Master of Theological Studies

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 8 locations

Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$17808 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

The Master of Theological Studies offers a sophisticated, broad-based grounding across theology, and philosophy within the Catholic tradition. You will advance your knowledge and skills, engaging deeply with the Catholic intellectual tradition, and its relevance in the twenty-first century.

The program offers a wide range of specialisations, as well as the opportunity to study across the breadth of the discipline without electing a specific specialisation. Available specialisations include:

  • Biblical studies
  • Bioethics
  • Christian thought and tradition
  • Liturgical studies
  • Mission and ministry
  • Philosophy
  • Spirituality

Flexible study options are available, including a rich variety of international study tours which can offer up to 20 credit points, as well as invaluable opportunities for face to face interaction with peers and teaching staff.

The Master of Theological Studies may be undertaken as professional development if you are working in a Catholic or other Church or faith-based organisation. It is also suitable for you if you wish to pursue an interest in the field or are preparing for a higher degree research program in theology and/or philosophy.

Various entry pathways are available. The Master of Theological Studies can be undertaken without prior theological or philosophical training (suitable if you have an undergraduate degree in another discipline), while if you have a Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent) and wish to deepen your knowledge and skills at the postgraduate level, you may be granted advanced standing.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Without Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Full time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

  • Specified UnitsTHBS501Biblical Studies

    Students who have previously completed THBS100, THBS501, THBS562 and THMM502, within the last 10 years are not required to complete this unit but will need to undertake additional electives.

    (Inc: THBS562, THBS502, THMM502)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsPHIL510 Introducing Philosophy for Theology ORSpecified UnitsPHIL626 Philosophical Contexts for Theology

    For PHIL510 - (Inc: PHIL626)

    For PHIL626 - (Inc: PHIL510)

    10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective10 cp
  • Specified UnitsTHCT500Foundations of Christian Faith

    Students who have previously completed THCT100, THCT500 and THCT563, within the last 10 years are not required to complete this unit but will need to undertake additional electives.

    (Inc: THCT563)

    10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective10 cp

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level. 

Students may take Electives drawn from the Schedule of Unit Offerings (listed) or, a maximum of 40 cp drawn from Religious Education units or, a maximum of 20 cp drawn from Educational Leadership units at 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Without Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Without Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 2 - Full time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level. 

Students may take Electives drawn from the Schedule of Unit Offerings (listed) or, a maximum of 40 cp drawn from Religious Education units or, a maximum of 20 cp drawn from Educational Leadership units at 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Without Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

Without Specialisation (120cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Full time

Students must have completed one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent);
  • Bachelor of Theology (Honours) (or equivalent)
  • Bachelor of Arts with a Theological Studies or Study of Religions Major (or equivalent);
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) when studies successfully undertaken to meet requirements for accreditation to teach Religious Education (or equivalent);
  • Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies, Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, or equivalent. 

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Without Specialisation (80cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Full time

And have completed the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies (or equivalent).

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

With Named Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Full time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level. 

Students may take Electives drawn from the Schedule of Unit Offerings (listed) or, a maximum of 40 cp drawn from Religious Education units or, a maximum of 20 cp drawn from Educational Leadership units at 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

With Named Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

With Named Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 2 - Full time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level. 

Students may take Electives drawn from the Schedule of Unit Offerings (listed) or, a maximum of 40 cp drawn from Religious Education units or, a maximum of 20 cp drawn from Educational Leadership units at 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

With Named Specialisation (160cp) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part time

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

With Specialisation (120cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Full time

Students must have completed one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent);
  • Bachelor of Theology (Honours) (or equivalent)
  • Bachelor of Arts with a Theological Studies or Study of Religions Major (or equivalent);
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) when studies successfully undertaken to meet requirements for accreditation to teach Religious Education (or equivalent);
  • Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies, Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, or equivalent. 

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

With Specialisation (120cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part time

Students must have completed one of the following:

  • Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent);
  • Bachelor of Theology (Honours) (or equivalent)
  • Bachelor of Arts with a Theological Studies or Study of Religions Major (or equivalent);
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) when studies successfully undertaken to meet requirements for accreditation to teach Religious Education (or equivalent);
  • Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Graduate Certificate in Catholic Studies, Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, or equivalent. 

NOTE: at least 80cp of all units studied must be at the 600-level.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

With Specialisation (80cp) - Commencing Semester 1 - Full time

And have completed the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies (or equivalent).

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

A student who has completed the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies (80 cp) or the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (40 cp) may exit with that award.

Additional course information

Units are delivered in one of three modes:

  • multi-mode: comprising of a face-to-face component (including by video-conference) and online study over the course of a semester;
  • attendance mode: normally delivered face-to-face in an intensive block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends, and complemented by online study; and
  • fully online.          


EXIT QUALIFICATIONS

Students who have completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies or Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies may exit with that award.


Overseas study available

A diverse range of international study tours is offered, (e.g. Rome, Asia, and Israel and the Middle East.) Overseas study tours often provide 20 credit points (with units delivered in intensive mode). Study tours, while providing an overseas experience, also give fully online students an opportunity to complement their study with invaluable face-to-face interaction with academics and peers.

Explore the available study abroad opportunities ->

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor degree in any discipline.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Those who have completed the Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, or Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies will be granted advanced standing into the Master of Theological Studies.


Further study

Successful completion of the Master of Theological Studies may be eligible to progress to the Master of Theology (Research) or to doctoral studies.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$17808 Fee-paying

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Additional application information

Students who do not meet the admission requirements for this program should speak with the Course Coordinator as to whether they may be eligible to seek admission to the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies on the alternative entry pathway.

 

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment.

Testimonial

Nicole

"Theology at ACU appealed because it covered such a broad range of challenging and thought-provoking topics. It also offered the opportunity of a four-week study tour to religious sites in Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. Distance learning offered me the flexibility I needed to continue my education while working, and gave me the opportunity to learn from experts all over Australia. The lecturers were hugely supportive, and I felt very much a part of the ACU community.” 

Nicole
Theological studies student
 

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