Master of Ministry

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

The Master of Ministry course provides professionally-oriented specialised ministry education at postgraduate level. It is designed to provide practising ministers with advanced ministry insight and skills by means of an integrated program combining the study of theology and ministry with relevant insights from the human sciences and the study of contemporary culture.

The course is comprised of eight subjects totalling 24 credit points, and is available only in part-time mode, over a minimum of four years. Most subjects are comprised of distance learning components and a residential session at Avondale College (Lake Macquarie Campus), or other designated centre, in the June-July period. The residential session provides opportunity for students to be involved in significant student-lecturer and student-student interaction.

Admission



Admissions philosophy statement



Avondale College welcomes applications from individuals regardless of race, gender, status or religious affiliation. Admission to, and continuation at Avondale, is dependent on evidence of good character and intellectual competence, support of the philosophy and mission of the College and a willingness to conform to College regulations.

Assumed knowledge at admission



It is assumed that applicants are familiar with the organization and function of their Christian congregations, and have served in lay or pastoral leadership positions within their congregations. A general knowledge of Christian beliefs, the content of Scripture, human behaviour and the ability to communicate orally and in writing are also assumed.

Admission requirements



Places in the Master of Ministry course will normally be available to applicants with a bachelors degree in theology, religion, ministry or equivalent, or a major sequence in theological studies at the undergraduate level.

Alternate admission may be granted to applicants with a bachelors degree in alternative areas of "ministry" and the "people-caring" professions (e.g. teaching, social work, counselling, chaplaincy, medicine, and nursing) provided the applicant has a sequence of at least three subjects in theology, religion, ministry or equivalent, taken at undergraduate level. Should applicants lack such an undergraduate sequence, they may make up this deficit via study through Avondale's distance education program. Admission will be granted at the discretion of the Dean and the Course Coordinator.

Normally applicants will be required to have a minimum of two years experience in a ministry setting, during which they have been accountable to an appropriate professional or official. (A written summary of the applicant's work experience and a written recommendation from an accountable official will be required before admission is finalised.)

Notes:

  1. An official academic transcript must accompany the application form.
  2. Applicants whose bachelors degree was not taught in the English language medium will demonstrate English competency by achieving level 7 on the IELTS.


Self-disclosure and criminal record check consent



Applications for courses for all persons employed in religious organizations need to be aware that recent changes in government policy and legislation mandate that prospective employers, accreditation and registration bodies, and educational organizations providing clinical placements, internships or fieldwork during the course require the student to sign a self-disclosure form and consent to a criminal record check.

Course structure


Six required subjects plus two elective subjects from a list of approved electives (see below). Each subject is worth 6 credit points, unless otherwise indicated.

Group A - Required subjects (18 credit points)




Elective subjects (6 credit points)