree.
2. The period of leave shall normally be one semester after which a candidate may apply for a further period of one semester or will be required to complete candidature.

Assessment

1. The assessment of subject units shall be in the manner approved by the Academic Board of the SCD in line with its established guidelines for assessment packages.
2. Students may be required by the Academic Board of the SCD to present themselves for oral examination.
3. Academic and non-academic misconduct will be penalized severely in accordance with the regulations of the SCD.

Credit for Previous Study

1. A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 54 credit points in the Master of Theology.
2. Credit will be granted for units that are from an equivalent award or institution and have outcomes, content, demand hours, and assessment equivalent to that of units in the Master of Theology

Delivery of Units

1. Units are delivered in weekly lectures on campus.
2. Units are also offered via distance education (online) mode. Some units may require a compulsory on-campus component.

External Studies

The requirements of specific units in majors and sub-majors can also be fulfilled if a student undertakes an equivalent unit at another member institution of the SCD or at a university or recognised tertiary institution after consultation with the Registrar and subject to Faculty approval.