The Master of Theology is a 120cp award intended both for lay persons and for those preparing for ordained ministry through the BCT's graduate courses. It also provides opportunities for continuing education for ordained clergy. The program enables students to undertake advanced studies in theology, following completion fo a recognised undergraduate degree in theology or ministry, or completion of a recognised graduate diploma in these same areas.
As students progress through the Master of Theology program, their work becomes increasingly focused. (a) through the completion of a coursework specialisation in one of the following: Biblical Studies, Systematic and Moral Theology, Church History, or Philosophy; and (b) through the completion of a 15-20,000 word thesis in the same field of specialisation.
In conjunction with the graduate certificate and graduate diploma programs in theology, the Master of Theology course supports the attainment of student outcomes implicit in the overall rationale for the BCT's postgraduate courses in theology. The skills highlighted in the rationales for the Graduate Certificate in Theology and the Graduate Diploma in Theology, along with the generic skills identified under Specialised Professional Skills are further refined in the masters course, including:
Key additional skills which emerge from successful participation in the Master of Theology course include the development of advanced skills in theological discourse and the ability to undertake and bring to a successful conclusion significant theological research in a chosen area of specialisation.
On successful completion of the Master of Theology, students who have completed a high quality thesis are eligible for entry into research higher degree programs in theology at Griffith University.