Master of Arts

Course Code2005
Course duration /
Study mode

Course duration: Four years part-time (or one and a half years full-time equivalent)
Study mode: Mixed mode (on-campus mid-year residentials required for some units)

LocationAvondale Campus - Lake Macquarie
Fee Support

FEE-HELP available for eligible students, see www.studyassist.gov.au

About


The Master of Arts provides postgraduate education to Christian leaders through four specialisations; pastoral leadership, chaplaincy studies, theology/biblical studies and youth and family ministries. The degree equips students for greater effectiveness in ministry to churches, schools, hospitals and the wider community. 


Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts, graduates will be able to:
  • Critically engage with a body of knowledge in a way that demonstrates an advanced understanding and application of recent developments in Ministry Studies or Theological Studies;
  • Create evidence-based perspectives on specialised issues in Ministry Studies or Theological Studies by engaging the academic literature, evaluating alternative accounts and drawing reasoned conclusions;
  • evaluate and generate complex ideas and concepts that are grounded in professional practice using cognitive, technical and creative skills.
  • Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills;
  • Demonstrate emotional and cultural intelligence in relation to new contexts and issues encountered in theological readings and the professional practice of ministry.

Career Opportunities


The Master of Arts provides continuing career advancement for pastors, chaplains and para-church leaders.


Admission Criteria


GENERAL ADMISSION CRITERIA

To qualify for admission, you must have completed:

  • An Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 bachelor of ministry and theology, bachelor of theology, bachelor of arts (in theology), bachelor of arts/bachelor of teaching, or equivalent from an accredited university or higher education provider; or
  • An overseas ministry or theology qualification comparable to an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 or higher

SPECIFIC ADMISSION CRITERIA

We typically require a minimum of two years of ministry or chaplaincy experience with accountability to an appropriate professional or official if you plan to study one of the following specialisations. Your application must include:

Pastoral Leadership and Theology/Biblical Studies
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 bachelor's degree in ministry and or theology from an accredited university or higher education provider; and
  • A written summary of ministry experience

Chaplaincy Studies
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 bachelor's degree in theology or ministry and theology or chaplaincy or education with a theology major or equivalent in religious studies or an equivalent as determined by the course convenor from an accredited university or higher education provider; and
  • A written summary of chaplaincy experience

Youth and Family Ministries Studies
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 7 bachelor's degree in theology or ministry and theology or chaplaincy/education with a theology major or equivalent in religious studies or an equivalent as determined by the course convenor from an accredited university or higher education provider; and
  • A written summary of chaplaincy experience

ADVANCED STANDING

Applicants with an Australian Qualifications Framework AQF Level 9 qualification (or higher) in a cognate area may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Refer to the Advanced Standing Policy for more information.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

International applicants must meet the Australian Government's visa requirements to visit Australia while undertaking Winter school at Avondale University.

For more information, visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicant's who completed their bachelor's degree (or overseas equivalent) in a language other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no sub-band below 6.0.

Course Structure


Course duration: Four to Eight years part time
Study mode: Mixed mode/On-campus/Distance

Maximum time to complete: eight years


Twelve units, of six credit points each (or equivalent), studied over four years part time, from one of three specialisations, to total 72 credit points.

There are 3 core units, namely, 

  1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
  2. Theology, Theory & Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
  3. Discipleship & Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application (CMIN52110)

The four specialisations are pastoral leadership, chaplaincy studies, theology/biblical studies, and youth and family ministries:

 

1. Pastoral Leadership specialisation 

The MA with a specialisation in Pastoral Leadership has three options.

The first option is for students to complete 8 units, including 3 core units, of the pastoral leadership specialisation, and 4 electives from any units from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale’s courses.

The second option is for students to complete 8 units of the pastoral leadership specialisation, 2 electives from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale’s courses, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and a 6 credit point research project (THRE51000).

The third option is for students to complete 8 units of the pastoral leadership specialisation, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and an 18 credit point research project (THRE51000). Those students who opt for an 18 credit point research project can potentially go on to study a professional doctorate (DMin) or a doctor of philosophy (PhD).

Units

The following 8 units form the specialisation. Each unit is worth 6 credit points.

  1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
  2. Theology, Theory & Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
  3. Discipleship & Disciple-making – Meaning, Context & Application (CMIN52110)
  4. Theological Framework for Pastoral Leadership (THBB57000)
  5. Perspectives on Luke-Acts (THBB54100)
  6. Church Planting in Biblical and Contemporary Perspective(CMIN53100)
  7. Theology of Mission (THBB55100)
  8. Mission into Pluralistic Societies (CMIN56110)

The 18 credit point research project will be a major project of 15 000 words in any of the specialisations.

 

2. Chaplaincy studies specialisation 

The MA with a specialisation in Chaplaincy Studies offers three options. 

The first option is for students to complete 8 units, including 3 core units, that constitute the chaplaincy studies specialisation and 4 electives from any units from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale’s courses.

The second option is for students to complete 8 units that constitute the chaplaincy studies specialisation and 2 electives from any units from the suite of level 8 and9 offerings across across Avondale’s courses, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and a 6 credit point research project (THRE51000).

The third option is for students to complete 8 units that constitute the chaplaincy studies specialisation, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and an 18 credit point research project (THRE51000). Those students who opt for an 18 credit point research project can potentially go on to study a professional doctorate (DMin) or a doctor of philosophy (PhD).

Units

The following 8 units form the specialisation. Each unit is worth 6 credit points.

  1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality  (CMIN51100)
  2. Theology, Theory & Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
  3. Discipleship & Disciple-making – Meaning, Context & Application (CMIN52110)
  4. Fundamentals of Counselling for Chaplains (CHPL41500)
  5. Ethics, Diversity & Spiritual Integration for Chaplains (CHPL45130)
  6. Therapeutic Communication for Chaplains (CHPL45100)
  7. Clinical Pastoral Education 1 (CMIN56500)
  8. Theological Framework for Chaplaincy Studies (THBB56900)

The 18 credit point research project will be a major project of 15 000 words in any of the specialisations.

 

3. Theology/Biblical studies specialisation

The degree specialisation offers three options.

The first option is for students to complete 4 units in theology and 4 units in biblical studies that constitute the theology/biblical studies specialisation and 4 electives from any units from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale’s courses. These includes the 3 core units.

The second option is for students to complete 4 units in theology and 4 units in biblical studies and 2 electives from any units from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale’s courses, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and a 6 credit point research project (THRE51000).

The third option is for students to complete 4 units in theology and 4 units in biblical studies, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and an 18 credit point research project (THRE51000). Those students who opt for an 18 credit point research project can potentially go on to study a professional doctorate (DMin) or a doctor of philosophy (PhD).

Units

The following 8 units form the specialisation. Each unit is worth 6 credit points.

  1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
  2. Theology, Theory & Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
  3. Discipleship & Disciple-making – Meaning, Context & Application (CMIN52110)
  4. Principles & Methods of Theology (THBB50800)
  5. Issues in Contemporary Theology (THBB51000)
  6. Perspectives on Luke-Acts (THBB54100)
  7. Motifs in Adventism (THBB52700)
  8. Recent Approaches to the Parables of Jesus (THBB53200)

 

The 18 credit point research project will be a major project of 15 000 words in any of the specialisations.

 

4. Youth and Family Ministries specialisation.

The degree specialisation offers three options.

The first option is for students to complete 8 units, including 3 core units, of the youth and family ministries specialisation and 4 electives from any units from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale's courses.

The second option is for students to complete 8 units of the youth and family ministries specialisation, 2 electives from any units from the suite of level 9 offerings across Avondale's courses, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and a 6 credit point research project (THRE51000).

The third option is for students to complete 8 units of the youth and family ministries specialisation, the Research Methods in Theological Research unit (THRE50000) and an 18 credit point research project (THRE51000). Those students who opt for an 18 credit point research project can potentially go on to study a professional doctorate (DMin) or a doctor of philosophy (PhD).

Units

The following 8 units form the specialisation. Each unit is worth 6 credit points.

 

  1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
  2. Theology, Theory & Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
  3. Discipleship & Disciple-making - Meaning, Context & Application (CMIN52110)
  4. Selected Issues in Family Ministry (CMIN57000)
  5. Youth Ministry in the setting of Contemporary Culture (CMIN56400)
  6. Selected Issues in Youth Ministry (CMIN56100)
  7. Advanced LifeSpan Development for Ministry (CMIN50300)
  8. Intergenerational Family Ministry (CMIN57600)

The 18 credit point research project will be a major project of 15 000 words in any of the specialisations.

 

 

Exit Points:

Avondale University will offer, in line with TEQSA directives, an “Opt out” model for this Master of Arts. This model provides for those students, unable to complete for some reason, a pre-defined range of:

  • four units that would count toward a Graduate Certificate in Arts with a specialisation in pastoral leadership or chaplaincy studies or youth and family ministries; or
  • eight units that would count to a Graduate Diploma in Arts with a specialisation in pastoral leadership or chaplaincy studies or youth and family ministries.

Students can also earn a Graduate Certificate in Arts or Graduate Diploma in Arts without a specialisation.

 


To find out more about any of the units listed here, copy the unit code and then search for that unit here.

Practical Experience


For the Chaplaincy specialty, 400 hours of approved clinical work is required for each unit of Clinical Pastoral Education.

There is no internship or work experience requirement for the other specialties.


Accreditation


The Master of Arts is accredited by Avondale University as the institution is now a self-accrediting higher education institution and all of its higher education courses are nationally registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.


Registration and Self-Disclosure


The New South Wales College of Clinical Pastoral Education accredits the units of clinical pastoral education.

Yes


Where to get further information


Course Enquiries

Student Administration Services

Phone: +61 2 4980 2377
Email: [email protected]
Monday-Thursday, 9.00am-5pm
Friday, 9.00am-12.00noon

Fees

FEE-HELP available for eligible students, see www.studyassist.gov.au


View current information on tuition fees

Scholarships

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Testimonials

"I found the MA expanded and deepened my understanding of biblical, theological and ministry studies. It not only prepared me to be a better pastor, but also laid the foundation for doctoral study."
- Steve, MA Graduate.