Courses of Study

Degrees and diplomas are awarded through the Melbourne College of Divinity.

The following is a brief indication of the requirements of the MCD awards offered by the UFT.

Full details can be found on the website http://www.mcd.edu.au/

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Degree of Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) CRICOS Code 011489A

Twenty-four (24) semester units (360 points) are required for the degree. BTheol regulations limit the number of units to four per semester.

Unless otherwise determined (because of credits for units at other tertiary

institutions) the course of study shall extend over not less than three years, and not

more than nine years.

The degree of BTheol is recognised by the Secondary Teachers’ Registration Board for the purposes of registration as a secondary teacher in the State of Victoria. In order to obtain such registration an appropriate course in education must be completed in addition to a recognised degree such as the BTheol.

Academic Standards For Admission

Normal Entry:

Qualifications enabling admission to a university in Victoria or equivalent qualifications.


Probationary Entry Scheme:

The MCD has adopted a scheme of probationary entry for mature age students who are 21 years of age or over at the beginning of the calendar year in which they enter the scheme, or on July 1 if they begin in second semester.

Credit:

Students may apply for credit for previous tertiary study.

BTheol Hons

The degree of Bachelor of Theology with Honours requires the equivalent of an extra year’s full time study – 28 units or 420 points (that is, an additional four units at Level III) plus an Honours thesis normally of about 12,000 words. Candidates may apply after the completion of a minimum of 12 units (180 points) of the ordinary degree.

Master of Divinity (MDiv) CRICOS Code 042692G

· The MDiv is a first degree in theology for graduates in other disciplines. Offering a high level of theological study, it provides an appropriate foundation for further study in theology.

· For ordination candidates, it offers an alternative to the BTheol degree. It is sufficiently different to be distinctive, but allows for common teaching in many units.

· It may be pursued by full-time or part-time study, normally of not less than 3 and not more than 9 years.

· It offers an innovative and distinctive approach to the theological curriculum, which aims at an integrative, holistic approach to theological study.

· The study of at least one biblical language (either Greek or Hebrew) is required for all students.

· Enrolment is limited to three units per semester.

The degree may be awarded at pass or honours levels. At both, a total of 270 points is required. The course comprises three types of study:

· Foundational Studies provide a basic introduction to the disciplines and fields of theological study, and lay the foundations for further work.

· Integrative Studies build on this foundation by taking up questions of methodology in such a way as to encourage a holistic view of the theological disciplines.

· Specialised Studies provide students with an opportunity to engage in a detailed study of a specialised theological discipline.

The Honours degree requires

· results of at least Distinction Level to be achieved,

· a minor thesis (30 points).

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Graduate Certificate in Theology CRICOS Code 053016J

Graduates in disciplines other than theology may gain this certificate by completing 45 points

(3 units) of Foundational units taken across three disciplines in two Fields.

Graduate Diploma in Theology CRICOS Code 045446J

The purpose of the Graduate Diploma in Theology is to allow those with a degree in a discipline other than theology to engage in theological study. It consists of six semester units (three foundational, three elective units): see Graduate Information at back of handbook.

It may be taken in one year of full time study, or over not more than three years part time. Students who already have a degree in theology may undertake study towards a Graduate Diploma in an area of specialisation.

If a candidate completed a 12,000 word research essay at Distinction level, which may be done in place of two elective units, they can articulate to a research Master’s Degree.

Degree of Master of Arts in Theology (MArts) CRICOS Code 060936K Coursework

Degree of Master of Arts (MArts) CRICOS Code 037862D Research

The Master of Arts degree offers candidates the opportunity to deepen and consolidate a grounding in theology achieved in the Graduate Diploma in Theology or another introductory award in theology. The Master of Arts may be taken in coursework or research mode.

The research degree includes a minor (25,000 words) or major (40,000 words) thesis.

Degree of Master of Theology (MTheol) CRICOS Code 011486D

The degree of Master of Theology is a higher degree by research which aims to equip honours graduates in theology with advance research skills, and enable them to pursue focused study through research. It may be taken in two modes:

· by a major research thesis of 4000 words

· by two postgraduate coursework units and a minor research thesis of 25,000 words.

Both modes may upgrade or articulate to a MCD doctoral programme.

Presessionals and Short Courses

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Unit Descriptions

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Admissions & Enrolment

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