ESSENTIAL SET (96 Credit Points)

The essential subject set consists of subjects that meet the specific depth of knowledge and skills requirements for the disciplinary or professional area of study in a course.

There are two options: (1) a coursework option and (2) a research option.  Each of these are 96 credit points in total. You only need to choose one of these options.

1. COURSEWORK OPTION  (96 Credit Points)

Coursework option includes 1 compulsory subject, 3 restricted electives and 2 discipline area electives.

Compulsory Subject (16 Credit Points)

• THL501 Guided Research (16CP)

Restricted Electives (48 Credit Points)

Select three (3) subjects from the following:

• MIN522 – Advanced Seminar in Mission and Evangelism (16cp)
• MIN540 – Approaches to Enquiry in Ministry (16cp)
• THL511 – Contemporary Approaches to Biblical Studies (16cp)
• THL512 – Contemporary Theology in a Global Context (16cp)
• THL513 – Church History Methodology (16cp)
• THL514 – Theological Hermeneutics (16cp)
• THL517 – Advanced Biblical Exegesis (16cp)
• THL518 – Studies in Liturgy and Worship (16cp)
• THL519 – Contemporary Issues in Practical Theology (16cp)
• THL533 – The Philosophy of Religious History (16cp)
• THL535 – Seminar in Biblical and Theological Interpretation (16cp)
• THL540 – Public Theology (16cp)
• THL542 – Political Theology (16cp)
• THL544 – Theology and Spirituality in Contemporary Engagement (16cp)
• THL545 – Classic Texts in Christian Theology (16cp)

Discipline Area Electives (32 Credit Points)

Select two (2) discipline area electives from the following:

Systematic Theology

• THL512 – Contemporary Theology in a Global Context (16cp)
• THL542 – Political Theology (16cp)
• THL544 – Theology and Spirituality in Contemporary Engagement (16cp)
• THL545 – Classic Texts in Christian Theology (16cp)

Biblical Studies

• THL511 – Contemporary Approaches to Biblical Studies (16cp)
• THL517 – Advanced Biblical Exegesis (16cp)
• THL535 – Seminar in Biblical and Theological Interpretation (16cp)

Practical Theology

• THL518 – Studies in Liturgy and Worship (16cp)
• THL519 – Contemporary Issues in Practical Theology (16cp)
• THL540 – Public Theology (16cp)

Church History

• THL513 – Church History Methodology (16cp)
• THL533 – The Philosophy of Religious History (16cp)

2. RESEARCH OPTION (96 Credit Points)

Research option includes 2 compulsory subjects, 1 restricted elective or THL501 and discipline area electives

Compulsory Subjects (48 Credit Points)

• THL514 – Theological Hermeneutics (16cp)
• THL605 – Theology Coursework Masters Dissertation (32cp)

Restricted Electives (16 Credit Points)

Select either THL501 or one (1) restricted elective from the list above:

• THL501 – Guided Research (16cp)

Discipline Area Electives (32 Credit Points)

Select two (2) discipline area electives from the following:

Systematic Theology

• THL512 – Contemporary Theology in a Global Context (16cp)
• THL542 – Political Theology (16cp)
• THL544 – Theology and Spirituality in Contemporary Engagement (16cp)
• THL545 – Classic Texts in Christian Theology (16cp)

Biblical Studies

• THL511 – Contemporary Approaches to Biblical Studies (16cp)
• THL517 – Advanced Biblical Exegesis (16cp)
• THL535 – Seminar in Biblical and Theological Interpretation (16cp)

Practical Theology

• THL518 – Studies in Liturgy and Worship (16cp)
• THL519 – Contemporary Issues in Practical Theology (16cp)
• THL540 – Public Theology (16cp)

Church History

• THL513 – Church History Methodology (16cp)
• THL533 – The Philosophy of Religious History (16cp)

For more details about the individual components of this course see Charles Sturt University School of Theology Handbook.

Due to the nature and structure of the degree, students will work out their enrolment pattern in conjunction with their course advisor.

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. demonstrate in-depth understanding of a body of knowledge in theology that includes critical insight into recent scholarly developments in the field
2. demonstrate hermeneutical awareness in theological discourse
3. demonstrate critical analysis of theological sources
4. demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to inquiry in theology
5. demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in critical analysis, theological reflection, scholarly debate, and informed investigation of at least one chosen sub-discipline of contemporary theology, i.e. Systematic Theology, Biblical Studies, Practical Theology or Church History
6. apply advanced knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative to new situations in at least one major theological sub-discipline
7. communicate technical research to a variety of audiences in order to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions in at least one major theological sub-discipline
8. demonstrate technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise about, and disseminate developments that contribute to scholarship in one major theological sub-discipline
9. plan and execute a substantial research based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship in one major theological sub-discipline
10. apply knowledge and skills with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability