degrees

MCD Bachelor of Theology [BTheol]                                           download a brochure
CRICOS code 011489A

RECOGNITION
The degree has been recognised by a number of tertiary institutions in Victoria and interstate for the purpose of credit towards their degrees. It is the responsibility of those institutions to determine the grounds on which such credit will be given and, in particular, the equivalence or otherwise of subjects completed in the BTheol degree to those offered in their degree. The degree is also recognised by the Secondary Teachers' Registration Board for the purpose of registration as a secondary teacher in the State of Victoria. In order to obtain such registration, an appropriate qualification in education must be completed in addition to a recognised degree such as the BTheol.

REGULATIONS

This degree was reviewed and a new regulation (No. 4 of MCD Regulations) was approved in 2008. Students who began their degree under the previous regulation will be encouraged to complete the requirements of the new regulation but are not required to do so. For students who enrolled prior to 2009, the old regulations can be viewed by clicking here.

This degree must be completed in not less than three years and not more than nine years.

Every course of study for the pass degree is to consist of at least 360 credit points (24 standard units, or equivalent non-standard units), including:

1. Three sub-major sequences:

    · Biblical Studies (either BV or BN or BS or a combination of all three) including minor sequences in each      Testament.
   · Systematic Theology (CT), and
   · One discipline in Theology: Mission and Ministry (Field D) (DE or DL or DM or DP or DR or DS)
     or One discipline in Humanities (Field A) *
         * At least 60 points must be included from Field D

2. Two of these must articulate to major sequences

3. Two minor sequences in
   · Church History and
   · Any one discipline

4. 60 points from one or more of the disciplines of the award.

A sequence means consecutive units in the same discipline, as follows:

A major sequence comprises 90 points, including at least 30 points at Level 3;
A sub-major sequence comprises 60 points, including at least 30 points at Level 2;
A minor sequence comprises 30 points of study in the same discipline.

 

CREDIT

A maximum of eight units may be obtained in credit for completed degree level work done at other recognised tertiary institutions. A completed degree automatically carries four units of general credit, and another two units credit may be obtained in Field A, depending on the major taken for the degree. For credit to be obtained in the other three fields of study, the units concerned must in the judgment of MCD closely parallel the content of the subject areas within those fields. Transfer credits are also possible. The total number of credits and transfer credits shall not exceed 240 points. The Coursework Studies Committee of the MCD normally limits the granting of credit for individual subjects to those which were completed not more than ten years ago.

MCD Bachelor of Ministry [BMin]

Description
The Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) is a comprehensive three year undergraduate degree enabling students to lay sound foundations in the key theological disciplines and engage in more detailed study in selected areas. Candidates for Christian ministries can use the BMin to meet many of the academic prerequisites for ordination with a wide range of units and disciplines available. It can be completed part time for a period of up to nine years.

The Bachelor of Ministry has a more intentional focus than the Bachelor of Theology on the practice of ministry. It provides units designed to prepare women and men for various areas of ministry in the church and society. A feature of the course is the supervised field experience which provides a close link between units taught and experiences in the field. This field education may be general in nature, or related to a specific area of ministry [eg chaplaincy, youth ministry, counselling, etc].

The structure of the BMin offers considerable flexibility for students to follow areas of interest and specialisation.

Course outcomes
The BMin enables students to:

1. acquire a broad, integrated introduction to theology, and to become familiar with the literature, language and concepts of theology
2. develop the academic skills and attributes necessary to research, comprehend, interpret and evaluate theology from a range of sources and to apply that theology to the issues and challenges of church and society
3. develop the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowledge and techniques learnt to the practice of ministry, also through an extended period of supervised field experience
4. develop a foundation in theology for self-directed and lifelong learning and the basis for further study in theology develop interpersonal and teamwork skills appropriate for ministry in the church and for further study.

Course structure
To be awarded the BMin, a total of 360 credit points (24 standard units) must be completed.

Each standard BMin unit (15 credit points) runs for one semester of 15 weeks, including three weeks for reading and examination, and normally has three class hours in each teaching week, including tutorials. Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars and tutorials with class sizes rarely over 30, and many much smaller.

Entry requirements
The Bachelor degrees are open to persons who have completed Year 12, International Baccalaureate or overseas equivalent. Probationary entry is available to mature-age (21 years or over) students without a Year 12 qualification.

Assessment Methods
Assessment methods range from traditional academic essays, assignments and examinations to writing journals, group projects or competency assessment. The methods used for each unit must be approved by the MCD Coursework Studies Committee, to ensure equity in standards.

Assessment methods seek to reflect the growing depth of learning involved. Level 1 introduces a discipline and lays foundations for further study; Level 2 takes students on to the deeper and more focused issues in the discipline; Level 3 brings a student to graduate standing.

Duration
The Bachelor of Ministry must be completed in no less than three and not more than nine years.

Study modes
Candidates normally attend classes on-campus.

Requirements to receive the qualification
Every course of study for the Bachelor of Ministry will consist of 360 points made up as follows:

a) a Major (90 points comprising 30 points in each of levels 1, 2 and 3) in one discipline in Field D Theology: Mission and Ministry; not including supervised ministry praxis units;
b) a Submajor (60 points comprising 30 points in each of levels 1 and 2) in Biblical Studies, including minor sequences in each of Old Testament and New Testament;
c) a Submajor in ministry praxis units, eg. Clinical Pastoral Education, Supervised Theological Field Education or other supervised practica;
d) 60 points in Systematic Theology including at least 30 points at second level or higher (submajor);
e) 30 points in Church History (minor); and
f) a further 60 points of electives from Fields A, B, C or D.

Notes:
·      At least 60 points of the degree must be taken at third level.
·     For students taking double degrees BTheol/BMin or MDiv/BMin, up to 180 points may be held in common between the two degrees. The minimum duration of both double degrees is 4.5 years.

MCD Bachelor of Theology Honours [BTheol (Hons)]              download a brochure
CRICOS code 053991F

Candidates may undertake a BTheol (Hons). This requires 420 points (or 28 semester units) and includes an additional honours year, further specialisation and a thesis.

MCD Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Theology [BA/BTheol]      download a brochure
CRICOS code 011489A

A combined course for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Theology degrees is offered in conjunction with the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD) and Monash University at Clayton. This double award enables students to take out both degrees after four years of fulltime study. Candidates must be eligible for entry into a Victorian University. Application is by direct entry (not VTAC). Details about the requirements for the BA/BTheol will be provided on request to the Registrar.