Masters (Coursework)
School of Philosophy & Theology
The Master of Divinity is taught by the Catholic Institute of Sydney and accredited by the University of Notre Dame Australia. It provides students with advanced knowledge in philosophy, Sacred Scripture, Catholic theology and associated disciplines. Students develop advanced knowledge and skills across a range of theological and related disciplines and deeper knowledge and skills in at least one theological discipline. Graduates develop excellent oral and written communication skills, and advanced research skills.
The Master of Divinity offers students a unique opportunity to study at an Ecclesiastical Faculty recognised by the Holy See. This degree is a natural complement to the Bachelor of Divinity, and students who have completed the Bachelor of Divinity can earn the Master of Divinity in two years, by completing 400 units of credit.
The program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the breadth and beauty of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition through studies in philosophy, Sacred Scripture, Catholic theology and associated disciplines.
Through critical engagement with the tradition that is at once both appreciative of its intellectual patrimony and sensitive to contemporary issues, students in the Master of Divinity will gain the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate their beliefs to a variety of audiences.
Students can study this program as a potential pathway into HDR studies, under the specified conditions.
A Master of Divinity can lead to careers in teaching (with additional training), chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), public service, non-government organisations, writing, communications, advertising, education support, pastoral work, Church agencies, or research.
The Master of Divinity, as a comprehensive foundational qualification, introduces students to both the breadth and depth of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The degree is structured so that students select courses across the various theological disciplines.
Students in the Master of Divinity will normally pursue studies in the Humanities (Philosophy, Ancient Languages, Church History and Patrology) before engaging the disciplines of Sacred Scripture (Old Testament and New Testament) and Theology (Spiritual, Fundamental, Dogmatic and Moral), which the Humanities naturally serve to support and contextualise. Students are also required to undertake courses in Pastoral Studies, allowing candidates to pursue electives in Pastoral Theology and Ministry, Liturgical Studies, and Canon Law as they approach the end of the degree.
Suitably qualified students who elect the HDR pathway will undertake a Research Methods and Thesis Proposal course and a Supervised Thesis (75 credit points) in their final year of the degree. This pathway is offered only in Sacred Scripture or Dogmatic Theology, and should be opted for no later than the second year of the program, in consultation with the Academic Dean of the Catholic Institute of Sydney.
To fulfil the requirements of this award, students must complete 600 units of credit comprised of:
Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.