Master of Theology

School of Philosophy & Theology

Do you have a bachelor's degree in theology or divinity - of high standing - and the desire to go deeper in your studies? If so, the Master of Theology may be the program for you. This advanced degree seeks to build upon the foundations gained via undergraduate studies in theology, allowing students to extend their knowledge and skills through one of its three streams.

The Master of Theology is an 18-month full-time (or equivalent part-time) advanced degree in theology that allows studies to tailor their learning by choosing from one of the three study streams in the program. The Advanced (Research) stream prepares students for further study in theology. It involves advanced coursework and a thesis and can prepare students for teaching theology and for a Higher Degree by Research (ThD or PhD) in theology. The Pastoral Studies, or Practice of Ministry Stream, enables those who have completed the Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Ministry to extend their learning into the master's level. This pathway includes advanced coursework and a research component. The General Studies Stream caters to those who want to expand their knowledge via a broad selection of advanced coursework without a major research component.

A Master of Theology can lead to careers in religious education (with additional training), chaplaincy (hospitals, prisons, schools, defence), academia, writing, communications, advertising, ministry, pastoral counselling, spiritual direction, youth work, or research.

Advanced (Research) Stream (may not be offered in all disciplines) (300 credit points)

• At least two 6000 level courses in discipline of research (50 units of credit)
• Level 5300 courses in the discipline, in consultation with the Academic Dean at CIS, providing no equivalents have been undertaken in prior studies (max 75 units of credit).
• Up to two 6000 or 5200 or 5300 level electives outside the discipline but pertinent to the thesis topic chosen in consultation with the CIS Academic Dean (max 50 units of credit)
• Level 5000 language courses, relevant to the thesis topic may be chosen, in consultation with the Academic Dean at CIS (max 50 units of credit), providing no equivalent has been previously studied

Research component

• CISR6300 Research Training and Thesis Proposal (25 units of credit) AND CISR6310 Supervised thesis (75 units of credit) 15,000 words

Practice of Ministry Stream (200 credit points)

• Ministry Studies courses (5000 or 6000 level) where equivalent has not previously been taken (at least 50 units of credit)
• Other relevant level 5000 or 6000 courses (e.g., Spirituality or Pastoral Theology), in consultation with the CIS Academic Dean, where no prior equivalent has been studied

Research component

• CISR6210 (50 units of credit); OR
• CISR6300 Research Training and Thesis Proposal (25 units of credit) AND CISR6310 Supervised thesis (75 units of credit) 15,000 words

General Studies Stream (300 credit points)

• 6000 level courses in any discipline may be pursued (up to 275 units of credit depending on research option chosen)
• A student may substitute up to 100 units of credit at 5300 level, or level 5000 language courses (50 credit points maximum), if equivalents not previously taken, subject to consultation with the CIS Academic Dean

Research component

• Research Project (CISR6200 (25 units of credit) OR CISR6210 (50 units of credit))

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.