Master of Arts
Course Code | 2005 |
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Course duration / Study mode | Course duration: Four years part-time (or one and a half years full-time equivalent) |
Location | Avondale 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 three specialisations; pastoral leadership, chaplaincy studies and theology/biblical studies. The degree equips students for greater effectiveness in ministry to churches, schools, hospitals and the wider community. There are three core units - Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100, Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600), and Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application (CMIN52110).
Pastoral Leadership Specialisation
1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality
2. Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry
3. Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application
4. Theological Framework for Pastoral Leadership
5. Perspectives on Luke-Acts
6. Church Planting in Biblical and Contemporary Perspective
7. Theology of Mission
8. Mission in/to Pluralistic Societies
Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation
1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality
2. Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry
3. Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application
4. Fundamentals of Counselling
5. Ethics, Diversity and Spiritual Integration
6. Therapeutic Communication
7. Clinical Pastoral Education 1
8. Theological Framework for Chaplaincy Studies
Theology/Biblical Studies Specialisation
1. Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality
2. Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry
3. Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application
4. Principles and Methods of Theology
5. Issues in Contemporary Theology
6. Perspectives on Luke-Acts
7. Motifs in Adventism
8. Recent Approaches to the Parables of Jesus
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 chaplaincy or ministry 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; and
- A written recommendation from a recognised Church official
Chaplaincy Studies
- A written summary of chaplaincy experience; and
- A written recommendation from a recognised chaplaincy practitioner, senior school leader or principal
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 years part time (One and a half year full-time equivalent).
Study mode: On-campus/Distance
Maximum time to complete: Four 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,
- Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
- Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
- Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application (CMIN52110)
The three specialisations are pastoral leadership, chaplaincy studies and theology/biblical studies:
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.
- Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
- Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
- Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application (CMIN52110)
- Theological Framework for Pastoral Leadership (THBB57000)
- Perspectives on Luke-Acts (THBB54100)
- Church Planting in Biblical and Contemporary Perspective(CMIN53100)
- Theology of Mission (THBB55100)
- Mission in/to Pluralistic Societies (CMIN56110)
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.
- Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
- Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
- Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application (CMIN52110)
- Fundamentals of Counselling for Chaplains (CHPL41500)
- Ethics, Diversity and Spiritual Integration for Chaplains (CHPL45130)
- Therapeutic Communication for Chaplains (CHPL45100)
- Clinical Pastoral Education 1 (CMIN56500)
- Theological Framework for Chaplaincy Studies (THBB56900)
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.
- Graduate Studies in Biblical Spirituality (CMIN51100)
- Theology, Theory and Practice of Leadership for Ministry (THBB56600)
- Discipleship and Disciple-making – Meaning, Context and Application (CMIN52110)
- Principles and Methods of Theology (THBB50800)
- Issues in Contemporary Theology (THBB51000)
- Perspectives on Luke-Acts (THBB54100)
- Motifs in Adventism (THBB52700)
- 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.
Exit Points:
Avondale University College 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
- eight units that would count to a Graduate Diploma in Arts with a specialisation in pastoral leadership or chaplaincy studies.
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 College 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 2377Email: [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