Master of Theology (Research)
The Master of Theology (Research) degree, entirely based on research, is designed to extend skills in an area of theology that the student is passionate about. Pastors and those interested in teaching and in studying at a doctoral level are able to use the Master of Theology (Research) to acquire recognised qualifications that will allow them to teach ministry and theology at higher educational levels. The program teaches students to:Duration
Full-time candidates normally conclude their work in no less than three semesters and no more than three years. Students studying in the part-time mode should complete the course in no less than three years and no more than six years.
Mode of delivery
Full-time or part-time on campus (Lake Macquarie)
Full-time or part-time by distance education
Click here to decide which mode is right for you.
Abbreviation
MTh (Research)
Accreditation
The course is accredited by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training.
Entry requirements
Applications for the Master of Theology (Research) will be considered from people who have attained from a university or accredited higher education provider ONE of the following:
- A four-years ministry-training degree with a GPA at high credit level;
- A four-year undergraduate degree in religion, theology or pastoral studies;
- A Graduate Diploma in Theology with a GPA at the high credit level; or
- One year of full-time postgraduate study in religion, theology or pastoral studies (or the equivalent) at a minimum GPA at the high credit level.
In addition to the above, applicants’ research potential is normally assessed by reference to two major assignments previously submitted as part of their prior degree.
Alternate entry requirements
In exceptional circumstances admission may be based on the verifying of evidence of such other academic and research qualifications as the Research Committee may approve. Such qualifications must have been passed with a minimum pass level of high credit, must be directly relevant to the proposed topic of research for the MTh award, and must comply with Avodale’s College’s policy on advanced standing.
Applicants whose previous academic qualifications lack the pass levels stipulated above for admission may qualify for admission upon completion, at high credit level, of two postgraduate subjects chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator. Upon successful completion of these two subjects the applicant will be granted provisional admission. Regular admission can be achieved by passing six credit points of MTh Research Methods at high credit level.
For those students intending to carry out research in primary sources, knowledge of the relevant languages must be acquired and demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Course Coordinator. Also, a knowledge of relevant fields such as scripture, history, hermeneutics, comparative religion, psychology, sociology and statistics may be required depending on the topic selected.
Advanced standing and credit transfer
Advanced standing is not normally awarded in the M.Th(Reserch) except where students have completed units equivalent to the three required research methodology units.
Research topics
While preliminary discussion of a suitable thesis topic may begin between a potential student and any member of the Faculty of Theology, the approval of a provisional thesis topic can only be made for students who have enrolled in THRE60200 Research Methodologies in Theological Research and THRE60300 Research Proposal (12 credit points), and requires the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty, the Faculty of Theology Research and Teaching Committee, and the Research Committee.
Supervisors
| Area of Expertise | Principal Supervisors | Associate Supervisors |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology of religion Ministry studies |
Dr Rick Ferret | Dr Rick Ferret |
| Gospel of Matthew Historical Jesus Parables Tithe Memory and the Gospels |
Dr Robert McIver | Dr Robert McIver |
| Systematic theology Biblical Interpretation |
Dr Ray Roennfeldt | Dr Ray Roennfeldt |
| Science and faith issues and policy | Dr Lynden Rogers | |
| New Testament Greco-Roman Society |
Dr Steve Thompson | Dr Steve Thompson |
| Honorary Senior Research Fellows | ||
| Religious history | Dr Bryan Ball | |
| Adventist studies | Dr Graeme Bradford | |
| English pedagogy | Dr Merle Cozens | |
| Denominational history | Dr Milton Hook | |
| Adventist studies | Dr Arthur Patrick | |
| New Testament studies | Dr Norm Young | |
English language proficiency requirements
Courses at Avondale College are delivered in the English language. In order to complete the courses successfully, applicants from a country where English is not the first language must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:
- provide documentary evidence that a significant part of the education was conducted in the English language; or
- successful completion of at least two years of tertiary study conducted in the English language in Australia or another country in which English is the official language within the last two years; or
- provide documentary evidence that an IELTS scored of 7.0 has been achieved with no individual band score less than 6.5.
International students
Overseas applicants are required to satisfy the Australian Government visa requirements (see the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) website at www.immi.gov.austudy).
The MTh (Research) thesis
The thesis is expected to demonstrate in less than 50,000 words (approximately 200 pages) originality, critical insight, and a capacity for independent research. A contribution to knowledge is expected. The thesis should put forward a clearly-argued and well-supported position for a new result, idea, theory or practice. It should be set out and remain within clear boundaries.
The thesis is supervised by an appropriately-qualified research supervisor appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology after interviewing the prospective applicant. The supervisor is responsible for determining that the student has access to adequate library and other relevant resources, and for timetabling and conducting a series of supervisory sessions at which the student reports on work in progress, and discusses and receives approval for any modifications to previously-agreed strategy and procedure. Supervisors will be chosen whose current or past research directly or indirectly overlaps the proposed thesis topic.
Assessment of the MTh (Research) thesis will be by two external examiners. The Research Committee, on advice from the Faculty of Theology Research and Teaching Committee, will appoint two external examiners, based on their recognised academic and professional competence in the field of the thesis. Suitable persons may be nominated as examiners by the supervisor and must be accompanied by an adequate justification.
Examiners prepare reports on the thesis which include one of the following assessments: pass; pass with modifications; fail. The reports are presented to the Research Committee. In the event that major disagreements between examiners exists, the supervisor prepares a report for the Research Committee which assesses the extent of thesis modification required in order to satisfy the examiners’ expectations. The supervisor will assist the candidate in making revisions, and will report back to the Research Committee when revisions are completed. Examiners’ reports will be made available to the candidate.
Thesis binding
The thesis shall be bound in navy binding upon which lettering will be in gold.
Academic regalia
The standard black masters gown is overlaid with a steel blue hood. The mortar board incorporates a tassle which is worn on the left front side.
Application for admission
Prospective students must make application to study in the Master of Education (Research) through the normal application processes (click here to download the application form). The Course Co-ordinator, and Dean of Faculty, review all applications and accept or reject applications based on the applicant's ability to meet the entry criteria as stated above, the capacity of the faculty to supervise the student, and the capacity of the library and other resources required. Associate supervisors or co-supervisors may be appointed to supplement faculty expertise. For those applicants who meet all of the criteria above, the Dean and the Course Coordinator recommend acceptance of the student to the Faculty Research Committee and the Research Committee.
