Master of Divinity
GRADUATE
- 24 Units
- 3 yrs FT | up to 9 yrs PT
- 288 Credit Points
- FEE HELP
- OVERSEAS
Course Description
If you already have an undergraduate qualification, but you want to get serious about in-depth biblical study and ministry work, then the Master of Divinity is the program for you.
It begins with an overview of the entire biblical text, giving you a great framework as you move into more detailed analysis of key sections such as the Gospels, Paul’s letters, or the Psalms. You’ll have a chance to learn and study the Bible in the languages it was originally written in; you’ll gain an understanding of the long history and purpose of the church across the world; and you’ll be addressing major theological doctrines of grace, eschatology and even God Himself. You can then choose to specialise in the areas that most fit your intended career path, focusing on pastoral ministry and preaching, cross-cultural mission, or more comprehensive biblical studies.
Where can this course take you?
- Church pastoral roles
- Local and international mission work
- Church planting
- Chaplaincy/pastoral care roles
Most churches are quite happy that the Master of Divinity fulfils all the academic requirements for ordination, although a small amount of denomination-specific training might still be expected from some. Ministry organisations also recognise this program as excellent preparation for mission work, both practically and spiritually. And if you’re interested in pursuing advanced theological study, this course will open up the path to our Master of Theology or Doctor of Theology programs.
To be able to study the Master of Divinity at BST you need to have an undergraduate degree in a non-theological discipline. (If you already have an undergraduate qualification in theology then take a look at our Master of Theological Studies program.)
Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have taken the IELTS test with a minimum of 7.0 in reading and writing, and 6.5 in listening or have 10 years English in-country experience.
Overseas Students
This course is registered on CRICOS and is available to overseas students. For additional information for overseas students go to Overseas Students page.
24 units | 288 credit points | 3 yrs FT, up to 9 yrs PT | On-campus
Master of Divinity course structure:
2 units from Old Testament Introduction
2 units from New Testament Introduction
2 units from History
3 units from Theology
1 Language (consists of 2 units)
2 units from Exegesis (1 Old Testament, 1 New Testament)
2 units from Exegesis (in Biblical language)
1 unit from Christian Thought
2 units from either Exegesis, Biblical Languages or Christian Thought
1 unit of Spiritual Formation for Professional Ministries
1 unit of Field Education
4 elective units
Units in this course are completed at level 7 and above (with the exception of LA units which can be level 6 and above), no more than 12 units in total at levels 6 and 7, and including at least 3 units at level 9.
Below are the units you can choose from each category.
Biblical Introduction
Old Testament introduction
Old Testament Foundations – OT001-712
Old Testament Prophets and Writings – OT002-712
New Testament introduction
Jesus and the Gospels – NT001-712
Early New Testament Church – NT002-712
Christian Thought
History
Christianity in History to 1550 – CH001-712
Christianity in History from 1550 to Modern Times – CH002-712
Theology
The Knowledge of God – TH001-812
Creation and the Fall, the Person and Work of Christ– TH102-812
The Doctrines of Grace and Eschatology – TH003-812
The Church and its Ministry– TH104-812
Exegesis
Old Testament exegesis
Pentateuch – OT008-812/OT009-812 (Hebrew exegesis available)
Former Prophets: 1 & 2 Samuel – OT010-812/OT011-812 (Hebrew exegesis available)
Exilic Prophecy (Isaiah 40-55) OT014-812
The Psalms OT020-812
New Testament exegesis (in English or Greek)
The Synoptic Gospels: Luke – NT008-812/NT009-812
John’s Gospel – NT016-812/NT017-812
The Pastoral Epistles – NT014-812/NT015-812
Pauline Theology and Romans – NT018-812/NT019-812
Paul and Corinthian Christianity – NT010-812/NT011-812
Ministry & Practice
Evangelism and mission
Mission Perspectives – EM001-712
Principles of Evangelism – EM024-712
Ministry in a Culturally Diverse Context – EM018-812
Contextual Asian Ministry – EM031-812
Cross-Cultural Field Education – EM040-812
Pastoral and church-focused ministry
Pastoral Care – PC002-812
Spiritual Formation for Professional Ministry – PC008-812
Preaching I – PC047-812
Congregational Field Education – PC092-812
Practical Ministry Field Education – PC094-812
Languages
Biblical Hebrew (A) – LA003-612
Biblical Hebrew (B) – LA004-612
New Testament Greek (A) – LA005-612
New Testament Greek (B) – LA006-612
Project
12, 24 or 36 credit point projects available all at Level 9.
Note: Biblical Introduction, Church History and Greek A & B are offered every year, while the other units run on a two-year cycle. Please refer to the college timetable to find out what is being offered each year.
A full-time study load is 4 units per semester. You can be full-time and study 3 units per semester; it will just take you longer to finish the course. A part-time study load is 1 or 2 units per semester.
BST Timetable, Calendar and Fees
This course is FEE-HELP and Centrelink approved.
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan that helps eligible fee paying students pay their tuition fees.
For eligibility and more information on FEE-HELP go to:
https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help
If you begin your course and for some reason you are unable to continue your MDiv, provided that you have gained eight credit points (equivalent to studying four units), you will qualify for the GradCertDiv. If you have completed one year of full-time study (i.e., eight units) then you can receive the Graduate Diploma of Divinity.
If you complete a fourth year (full-time equivalent load) in the MMin, you will be awarded a Master of Ministry and a Graduate Diploma of Divinity. As long as you’ve gained an additional 96 credit points you can receive the qualification.
James Siong-Ung Kong
Assistant Pastor at Camberwell Methodist Church (Australia)
“Doing an MDiv at BST taught me so much about godly and servant leadership. The community living helped me learn to support and encourage others, to be patient and considerate and humble. The small group I was in gave me a chance to practice good discipline in studying God’s word and also how to share and pray with others. And the great and knowledgeable teaching staff made the lectures so helpful, and showed me how to put into practice what I was learning. The whole college experience shaped my life as a disciple of Christ and prepared me for this role now growing other disciples. I thank God.”