Master of Arts (Theology)

This information is currently being updated. For current unit codes and names, click here to access the Postgraduate Handbook.

The primary aim of the Master of Arts (Theology) course is to provide continuing academic education at postgraduate level in biblical studies, theology, pastoral studies and mission for clergy and lay people in an Adventist setting. The College, however, welcomes applications from all who are interested in the study of theology and ministry and who meet the academic entry requirements. The College does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or gender.

The course aims to achieve some balance among theological and related academic disciplines such as the humanities and the human sciences. The aim of this balance is to provide an enhanced theoretical and practical context for the students' professional life. In order to function as well-informed professionals providing pastoral care and Christian guidance in their chosen fields, graduates should demonstrate increased competence and deepened understanding in both Biblical-Theological Studies and Pastoral-Mission Studies. Graduates should experience academic, professional and personal growth in the following areas:

  • Biblical-Theological Studies aim to:
    1. engender in students a maturing recognition of the integrity and value of biblical literature
    2. enhance the exegetical skills of students and assist them in the hermeneutical task of clarifying and applying principles from the biblical teaching in contemporary situations
    3. assist students to develop a more systematic and reflective approach to biblical literature
    4. encourage a deeper understanding of theology from the perspective of Christian history
    5. develop the conceptual framework, theoretical base, skills and abilities necessary for students to participate in the ongoing discussion and research in Biblical-Theological studies.
  • Pastoral-Mission Studies aim to:
    1. provide a platform for understanding the contemporary Seventh-day Adventist Church through an appreciation of its strong emphasis on mission
    2. develop within students the ability to better integrate theory and practice
    3. foster an understanding of the processes of personal and spiritual maturation and the development of attitudes, concepts and skills which will facilitate individual and corporate change
    4. develop those insights and perceptions which will help students to integrate more effectively a strong theological foundation with insights into the dynamic nature of the society within which they function
    5. provide a context in which students will thoroughly research and freely engage in discussion of issues arising from professional and personal reflection.


There will be a distance learning component in each subject (see Appendix 5).

Learning strategies include:
  • reading of primary and secondary documents
  • seminars
  • lectures
  • field assignments


The following factors facilitate the integration aimed for by these courses:

  • students have practical work experience
  • most lecturers in the course have a range of employment/professional experiences from which they draw
  • the mix of BT and PM subjects contributes to a sense of balance between the traditionally-divided fields of academic theology and ministry.


Admission Requirements and Assumed Knowledge



General Qualifications for Admission to the MA (Theol) Course



The course is designed for appropriately qualified graduates who desire increased academic and professional competence in their chosen field. Students should be involved in full- or part-time ministry or similar employment prior to or concurrent with their course.

Academic Qualifications for Admission



Normal admission is via the Avondale College 4-year Bachelor of Arts (Theology) or 2-year Graduate Diploma in Theology , or the equivalent from other institutions.

Admission With Advanced Standing



Students who have completed appropriate postgraduate level coursework in other courses at Avondale College or in other tertiary institutions may be admitted to the MA(Theol) course with advanced standing up to the equivalent of 50% of the MA(Theol) award.

Assumed Knowledge And Skill Prerequisites



It is assumed that sufficient biblical, theological, historical and biblical language knowledge exists for the student to participate in the MA(Theol) course. Students lacking knowledge of biblical languages may not be admitted to certain subjects.

Research Methods



In order to function effectively at graduate level students need a knowledge of the methods of assembling data, weighing evidence, and expressing findings in oral and written form. Each student will complete a non-credit research methods unit while attending his/her first residential intensive session. This will take the form of lectures, demonstrations and assignments.

Work Experience



It is assumed that those entering this course have work experience which will enable them to relate to and benefit from the professional studies and seminars provided.

Course Structure



The Avondale College MA(Theol) course consists of eight 3-credit point subjects of course work, totalling 24 credit points, comprising a minimum of three semesters of study. Subjects are offered in mixed mode, with a one-week residential at Avondale College (Lake Macquarie Campus) plus a distance learning component. A balance within the bi-partite emphasis on Biblical-Theological (BT) studies and Pastoral-Mission (PM) studies is maintained by requiring each student to complete a minimum of two BT subjects and two PM subjects. The remainder of the subjects are chosen from BT and PM fields at the student's discretion. A research project of 6 credit points may be substituted for two of the eight subjects.


Diagrammatic Description Of The MA(Theol) Showing Typical Progress Through Course



Semester BT PM
1 One BT subject One PM subject
2 One BT subject One PM subject
3 Any two BT and/or PM subjects
4 Any two other appropriate Masters level subjects as approved by the Faculty. A research project may be substituted for these two subjects.


Course Subjects



Students accumulate any BT and any PM subjects to meet the coursework requirements of the course. There are therefore no required subjects and no elective subjects, nor are there prerequisite subjects or required sequences. Any subject may be taken without regard to prerequisites or sequence by any student who has gained full admission to the course. Students admitted under special provisions due to inadequate undergraduate background in certain areas will chose subjects approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology.

Optional Research Project



The optional research project will occupy an amount of student time equivalent to that needed to complete two subjects, so will constitute one semester of work for a full-time student. The findings will be presented in a paper with a length of 12,000 words of text.

In consultation with the Dean of the Faculty of Theology the student will select an appropriate topic. The topic may be restricted to either BT or PM, or it may integrate the two.

The Research Project should demonstrate the student's thorough acquaintance with the current status of learning and with the current literature of the chosen field. It should also demonstrate the ability to engage analytically with current knowledge and to apply it critically to the findings of new research. The Research Project should consist of a clearly written account of research done and should demonstrate perceptions appropriate to a Master's degree candidate.

Course Structures


Course Subjects