Master of Arts (Theology) (MA Theol)

The MA (Theol) consists of eight units of study, of which six must be coursework units. The remaining two units may be:

• two further coursework units
• one coursework unit and one project (8,000 words)
• two projects (8,000 words each)
• one research project (15,000 words) – equivalent to two units.

All work undertaken in the program is to be based on a solid foundation of exegetical skills. Accordingly, all students must select at least one unit dealing with a book of the Bible in the original language.

Coursework units are chosen from the three mutually dependent fields of study:

• Biblical Studies (New Testament, Old Testament, Biblical Theology)
• Christian Thought (Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Church History, Ethics)
• Christian Ministry (Mission, Professional Supervision, Christian Worship).

Students are required to complete at least four units from one field (the chosen field of specification) and at least one unit from each of the other fields to ensure breadth and depth in their program.

• Most units in this program are offered in intensive mode in two, three day blocks.
• At least four units are offered each semester, with one involving the book of the Bible in the original language.

• The Moore College Bachelor of Divinity (BD) or Bachelor of Theology (BTh) or
• A bachelor’s degree in theology from an approved college affiliated with the Australian College of Theology (ACTh). The degree must include study of the Greek text of the New Testament at Level III, that is, study over three years amounting to approximately 200 verses of the Greek New Testament and Theology studies at Level III or
• Possession of a qualification of an equivalent standard.
• Applicants with a three-year theology degree are required to have at least one year of ministry experience before enrolling in this course.

Those whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a degree in English, are required to present a certified copy of an IELTS score of at least 7.5 in all categories of the academic test. TOEFL scores are also accepted.

• Applicants who have completed a four year BD (pass level) may be admitted with advanced standing of two units towards the degree.
• Applicants who have completed a four year BD (Honours) may be admitted with advanced standing of three units towards this degree.
• Applicants who have completed research projects towards the MTh but who withdraw from the course without the completion of the thesis may be granted admission with advanced standing of one MA (Theol) unit towards the degree for each research project.  This is over and above any advanced standing that may be granted from their BD (Honours) degree.
• Course credit may be available and is assessed in terms of the Academic Credit Policy, located on the Moore Policy website, and the Australian Qualifications Framework, Qualifications Pathways Policy.

Moore College provides a number of scholarships to eligible students enrolled in or intending to enrol in a Moore Theological College course of three major types:

• undergraduate courses;
• postgraduate courses;
• online Diploma in Biblical Theology course (overseas students only);

There are endowed scholarships in a range of areas subject to specific conditions and requirements of each award.

Scholarships are generally meant to cover part of the costs of completing a qualification. Most awards are limited to Australian citizens, but there is also some limited funding for overseas students studying online.

Scholarships are awarded based on the advice of the Scholarships Committee of the Moore College Foundation. This committee oversees all aspects of scholarships including applications, notifications, and the responsibility to ensure the wishes of donors are met.

Applications for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship support are assessed a minimum of three times per year in April, July and October. Out of phase applications may be considered on a case by case basis.

Please submit your application below and it will be forwarded to the Scholarships Committee of the Moore College Foundation. For any scholarship related enquiries, please contact the Head of Foundation on +61 (0)2 9577 9900 or FoundationHead@moore.edu.au.

If successful in obtaining a scholarship, conditions include:

• willingness to participate in promotional activities for the College and the fund;
• submission of reports to the Scholarships Committee to demonstrate satisfactory progress; and
• the expectation that you will contact us if your circumstances change

• Fees are charged by unit or period of supervision.
• Fees can be paid upfront or via FEE-HELP (for eligible students).
• Current Master of Arts (Theology) fees and census dates.
• Current Master of Theology fees and census dates.
• Current Doctor of Philosophy fees and census dates.
• Cross institutional students enrolling in Moore College MA (Theology) units for credit towards an Australian College of Theology (ACTh) MA pay normal Moore College fees. No other fees are payable to the ACTh for such units.

Moore College recognises indigenous Australians as traditional custodians of this land under God’s good hand and is committed to seeing the work of the gospel thrive among indigenous communities.

Admissions

Typically, Moore College students are required to have completed a university degree as a prerequisite to study. Special provision may apply, for students from an indigenous background. In such cases, the admissions process will involve successful completion of an English literacy test. More details can be obtained from the college’s registrar. For further enquiry into admission please contact registrar@moore.edu.au.

Study Assistance

The faculty at Moore College are very open to assist students in study skills as well as in particular subject areas, all students are encouraged to seek any help required as need should arise. On top of this, the Dean of Students can offer support where students are not coping with the course load. In this instance Moore College will make arrangements for suitable help to be given. Moore College also runs training on academic writing and the Dean of Students will ensure that all indigenous students are in a position to attend this training and it meets the particular needs of each student.

Pastoral Care

Indigenous students will be placed into a small chaplaincy group as the primary means of pastoral care for undergraduate students at college. The chaplains responsible for these smaller groups (usually a member of faculty and a female chaplain) will be conscious of the cultural and social challenges faced by indigenous students. Chaplains will meet regularly with indigenous students to ensure the primary pastoral care for students is maintained. Chaplains are open to discuss issues including personal, financial, study and ministry related issues. The Dean of Students will also be available should any pastoral issues arise that cannot be resolved within the chaplaincy setting.

External Support

A number of organisations external to Moore College are willing and able to offer further advice and support to our indigenous students beyond their theological study. These groups include:

Sydney Anglican Indigenous Peoples’ Ministry Committee
Contact: Deryck Howell (Chairperson)
Ph. 0411 770 451

Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship
Contact: Neville Naden (Chairperson)
Ph. 0425 387 402

Accommodation Assistance

Moore College has a number of student residences that are available for undergraduate students to live in while at college. Several factors are involved in the allocation of students’ residences. These include, the student’s year at college, the number of children in the family, disabilities or special needs and whether they are international students or are from outside Sydney. In recognition of the significant cultural challenges faced by indigenous students, they will get priority in housing allocation similar to that of international students.

Indigenous Student Scholarships

A generous benefactor has provided funds for a scholarship for indigenous students studying at Moore College. The ‘Indigenous Student Support Fund’ is awarded to students from an indigenous background who are undertaking the BDiv or BTh course. The terms of the scholarship give preference to students working in an urban context, however, all indigenous students are encouraged to apply.

Interested in studying one of our courses?

General Information

Moore College welcomes international students into its full-time courses.  The College does not use recruitment agents.

• The academic year commences at the beginning of February and concludes at the end of November.
• There are no mid-year intakes for overseas students studying undergraduate courses.
• Postgraduate students may commence their course at other times.

Academic Admission Requirements

• Applicants for undergraduate courses require a degree from an Australian university or its equivalent.
• Applicants for the postgraduate Master of Arts (Theology) require at a minimum, a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) or its equivalent.
• Applicants for the Master of Theology (MTh) and the PhD require at a minimum a 4 year Bachelor of Divinity (Honours 2A) or a qualification of equivalent standard.
• All applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not met the academic admission requirements in English medium are required to present evidence of a successful Academic IELTS exam. If you are currently in Australia you can book a test with IELTS Australia.
  • Undergraduate applicants must achieve at least 7.0 in all categories of the academic test. TOEFL scores are also accepted.
  • Postgraduate applicants must achieve at least 7.5 in all categories of the academic test. TOEFL scores are also accepted.

Australian Government Requirements

To be considered for entry to Australia, an international student must:

• be applying for full-time study
• be academically qualified for the course they seek to undertake
• have an adequate standard of English
• be genuinely seeking temporary entry for study purposes only
• be of good health, and have health insurance cover
• provide evidence that they have enough money to pay for tuition fees, living costs and return air fares for the total period of their course. Students who come to Australia and cannot support themselves may be required to leave Australia.

In accordance with the ESOS Act 2000, Moore College is a registered provider on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Provider Code: 00682B.

If admitted to Moore College and granted entry into Australia international students are subject to the provisions of the ESOS Act 2000. These include:

• They must supply the College with accurate contact details (including Australian residential address, telephone or mobile number and email) and notify College of any change to this information.
• The College is obliged to inform international students admitted to the College that if contact details are not up-to-date, then ‘automatic visa cancellation could occur without the knowledge of the student’.
• Students should be aware that any information provided to the College may be made available to Australian Federal and State Government authorities.

It is a requirement for international students to have membership of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Visa Requirements

When an applicant has been accepted by Moore College, they will be sent a letter of offer and confirmation of enrolment (CoE) with information about how to apply for a visa.

If you have school aged children please be aware that immigration requirements for a student visa include evidence of school enrolment for school-aged dependants. The government also provides information on school fees for dependants of international students.

The Australian Government advises that the process of obtaining a visa can take up to twelve (12) weeks. Further information on visa application procedures can be obtained from the nearest Australian diplomatic post or from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). We encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the intended start date, and not less than eight weeks prior to the start of the study semester.

Tuition Fees

• International students pay tuition fees according to a payment in arrears agreement. This means that tuition fees are paid at the end of each semester of study.
• When an international student is offered admission, the College will make arrangements with the student for the payment in arrears agreement. The agreement lists all tuition fees which a student is required to pay and when those payments are due for the whole of the course in which a student is enrolled.
• Unfortunately no scholarships are available.

For information on current International Students Fees please see fees.

More information about studying in Australia can be found in the ESOS Student Fact Sheet or at Study in Australia.

International Student Housing

Moore College normally offers accommodation for International students. Once your application to study is accepted and approved, your name will be given to the relevant accommodation coordinator. International students who are approved to study at college will then receive an email to confirm that they have been allocated a room in single accommodation. Married students will receive an application for housing to complete. Housing is limited so it is best to apply early for admission to Moore College as houses can only be offered to accepted students. See all info on student accommodation.

To collect your keys and move in to your accommodation, please schedule an appointment for married housing, and for single accommodation.

Apply now to study at Moore College.

BS558 The Epistles of Peter (Greek) (Semester 1)

Biblical Studies – New Testament
Lecturer: Matthew Jensen
13-15 March 9.30am-2.30pm; 8-10 May 9.30am-2.30pm

Focusing on the Greek text, this unit enables students access to the most recent advances in understanding of the Petrine epistles.  Using exegetical skills at an advanced level,  students will develop a methodologically aware, structurally and theologically focused approach to exegesis, through a sustained analysis of the Petrine epistles, and so provide a strong basis for good communication of the New Testament in a future teaching ministry.

CM510 Worship & Congregational Ministry (Semester 1)

Christian Ministry
Lecturers: Ed Loane & Mark Earngey
11-15 February Mon-Wed 9am-3.30pm; Thurs 9am-2pm Frid 9am-3pm; 11 March 10.20am-5pm

Building on a biblical theology of worship and edification, the unit aims to help students develop a hermeneutic that allows them to critique past and present expressions of this theology in the form of Anglican liturgies and other patterns of ministry and church life.  An exploration of cultural issues relevant to corporate worship and the exercise of ministries, particular church contexts and dynamics that impinge upon the shape of local gatherings and consideration of patterns of leadership in relation to corporate worship are some of the topics that will be covered in this unit.

CT511 “As it is in Heaven”: Living towards the fatherhood of God (Semester 1)

Christian Thought
Lecturer: David Höhne
8-10 April 12.10pm – 5pm; 27-29 May 12.10pm – 5pm

This unit will develop skills of integration as the disciplines of biblical studies and systematic theology are brought together under the impress of contemporary issues in the Christian life in anticipation of the Lord Jesus’ return to raise the dead and judge the universe. Key classic and contemporary contributions to the discussion about a Christian doctrine of Eschatology are analysed and evaluated in depth.

CT598 Project (Semesters 1 & 2)

A one semester project of 8,000 words from within one of the three streams of Biblical Studies, Christian Thought or Christian Ministry. Proposals should be submitted at least two months prior to the inteded time of commencement of research. The Project is open to MA (Theol) candidates who have complete at least 4 units with an average of 72.5% or greater.

CT594 Research Project (Semesters 1 & 2)

A sustained piece of research of 15,000 words under the direction of a faulty adviser appointed by the College over two semesters. The Research Project is normally undertaken by students seeking to demonstrate independent research skills, often with a view to pursuing a higher research degree in the future. The Research Project is open to MA (Theol) candidates who have completed at least 6 units with an average of 72.5% or greater.

BS552 Colossians and Philemon (Greek) (Semester 2)

Biblical Studies – New Testament
Lecturer: Peter Orr
29-31 July 12.10pm – 5pm 8-10; October 12.10pm – 5pm

This MA unit will provide the student access to the more recent advances in the interpretation of Colossians and Philemon.  Through its focus on the Greek text of both letters, it will assist in the development of the student’s exegetical skills with primary texts to an advanced level.  The purpose of the unit is to enhance the further development of a methodologically aware and theologically focused approach to exegesis, through a sustained analysis of Colossians and Philemon.

BS520 Life, Love and Longing: Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs (Heb) (Semester 2)

Biblical Studies – Old Testament
Lecturer: George Athas
12-14 August 12.10 – 5pm 8-10; October 12.10 – 5pm

Taking due account of the linguistic, literary and theological characteristics of the canonical books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, this unit will explore the contribution of this part of Scripture to the biblical wisdom tradition.  Class discussion topics will  include the  philosophical perspective and apparent ‘unorthodoxy’ of Qohelet and the ‘argument’ of Ecclesiastes in the light of Biblical Theology as well as critical engagement with feminist interpretations of Song of Songs and a consideration of the book’s contribution to human sexuality.

BS554 Pastoral Epistles (Greek) (Semester 2)

Biblical Studies – New Testament
Lecturer: Bill Mounce
18-20 September 12.10 – 5pm; 23-25 September 12.10 – 5pm

The purpose of this unit is to develop a theologically focused approach to exegesis, through a sustained analysis of the Pastoral epistles, and provide a strong basis for good communication of their message in a teaching ministry.

CT501 Confessing Christ (Semester 2)

Christian Thought
Lecturer: Andrew Leslie
19-21 August 12.10pm – 5pm; 28-30 October 12.10pm – 5pm

The purpose of this unit is to equip students to present a coherent and persuasive account of the person of Christ which is transparently rooted in the teaching of the Bible and builds upon critical and creative engagement with challenges and proposals made in the past two thousand years.

Biblical Studies

BS503 Exodus (English)
BS525 Jeremiah (Hebrew)
BS548 Galatians (Greek)
BS547 2 Corinthians (Greek)
BS559 John’s Letters (Greek)

Christian Thought

CT515 Puritans
CT519 21st Century Church
CT523 Reformed Greats
CT545 Public Theology
CT551 Contemporary Apologetics

Christian Ministry

CM510 Worship & Congregational Ministry
CM518 Turnaround Churches
CM519 21st Century Church
CM520 History of Preaching
CM555 Engaging Islam