The Master of Theology (AQF level 9 Masters Research) course has been designed for research to be undertaken normally in one field of specialisation within either the Department of Bible and Language, Department of Christian Thought and History, or Department of Ministry and Practice.

From its inauguration the MTh has been used as a research degree for theology graduates who are already engaged in the ministerial profession and are aspiring to be teachers in theological colleges in Australia and overseas. Graduates of the course may articulate to the ACT DMin, ThD and PhD.

Academic Qualifications:

1. BTh/BMin Hons, with at least Lower Second Class Honours and at least a Credit grade in the thesis, OR
2. BTh or BMin with an overall GPA ≥3.0 plus a Graduate Diploma with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥2.0 and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
3. BTh or BMin plus a Coursework Masters (such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥2.0 and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FOR, OR
4. MDiv or MMin with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, an overall GPA≥2.0 and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
5. MDiv or MMin with an overall GPA≥2.0 plus a Graduate Certificate with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
6. MDiv or MMin with an overall GPA<2.0 plus a Coursework Masters (Such as MA(Th/Min) or MTS) with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words in FoR, OR
7. MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with an overall GPA≥2.0 with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
8. MTS, MA(ChrStuds) or MML with an overall GPA<2.0 plus Graduate Certificate with embedded RTP, with satisfactory completion of Research Methods, and ≥Credit in a major project of at least 12,000 words, OR
9. Theological and non-theological qualifications deemed by the Research and Research Studies Committee to provide a suitable grounding for Master of Theology study.

RTP = Research Training Pathway

FoR = Field of Research

If you are from a non-English speaking background the language requirements are: IELTS min 7.5 overall with a min 7.5 in reading and writing, 7.0 in listening and 6.5 in speaking.

For more information see: ACT Website – Master of Theology

To receive the Master of Theology qualification you need to complete a single thesis of 30,000 words. Thesis length may vary by ±10%. Total word count excludes Bibliography.

ACT Course Rules

The level of the course is equivalent to an AQF Level 9 Masters Research, and has been benchmarked against research masters of the Melbourne College of Divinity, the Sydney College of Divinity and research masters degrees offered at Australian universities.

Characteristics of the Master of Theology include:

1. The demonstration of research skills and advanced knowledge in a specialised area of the discipline of theology, by which is meant a topic from one of the unit fields of the Departments of Bible and Languages (LA, OT, NT), the Department of Christian Thought and History (TH, CH, PE) including Integrative Studies (IN), and Ministry and Practice (EM, PC, DM);
2. The demonstration of a high order of skill in analysis, critical evaluation and/or the professional application in a piece of extended research that exhibits comprehension and evaluation of new information, concepts and evidence encountered both in primary sources and also the secondary literature arising out of scholarly reflection in a specialised area of one or more of the major disciplines in theology such as Biblical Studies, Theology, Christianity in History, Ethics, or Ministry and Practice;
3. The demonstration of a high order of skill in analysis and critical evaluation transferred from undergraduate study and showing evidence of the ability to think independently.

In the following domains, Graduates of the Master of Theology will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Demonstrate up-to-date advanced knowledge and depth of understanding of Theology in an area of one of the fields of ‘Bible and Languages’, ‘Christian Thought’ and ‘Ministry and Practice’
• Explain the research principles and methods used in an area of one of the fields of ‘Bible and Languages’, ‘Christian Thought’ and ‘Ministry and Practice’

Inquiry and Analysis:

• Assess the theory and its application in an area of biblical and/or theological and/or ministry learning or practice with a view to identifying areas that require further research

Problem Solving and Integration

• Formulate questions and issues; assemble data and literature; problematize data, concepts and theories; select or devise a suitable methodology; and develop coherent evidence-based perspectives as the basis of independent advanced inquiry

Research

• Design and execute a program of advanced research in a specific area of biblical and theological scholarship or ministry practice
• Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with ethical matters related to human participant research

Communication

• Present new biblical and theological ideas, knowledge and principles to, and engage with, specialist as well as non-specialist audiences
• Present research in writing in advanced research papers and a thesis of 30,000 words (±10%)

Teamwork and Professional Practice

• As a leader and in groups, apply advanced biblical and/or theological and/or ministry understanding in formal ministry contexts and the wider community

Engagement with the World

• Bring enhanced professional and vocational capacity to work with others (as a leader and in groups) to engage with the challenges of contemporary Christianity, society and the wider world

Continuing Learning and Development

• Show readiness for research at doctoral level in their capacity for wide reading, analytical rigour and independent thinking

To apply for a Master of Theology please email (info@bst.qld.edu.au) with the following:

• ACT number (if applicable)
• Transcripts from previous theological degrees
• Proposed field of research and topic
• Mode of study (Full-time or part-time)

$8,640 per semester for full-time (48 credit points)

BST Timetable, Calendar and Fees

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP 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

This course is registered on CRICOS (094613D) and is available to overseas students. Further information for overseas students can be found on our overseas student page.  

When you have completed the Master of Theology you can continue your theological research studies with:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Adam and Hester Pike

Bible translators with Wycliffe in Vanuatu

 Hester: “When we arrived at college we were sure God wanted us to work in cross-cultural mission, but had no idea what that would look like for us. But after three years at BST we had a much clearer picture of the road ahead. From a spiritual perspective, our knowledge of and love for the Bible was greatly increased and our relationships with God and his people were strengthened. And from a practical perspective – well, it was through BST that we came into contact with Wycliffe, and the rest, as they say, is history…

Adam: “Somewhat unusually, it’s the Greek lessons that were my favourite at college! People can sometimes think ‘What’s the point? It’s a dead language’, but the lecturers are so passionate about it and the things I learnt are invaluable to me in my day-to-day work now. As I translate the Bible into Merei I’m served so well by my knowledge of Greek vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure – it’s helping me to make sure I’m giving the best, most accurate representation of the gospel to the people of Vanuatu.”