Master of Arts

About

The Master of Arts (MA) equips Christian leaders for greater effectiveness in their ministry within a church, school, hospital, or the wider community.

The course engages students in new knowledge and advanced understanding in ministerial and theological studies, evidence-based perspectives on specialised issues, ideas and concepts for professional practice, and the application of research to new contexts and ministries.
This course is offered with a specialisation in one of:

• Pastoral Leadership
• Chaplaincy Studies
• Theology/Biblical Studies, or
• Youth and Family Ministry.

For the Chaplaincy specialty, 400 hours of approved clinical work is required for each unit of Clinical Pastoral Education.

There is no internship or work experience requirement for the other specialties.

Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts, graduates will be able to:

• Critically engage with a body of knowledge in a way that demonstrates an advanced understanding and application of recent developments in Ministry Studies or Theological Studies;
• Create evidence-based perspectives on specialised issues in Ministry Studies or Theological Studies by engaging the academic literature, evaluating alternative accounts and drawing reasoned conclusions;
• evaluate and generate complex ideas and concepts that are grounded in professional practice using cognitive, technical and creative skills.
• Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills;
• Demonstrate emotional and cultural intelligence in relation to new contexts and issues encountered in theological readings and the professional practice of ministry.

The Master of Arts provides continuing career advancement for pastors, chaplains and para-church leaders.

Admission criteria

To qualify for admission, an applicant must have achieved:

• an Australian Bachelor of Ministry and/or Theology or equivalent, or
• Avondale’s Graduate Certificate in Arts, or
• an overseas ministry or theology qualification comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Applicants opting for the Youth & Family Ministry or Chaplaincy specialisation may have completed a Bachelor in Chaplaincy with a major in Theology, or a Bachelor of Education or Teaching with a major in Religious Studies as approved by the Course Convenor.

In exceptional circumstances an applicant may be admitted based on qualifications deemed equivalent as assessed by the Course Convenor in consultation with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

This course has additional entry requirements which are listed below:

1. A minimum of two years of ministry or chaplaincy experience and current (or recent) employment in the field.
2. A written summary of ministry experience (Pastoral Leadership or Theology/Biblical Studies Specialisation), or chaplaincy experience (Chaplaincy Studies Specialisation), or youth/family ministry experience (Youth and Family Ministry Specialisation) and reasons for wanting to enter this course (250 words).

Advanced standing

Applicants who have completed prior study may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Applicants should discuss their eligibility for advanced standing with the Admissions Team or the Course Convenor.

Fees and charges

^ Indicative total only. Actual total will depend on subject selection, rate of program completion and annual review of fee levels. Check the latest fee information.

Australian Government financial assistance

Equity Scholarships through UAC

Further information

Read the full course details on the Avondale University website.

Visit the Avondale University website.
Call 1300 219 159
Email the College of Health Sciences.