graduate coursework


Graduate Certificate in Theology [Grad.Cert.Theol]
CRICOS Code 053016J

The Graduate Certificate in Theology allows graduates in relevant areas to develop particular skills and knowledge in a focussed area. The certificate can also be taken as an introductory course in Theology. Three 15 point semester units are required. The three units must be Foundational units taken across three disciplines in two Fields, or 45 points for a stream of study approved by the Coursework Studies Committee. A Graduate Certificate graduate can articulate to the Graduate Diploma.


Graduate Diploma in Theology [Grad.Dip.Theol.]                                       download a brochure
CRICOS Code 045446J

The purpose of the Graduate Diploma is to allow those with a recognised degree in a discipline other than theology to engage in theological study. The Graduate Diploma in Theology requires the completion of six units, at least three of these will be Foundational units in three discipline areas across two Fields. Articulation to an MA requires that a 12,000 word thesis be offered as the assessment for two of the units undertaken.


Master of Divinity [M.Div.]                                                                       download a brochure
CRICOS Code 042692G

The Master of Divinity is a first degree in theology for graduates in other disciplines. The degree offers a high level of theological study and provides an appropriate foundation for ministry formation and further study. There are eighteen units to do over three years full time or a maximum of nine years part-time.The course comprises three areas of study: Foundational, Integrative and Specialised. For ordination candidates, the MDiv offers an alternative to the Bachelor of Theology degree, with study in greater depth, and a distinctive emphasis on integrative studies.
click here to see a typical degree structure.


Master of Theological Studies [M.T.S.]                                                       download a brochure
CRICOS Code 029680K

This degree requires the completion of ten semester units at Level 3 or 4 prescribed for the degree of Bachelor of Theology or the Bachelor of Divinity. At least two units must be at Level 4. Candidates may study full or part time, for between three and ten semesters. The coursework for the degree may include -

  • up to two ministry placements, normally 15 points each, approved by the Board of Postgraduate Studies in consultation with the MCD Board of Ministry Studies.
  • a synthesis of 12,000 words of an interdisciplinary nature, equivalent to two units (30 points) directed by an adviser approved by the Board, and an oral examination of 60 minutes based on the synthesis (15 points additional to the 30 synthesis points).
  • an oral examination (45 points) of up to one and a half hours.
  • a research essay of 12,000 words (30 points) This is recommended for those wishing to undertake higher level research.

Pre-requisite: Satisfactory completion of the Bachelor of Theology or equivalent with a credit average or higher.


Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction [MA(SD)]                                             download a brochure
CRICOS Code 060936K

The Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction uses subjects from the College's degree programs and is taught at the Recognised Teaching Institutions of the College. The course is designed to train spiritual directors and retreat-givers and provide those who wish to practice the art of spiritual direction as a major part of their ministry with a sense of recognised professional competence. It is normally a two-year full-time Masters program.
Every candidate must complete, at a standard determined by the Board, the equivalent of:

  1. 90 points of postgraduate coursework, usually undertaken as six 15-point units
  2. at least 60 points must be related to the area of spiritual direction, as approved by the Coursework Coordinator of the Institute for Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Formation (ICSPF).
  3. may include a 30-point research essay of 12,000 words.

At least two-thirds of the course (60 points) must be related to Spiritual Direction.


Master of Arts [M.A.] - coursework                                                            course information
CRICOS Code 060936K 

There are two ways that the Masters of Arts (coursework) can be undertaken.

  1. Four semester units at 4th Level after completing the Graduate Diploma in Theology and then complete a 12,000 word thesis
  2. Six semester units at 4th Level after completing the Graduate Diploma in Theology.

Accepted candidates with a prior degree in theology may undertake the MA as a specialised degree with all units being elected in consultation with the Postgraduate Board of Studies.